TRANSPORTATION 

Barcelona’s transportation infrastructure was completely modernized and expanded thanks to the 1992 Olympic Games. Whether you choose to use the public transportat network or rent a vehicle you will find that Barcelona is an easy city to get around in. Following are descriptions and tips on the different modes of transportation available to you and reproductions of the metro and bus route maps. For more detailed information check the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona maps and brochures or call the information number: 010.

METRO (SUBWAY)

Barcelona’s subway has evolved from being old and poorly maintained to one of the best and most modern systems in the world. The trains are comfortable and air conditioned in summer, with automated announcements for stations and illuminated maps that indicate the direction of the train and the next station. It is the fastest and most economical way to move around Barcelona, and with five lines it can take you almost anywhere in the city. For 2001 a single fare is 160 ptas. but you can also buy a 10 ticket strip called a T10 for 885 ptas. You can use the T10 with both metro and buses. There are also one, three and five day travel cards valid on both bus and metro, an excellent value if you have limited time and need to travel a lot. Trains run from 5am to 11pm from Monday to Thursday, from 5am to 1am on Fridays and weekdays preceding a holiday, from 6am to 11pm on mid-week holidays, and from 6am to 12 midnight on Sundays.

BUS

If you want to see where you’re going, this is the best way to travel around Barcelona. Although not as fast as the subway, it does go to more locations and it is relatively fast thanks to the public transportation traffic lanes that are reserved for taxis and buses. The price is the same as the metro.

TAXI

Taxis are plentiful and quite efficient because they share the same public transportation lanes reserved for the bus system and thus avoid most of the heavy traffic flow. The cost is reasonable, with the ride starting with a 300 pta minimum and each additional kilometre costing 106 ptas. Make sure that when you start your trip the meter is turned on and that you pay whatever it indicates at the end of your journey plus any luggage or extras (night, phoning for a taxi, or taking a taxi at a stand). You can check the current fares, posted in view inside the taxi.

BUS TURISTIC

The best way to see Barcelona in a short period of time.

AEROBUS

This comfortable, air conditioned bus takes you to and from the airport every 15 minutes with stops at Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and Plaça Espanya. The Barcelona Metropolitan Transportation Board has recently introduced a combination airport bus and city bus-metro ticket that is perfect for the visitor arriving at the airport and wanting to see the city.

T1 Tomb Bus

This bus, which runs every 5 minutes, takes you along Barcelona’s main commercial streets from 8am until 9:30pm from Monday to Saturday.

CAR RENTAL

Although rush hour traffic in Barcelona can be intimidating and parking in some areas is very difficult, renting a car opens up several options to you. For example, if you want to see sites such as Montserrat, the Costa Brava, or Port Aventura, renting a car is your best bet because of the restricting timetables of public transportation. If you rent a car while in Barcelona, see if your hotel offers parking space with discounted rates for guests. Also be sure to park legally or the local police will tow your car and it will cost you at least 15,000 ptas to get it back. There are "blue zones" all over the city, recognized by the blue markings on the road, and if you park in one of these spaces you need to get a ticket from a close-by dispenser for a fixed period of time. Generally, from 2pm to 4pm and after 8pm you can park for free in most blue zones (check the dispensing machine for exact times). For renting a car you will need your passport and a valid driving license. You will need to purchase insurance at the time of rental unless you have a valid international car insurance policy.

RAILWAY

Spain’s national railway system, RENFE, is generally fast and efficient, especially if you are travelling to or from the environs of Barcelona. Trains are air conditioned and clean, and there are automated announcements of the next stop as well as canned classical music. For longer distance travel you may board an older train without all the comforts of the suburban network. If you need to travel to major cities such as Madrid, Valencia or Paris you can choose to travel by Spain’s own high speed pendular Talgo train, a little more expensive but much more comfortable. For general information call 93 490-0202.

TRAMVIA BLAU & TIBIDABO FUNICULAR

This is a classic of Barcelona’s public transport system, with restored cars that take you from Sant Gervasi to the Avinguda Tibidabo where you can then catch the Tibidabo Funicular that runs to the top of Tibidabo to the Amusement Park.

FUNICULAR DE MONTJUÏC

The easy way to get up to Montjuïc from the city. The funicular runs from the Parallel station to the Miramar, high above Barcelona, where you can get some of the best views of the city, especially of the port area and the old town. One of the best ways to see the size and extension of Barcelona.

MONTJUIC CABLE CARS (TELEFERICO)

One of the most spectacular ways of seeing Barcelona is by taking the "teleferico" (cable car) that runs from the top station of the Funicular to the Castle of Montjuïc.

AEREO (Cable car)

An unforgetable ride, this cable car’s easily recognizable towers in the port and the Barceloneta show the route that goes all the way across the port and up to Montjuïc’s Miramar scenic lookout. A return ticket is 1,200 ptas and worth it, one way 595 ptas. Remember to take plenty of film for your camera when you take this trip!

AIRPORT

The 1992 Olympic Games provided for the expansion and refurbishment of Barcelona’s El Prat airport, and there are plans for adding another runway as flights to the city have increased at breathtaking rates since 1992. The airport consists of three terminals, A for international departures and arrivals, B for national and some EC flights, and C for the Puente Aereo or shuttle flights to and from Madrid and other major Spanish cities. You can take a train to and from the airport that leaves you at the Sants and Plaça Catalunya stations and runs every 30 minutes. There is the excellent Aerobus that runs every 15 minutes and stops at five central Barcelona locations (Plaça Espanya, Sants Station, Av. Roma-Urgell, Passeig de Gracia, and Plaça Catalunya). Or you can take a taxi which will cost you between 2,000 and 3,000 ptas. and takes 20 minutes to get you to the city centre. The airport information number is 93 478-5000.

 Other services available at the airport include:

Customs:
- Passengers: 370-5155
- Cargo: 379-6451

Parking: 200 ptas /hour or 1,200 /day
Chamber of Commerce 478-6799
Police 379-1016
Left Luggage:600 ptas /day (Terminal B)
Post office: 370-4005
Lost items: 298-3349
Tourist Information: 478-4704
Terminals A and B 

Airlines operating from Barcelona include: 

British Airways 379-4468
TWA 379-5304
Delta 478-2300
Iberia 412-5667
KLM 379-5458
Air France 379-7463
Lufthansa 379-4367
Air Europa 298-3328
Aeroflot 298-3339
Sabena 478-0486
SAS 379-2708
Swissair 370-0900
Finnair 478-6956