Barcelona Aerobus: Express Airport Bus to City Centre

Your first question when visiting just might be: what’s the fastest and cheapest way to reach the city center of Barcelona?

I’ll probably answer the Barcelona Aerobus.

The Aerobus is an efficient shuttle service that has been connecting El Prat airport with the city center for more than ten years.

In this complete guide, we give you all the important info, from tickets to stops, and why we believe it is the best option for reaching the heart of Barcelona.

What is the Aerobus?

The Aerobus is the intercity bus service between Barcelona city centre and El Prat airport.

You can take the Aerobus 365 days a year, both day and night.

Thanks to its frequent services, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the center of Barcelona or the airport.

There are two Aerobus lines: A1 and A2.

The difference between one and the other is the El Prat airport terminal in which they originate or end:

• A1 line: has the T1 terminal as its origin/destination;
• A2 line: has the T2B – T2C terminals as its origin/destination.

Some major companies arrive and depart from terminal T1 (like Vueling), while others do from terminal T2 (usually Ryanair and Easyjet).

Naturally, once you’ve checked your arrival or departure terminal, you can decide if it’s Aerobus line A1 or line A2.

Barcelona Aerobus Timetables & Frequency

The Aerobus operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – not bad! 😛

The journey takes 30 to 35 minutes, although of course city traffic always has the last word – the ride can take up to an hour.

The buses leave from El Prat airport and various points in the city center: this is a great advantage (especially for chronic latecomers!), because you will never have to wait too long to get on board.

The frequency of the Aerobús changes depending on the line and the time of day.

Wanna be 100% sure? It’s best to check for any updates also on the official Aerobús website.

The frequency of the service is one of the reasons why it’s our #1 choice in our list of best transport from Barcelona airport to the city center.

If you prefer to avoid the crowded Barcelona public transport system, the Aerobus offers a direct and convenient service to reach the center or the airport.

Aerobus Ticket Prices

• Single ticket (solo ida in Spanish): €11.75. Once purchased, you can use it within 90 days of the purchase date.
• Return ticket (ida y vuelta in Spanish): €16.75. The best deal overall – plus when booking with the link below you’ll get a free audio guide to the city – a 10.00€ value in itself!

Children under 4 years ride the Barcelona Aerobus free.

Where to Buy Aerobus Tickets

For me, there are several options for buying Aerobus tickets – including at the terminal.

That said, after a long flight you don’t want to be standing in line with a hundred other people waiting at the two machines to get your ticket.

Buy your Aerobus tickets online in advance – you can board right away – which means you’ll get access to the limited luggage racks and find a seat (there is standing room too, believe it or not).

Barcelona Aerobus Stops

One of the advantages of the Aerobus is the convenience of its stops in key points of Barcelona.

When you take the Aerobus at El Prat Airport you can quickly reach your final destination or conveniently transfer to other means of public transport.

Here is an overview of the Barcelona Aerobus stops and how they connect with other points of interest or means of transport in the city:

Stops from the City Centre to the Airport:

• Plaça Catalunya (in front of El Corte Inglés and all the city of the metropolitan area)
• Carrer Sepúlveda-Urgell (metropolitan)
• Plaza España (metropolitan)
• Airport Terminal 1 (line A1) or Terminal 2B (line A2)

Stops from the Airport to the City Centre:

• Airport Terminal 1 (line A1) or Terminal 2C (line A2)
• Plaza España (metropolitan)
• Gran Vía-Borrell (metropolitan)
• University Square (metropolitan)
• Plaça Catalunya (in front of El Corte Inglés and all the city of the metropolitan area)

Traveling on the Aerobus you will comfortably cross Barcelona and be able to get off at some of Barcelona’s top attractions.

Plaça Catalunya, for example, is close to Las Ramblas, the Mercato de la Boqueria, the Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

The stop at Plaça Universitat instead is convenient if you want to go immediately to the CCCB (Centro de Cultura Contemporànea de Barcelona) or the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona). 

The Plaça Espanya, Gran Vía-Borrell or Sepúlveda-Urgell stops are very convenient for quickly reaching the wonders of the Eixample district.

Aerobus Barcelona Route Map

To have a clearer overview of the Aerobus route, here are two maps from the official website that explain the route well:

Line A1, Barcelona – Airport:

Linea A2, Barcelona – Airport:

Why use the Aerobus instead of public transport?

In a city like Barcelona, ​​there is no shortage of solutions to get to the airport quickly and without spending a fortune.

The Aerobus is the top price-quality ratio option between taking the train/city bus and the speed of the taxi.

For us it is a convenient but also very practical solution, especially if you are traveling in a group or with children. Its strengths are:

• High frequency of departures
• Availability of space for luggage
• Convenience of stops
• Reliability of the service any day of the year
• WiFi + charging stations
• City audio guide included in booking Aerobus tickets online

Whether you’re in town to eat local Catalan food, exploring the architectural wonders of Barcelona or relaxing on the Barcelona’s best beaches, starting your journey with the Aerobus immediately puts you on the right track. Have a good trip!

Aerobus FAQ

• How much does Aerobus cost in Barcelona?

  The Aerobus Barcelona costs €11.75 for a single trip and €16.75 for a return trip with audio guide included.

• Where do you catch the Aerobus in Barcelona?

  You can catch the Aerobus at Barcelona Airport, both terminals T1 and T2. Back toward the airport, you can get it at Placa Catalunya, Sepulveda, and Espanya.

• Is Aerobus included in Barcelona Card?

  No, the Aerobus is not included in the Barcelona Card; separate tickets are required.

• Does Barcelona Aerobus run 24 hours?

  No, the Barcelona Aerobus does not operate 24 hours; it runs from around 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.

• Do I need to book Aerobus Barcelona in advance?

  No, it’s not necessary to book Aerobus Barcelona tickets in advance; you can purchase them on the spot or online.