Visitor's Guide On How To Use The Tram Transport in Barcelona City Centre
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This page provides essential information about the tram system in Barcelona called "El Tram". Barcelona's trams can be spotted all around the city - they are green and white and travel at about the same speed as a car. Barcelona's tram system seems to be less well-known or used than the bus of metro systems. However, it can be a quick and convenient way to get around the city.
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| Barcelona Tram |
This page covers the information that you will need to use Barcelona's trams - how to buy tickets, where you can buy them from and how much they cost; the routes and timetables of the trams; accessibility for limited mobility travellers; rules on the trams and how to use the service.
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Tram Tickets
What types of tickets?
It is possible to buy a single ticket for the tram. Alternatively you can buy the tickets known as 'Integration Tickets'. These are tickets that can be used on the metro, bus and trams in Barcelona. The most likely of these that you may want to buy during your holiday is the T-Casual. This ticket is valid for ten journeys on the bus, tram or metro and is valid for an extended period. For a full guide to the T-Casual card, see our Guide to the Barcelona Metro. The T-Casual can be purchased for various zones, but if you are just planning to spend your time in the city of Barcelona, you will only need to buy a ticket that covers Zone 1 where the main tourist attractions are based.
You can also use the Barcelona Card for travelling on the tram. See below for more details of the Barcelona Card.
For a guide to the tickets available, it is best to check the official tram website.
Where can I buy tickets?
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| The Tram Ticket Machines |
If you are buying the single ticket for the tram, this can be purchased from the ticket machines that are located at each tram stop (see below for the tram routes). The machines have a touch screen and are available in English, Spanish, Catalan and French. You can use a debit or credit card in the machines as well as coins. It is important to remember that the machines do not accept bank notes, so you will need to make sure that you have change (it doesn't have to be the exact change) if you want to pay with cash.
The T-Casual and other 'Integration tickets' (see above for more details) are also available at the ticket machines at the tram stations, however they can also be purchased at all of the metro stations and at tobacco shops around Barcelona known as "Tabacs".
How much do tickets cost?
Single ticket: €2.40
T-Casual: €11.35
(for Zone 1)
If you are travelling with a child of under 4 years, you will not need to buy them a ticket. It may be worth having some form of evidence with you to prove the child's date of birth, such as a photocopy of their passport.
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Did you know you can enjoy unlimited travel on Barcelona public transport for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days? Hola Barcelona Travel Pass
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Using the Barcelona Card on the tram system
A Barcelona Card can be used on the Tram service. Once purchased, the Barcelona Card offers tourists, unlimited transport around Barcelona city centre Zone 1 as well as free entrance or discount into certain museums, shows or tours. For further details of how much the card costs, where it is available to buy and how it works, see our Guide to the Barcelona Card.
Unlimited transport around Barcelona city centre Zone 1: Free
How do I use my ticket for the tram?
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| Ticket validation machine on board the Tram |
Once you have purchased your ticket you will need to validate it to ensure that you have paid for your journey. At points all along the tram you will see machines (see photograph) where your ticket can be validated. You will need to push your ticket into the machine where it will punch it and return it to you.
At three of Barcelona's tram stations there are barriers at the entrance. These are all on the T5 line (see below for details): Espronceda, St.Marti de Provençals and Besos. At these stations you do not need to validate your ticket when you get onto the tram because you will have already done this at the barrier before entering.
It is important to make sure that you have a valid ticket for the tram, that you have validated it and that you have bought the right kind of ticket (see above for more details). There is a fine on the trams for travelling without a ticket or with a ticket that hasn't been validated.
Fine: €100.00
Tram journeys
What routes do the trams take?
The trams are available on a total of six routes. There are three routes called 'Trambaix': T1, T2 and T3. The other three routes are 'Trambesos': T4, T5 and T6.
For full maps showing where these routes cover, it is best to check the Official Tram website.
How long does a journey last?
The length of time between stops varies. However, in general, there is an average of two minutes between each stop. Therefore, for example, if you are taking a journey that passes through five stops your journey is likely to last about ten minutes.
Tram timetables
Operating hours
Trains generally travel four times per hour during the busy hours and two times per hour early in the morning and late at night. You can look up timetable information on the following link.
Operating hours: 05:00 - 00:00 Midnight
Also on the official tram website if you look under the 'Lines, Timetables and Ticket' section you can add in the start and end station for your journey, the date of travel and the time frame in which you wish to travel. It will give you all of the options for that journey, during the time period that you want it.
Access for people with a disability to the trams
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| Area for wheelchair users and prams on-board the Tram |
The trams are well designed for limited mobility travellers. There are special doors that have a disabled sign on them (see photograph). These doors are wide enough to allow for a wheelchair or scooter. The tram entrance is at the same level as the tram station platform, with no gap between the train and the platform. In each carriage of the tram there is room for a wheelchair or scooter in designated areas.
Contact details
Tram Helpline
Tel: +34 90 070 1181
The tram helpline is open at different times throughout the year.
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
July and August: Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 15:00
Rules on the trams
Pets are not allowed on the trams unless they are guide dogs or are small enough to fit inside a pet transport container.
Eating and smoking on the trams is not allowed.
There is space on the trams for wheelchairs, bicycles and prams.
The Barcelona tram system is an enjoyable way to see the city. It covers areas that are not on the metro or bus routes. It allows you to see the city and is spacious - allowing for wheelchairs, bikes and luggage. If you plan on using the trams during your holiday, it may be worth printing out this article so that you have all of the information that you need when travelling.