Tourist Information Guide

Barcelona's Main Airport Names Explained

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Q: What are the variations of names for Barcelona International Airport?

A: Barcelona airport goes by a few different names. It is important that you know all these different names so that you won't be confused when either booking your flight or when you are actually in the city.

Barcelona Airport
Barcelona Airport

There is only one international airport in Barcelona which is 13 km outside of the city centre. The name of this airport is called Aeroport de Barcelona-El Prat, Aeroport de Barcelona (Catalan) or Aeropuerto de Barcelona (Spanish) and has the initials BCN. It is the main airport for Barcelona.

The reason the airport name has "El Prat" in it is because it is near a small town called El Prat de Llobregat. This naming can confuse visitors to the city. It also has some unfortunate connotations in English.

Airport address:

Aeropuerto de Barcelona
El Prat de Llobregat
08820 Barcelona, España.

Tel: T1: +34 93 378 8175
Tel: T2: +34 93 557 5220
Fax: +34 93 478 4736
E-mail: [email protected]

Throughout our website however we may also refer to several variations on the name e.g. "Barcelona Airport" or El Prat de Llobregat Airport or Barcelona International Airport.

Names for the airport that you will see used once you arrive in the city are: Aeroport de Barcelona or simply "Aeroport". You will see this sign used if you are intending to take the train to Barcelona Airport , the TMB airport bus or the Aerobus (express bus service).

The 3 letter international code for Barcelona Airport is BCN. This three letter code is used when booking your flights.

Contrary to some misinformation given online, Barcelona only has one international airport. Some budget airlines have misleadingly used the word "Barcelona" in the description for Girona (airport code GRO) Airport and Reus Airport (airport code REU) which are over 100km outside of Barcelona. Therefore make sure when you book your flight that you are flying to BCN airport - otherwise you could be in for a long transfer to the city centre!

Our Insider Tip

Did you know there are in fact 2 places called Barcelona" in the World? One in Spain (Airport code BCN) the other in Venezuela (Airport code BLA). Therefore when you book your flight make sure that it is Barcelona, Spain you will be flying to or you could have a very, very, long transfer time if you get it wrong! "


Our Insider Tip

Get your luggage delivered where you want, when you want it, with a secure, low-cost luggage transport service

A baggage management service operates from Barcelona airport, where you can drop off your bags with them and they will deliver it to your desired location in Barcelona, e.g. your hotel, apartment, cruise port or any other destination. Currently, there are no lockers or left-luggage services at Barcelona airport, so this service offers you a convenient and stress-free way of transporting your luggage wherever you need.

Listed below are the main reasons to consider this luggage transport service:

Save on transportation costs: If you are travelling in a group, fitting everyone's luggage in a single taxi may not be possible. This service provides an affordable solution to hiring multiple taxis.

Time-Saving: If you attend an event, conference, or football match, you want to save time dropping off your luggage at your accommodation first. You can drop off your bags and the baggage management service and go straight to your event. You will find your bags in your room when you visit your hotel later.

Ideal for short visits: If you only have a short time in Barcelona, this service can enable you to make the most of your visit. You can drop off your bags at the airport and start sightseeing immediately. Excellent for families, large groups and older people that may have difficulties carrying luggage.


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