Guide to the Barcelona Airport Train - The C2 Train Service.
Many people opt to take the bus from Barcelona Airport to the city centre. However, the train can also prove to be convenient, particularly if you are watching your money or if you wish to reach a specific destination that is on the train route. You can also be more certain of travel times as you have no traffic jams to factor in for.
This page will cover where to catch the train, the route, the prices, luggage space, where to purchase tickets, payment machines and journey times.
Where to Catch the Barcelona Airport Train
Airport Train From Passeig de Gracia In The City Centre:
This station has various entrances dotted along Passeig de Gracia. You will walk down the same set of stairs as if you were going into the metro station. You will need to ask which platform you will be catching the train from at the station.
Passeig de Gracia is a huge rail station and it is very easy to get lost in the station. If you intend to leave from Passeig de Gracia factor in enough time to ensure you can easily find the platform from which the Airport train leaves from.
Airport Train From Estacio Sants (Barcelona Sants) In The City Centre:
Estacio Sants is a large train station located at the top of Avenida Roma. It has many platforms and ticket booths. Therefore it is worth arriving in plenty of time to ensure that you have enough time to find your platform.
Airport Train Leaving From Barcelona Airport:
The entrance to the train station is in T2B. It can be reached via the same set of escalators that also lead to departures. Follow the signs for RENFE, along a covered bridge across the main road outside the airport. The train station is at the bottom of the stairs at the other side.
If you are arriving or departing from T1 you will not be able to walk to or from the train station. It is necessary to catch one of the free shuttle buses that run between the train station and T1.
Route of Barcelona Airport Train
From Barcelona Airport:
- Barcelona Airport ('Aeroport')
- Estacio Sants
- Passeig de Gracia
- El Clot
From Barcelona City Centre:
- El Clot
- Passeig de Gracia
- Estacio Sants
- Barcelona Airport ('Aeroport')
Operating Times for the Barcelona Airport Train
Operating times for the airport train may vary during the year. We have therefore provided a link to the official RENFE website and detailed instruction on how to use their website on our Airport Overview page. See under 'Timetable for Renfe Trains between the Airport and the City Centre'.
Frequency of the Barcelona Airport Train
From Barcelona Airport: The first train leaves the airport at 05:42 in the morning and the last train leaves the airport at 23:38 at night.
From Estacio Sants: The first train leaves Estacio Sants at 05:13 in the morning and the last train leaves Sants at 23:14 at night.
From Passeig de Gracia: The first train leaves Passeig de Gracia at 05:08 in the morning and the last train leaves Passeig de Gracia at 23:07 at night.
Two airport trains run every hour to and from the Airport.
Ticket Price for the Barcelona Airport Train
For information regarding the train ticket prices, see our Airport Overview page.
Where to Buy Tickets for the Barcelona Airport Train - Ticket Machines
Train ticket vending machines can be found in both the airport station and the stations in Barcelona city centre. There are five ticket machines at Barcelona Airport. If you are struggling to use the machine you should look out for somebody wearing a high visibility jacket - there is normally somebody manning the machines who can help you to use the machine and purchase your ticket.
 |
| RENFE Trains Ticket Machine |
It is possible to pay at the machines with both cash (coins and notes €5.00, €10.00, €20.00 and €50.00 notes) and cash/credit cards.
The languages available on the machines are:
- German
- Castellano (Spanish)
- Catalan
- English
- French
It is possible to buy multiple tickets with one payment.
It is also possible to purchase the T10 travel card (offering 10 metro, train or bus journeys within a zoned travel area) at 'Tabac' (tobacco) shops and some newspaper stands at both the airport and in town. This may prove helpful if you are in a rush, as queues may be shorter at these outlet, rather than at the ticket dispensers at stations.
Click here for more information on the T10 travel ticket
Journey Time for the Barcelona Airport Train
 |
| Departure Boards at the Train Station |
From Airport to Estacio Sants: 19 minutes
From Airport to Passeig de Gracia: 26 minutes
From Passeig de Gracia to Airport: 25 minutes
From Estacio Sants to Airport: 18 minutes.
If you are running late for your flight, when alighting from the train you can instantly check the status of your plane. There are flight arrival and departure information monitors in the airport train station itself.
Seating and Luggage Space on the Barcelona Airport Train
It is worth noting that if you have a great deal of luggage the train can prove to be a difficult journey compared to a bus or taxi transfer. The carriages are often full, with many people standing. There is also no allocated room for luggage. Suitcase and bags must be stored in the aisles or by people's feet.
The Barcelona Airport train is a quick and convenient way to get into Barcelona's city centre. The train also continues to El Clot after Estacio Sants, which may also be convenient for you if you are staying outside of the city centre.
