Comparison of The Transfer Options From Barcelona Airport to The City Centre
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There are different type of transfers that you can book from/to Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Barcelona train stations, Barcelona bus station and your accommodation. These are:
- The Aerobus, Barcelona Airport express bus
- A shuttle transfer
- A speedy shuttle transfer
- A taxi transfer
- A private transfer
The aim of this page is to help you choose the right transfer option for you.
For those that may not be familiar, the word "transfer" is used to describe transport you can book in advance between the airport or a transport station to/from your accommodation or a city centre location.
This article covers the differences between each transfer option from routes covered, to prices, operation hours, vehicle types, meeting points, frequency, transfer duration, booking window, luggage assistance and allowance, infant and children price and seats, wheelchair adapted services.
At the end of the article we provide transfer recommendations that would meet your particular needs.
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| The Aerobus express airport bus |
Routes covered
Aerobus: available between Barcelona Airport and 4 stops in the city of Barcelona.
Shuttle transfer: available from/to Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Barcelona Sants station, the city of Barcelona, the Costa Brava resorts and the Costa Daurada resorts.
Speedy shuttle transfer: available between Barcelona Airport and the city of Barcelona.
Taxi transfer: available between Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, all Barcelona train and bus stations, and any location in Spain (including Costa Brava and Costa Daurada resorts)
Private transfer: available between Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Barcelona Sants train station, Barcelona França train station, and any location in Spain (including Costa Brava and Costa Daurada resorts)
Prices
Below we have indicated the prices between Barcelona Airport and Barcelona city center so that you have an idea of the price difference between each transfer type.
Aerobus:
Single ticket: €6.75
Shuttle transfer:
Single ticket: €13.59
Speedy shuttle transfer:
Single ticket: €15.19
Taxi transfer:
Car: €30.00 - €40.00
Private transfer:
Car: €39.93
Operation hours
Aerobus:
Aerobus operation hours for arrivals at Barcelona Airport T1:
| Month | Day | Operating Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Sunday | 24 Hours | 15 Minutes |
Aerobus operation hours for departures from the city centre:
| Month | Day | Operating Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Sunday | 24 Hours | 15 Minutes |
Shuttle transfer:
For flight arrivals and flight departures, the shuttle transfer operates from:
| Month | Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Sunday | 08:01 - 21:59 |
Shuttle transfer operation hours for flight arrivals and flight departures:
| Month | Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Sunday | 08:01 - 21:59 |
Speedy shuttle transfer:
For flight arrivals and flight departures, the speedy shuttle transfer operates from:
| Month | Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Sunday | 08:01 - 21:59 |
Speedy shuttle transfer operation hours for flight arrivals and flight departures:
| Month | Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Sunday | 08:01 - 21:59 |
Taxi transfer: Taxi transfers operate 24 Hours a day.
Private transfer: Private transfers operate 24 Hours a day.
Vehicle type
Aerobus: bus, shared with other passengers.
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| Inside an Aerobus express airport bus |
Shuttle transfer: bus or minibus, shared with other passengers.
Speedy shuttle transfer: bus or minibus, shared with other passengers.
Taxi transfer: Private taxi. 90% of the fleet is made of Mercedes vehicles. You will be able to select your vehicle type upon booking.
Private transfer: Private standard vehicle model or Mercedes E class vehicle or similar if you choose the Private transfer luxury option.
Departure or Meeting point at Barcelona Airport
Aerobus: Bus stop outside the Arrival halls of T1 and T2.
Shuttle transfer: Shuttle company desk located inside the airport.
Speedy shuttle transfer: Shuttle company desk located inside the airport.
Taxi transfer: A driver waits for you in your Arrival hall with a sign with your name on it.
Private transfer: A driver waits for you in your Arrival hall with a sign with your name on it.
COVID-19 update for new meeting point at Barcelona Airport
At this time only passengers can enter Barcelona Airport. The meeting points inside the airport for the Shuttle transfer, the Speedy shuttle transfer, the taxi transfer and the private transfer are temporarily not operational. The updated meeting point information will be indicated on your confirmation email.
The Aerobus stop outside the Arrival halls of T1 and T2 remains unchanged.
Stop or drop off location in the city
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| Aerobus stop at Placa Espanya |
Aerobus: There 4 Aerobus stops in Barcelona at Plaza Espanya, GranVia-Urgell, Plaza Universitat and Plaza Catalunya.
Shuttle transfer and Speedy shuttle transfer: Wherever possible, it is a door to door service. However some streets especially in the city centre of Barcelona are pedestrian streets and can’t be accessed by shuttle transfers.
You will always be dropped off or picked up at the nearest accessible shuttle stop however the maximum walking distance between your shuttle stop and accommodation can be of 10 minutes.
If you’re staying at a private accommodation (apartment, villa, etc.), the shuttle stop will be the nearest hotel stop.
Taxi transfer: This is a door to door service. Taxis can access pedestrian streets.
Private transfer: This is a door to door service. Private transfers can access pedestrian streets.
Frequency
Aerobus: Approximately every 15 Minutes
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: There’s no fixed frequency or timetable as the shuttle departures depend on the number of passengers and their flight arrival time and it varies every day.
The maximum waiting time at the airport after checking in at the Shuttle company desk before you shuttle leaves the airport is of 60 minutes. However the shuttle might as well leave a few minutes after you check in at the Shuttle company desk. The shuttle company will try to keep waiting times to a minimum.
Taxi transfer: The taxi will depart right after you’ve met your driver and are in the car.
Private transfer: The private transfer will depart right after you’ve met your driver and are in the car.
Transfer duration
Aerobus: Journey duration is between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the traffic, your city centre stop and your terminal stop.
Shuttle transfer: The shuttle will make a maximum of 10 stops between the airport and the different hotels to drop off the passengers. The duration will depend on the number of stops made and number of passengers at each stop, your shuttle stop location on the shuttle itinerary, the traffic. Journey duration is between 30 and 60 minutes.
Speedy shuttle transfer: The shuttle will make a maximum of 4 stops between the airport and the different hotels to drop off the passengers. The duration will depend on the number of stops made and number of passengers at each stop, your shuttle stop location on the shuttle itinerary, the traffic. Journey duration is between 30 and 60 minutes.
Taxi transfer: This is a direct transfer. The journey duration will depend on your hotel location and traffic.
Private transfer: This is a direct transfer. The journey duration will depend on your hotel location and traffic.
Flight delays
Aerobus: Tickets are open tickets valid for 1 year. Therefore flight delays don’t have any incidence on your Aerobus transfer.
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: In case of a flight delay, you will be automatically relocated in the next available shuttle transfer. The shuttle company will monitor your flight so you won’t need to contact the Shuttle company.
However, if you’re travelling on a connecting flight and your first flight gets delayed or cancelled, subsequently causing a flight change for your arrival, you will need to contact the Shuttle company to let them know about your new flight details.
Taxi transfer: The taxi driver will monitor your flight and will wait for you for 60minutes after your flight landing time. You will need to contact the taxi company in case you see that you’re delayed at Customs or at the Luggage claim. The contact details of the taxi company will be indicated on your confirmation email.
Private transfer: The driver will monitor your flight and will wait for you for 60minutes after your flight landing time. You will need to contact the transfer company in case you see that you’re delayed at Customs or at the Luggage claim. The contact details of the transfer company will be indicated on your confirmation email.
Deadline for booking
Aerobus: You can book your tickets until the very last minute. You will receive your mobile voucher on your phone. No need to print.
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: You will need to book at least 48hours prior to your transfer.
Taxi transfer: We recommend you to book at least 24 hours prior to your transfer.
Private transfer: You will need to book at least 48hours prior to your transfer.
Luggage assistance
Aerobus: There’s no luggage assistance. You will need to carry your luggage to the bus stop and place your luggage on the luggage space on board the Aerobus.
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: There’s no luggage assistance. You will need to carry your luggage to the Shuttle stop and give it to the drive who will place it on the luggage hold.
Taxi transfer: Luggage assistance is included from the moment you meet with your driver. However note that the driver will only be able to assist you with 1 or 2 suitcases.
Private transfer: Luggage assistance is included from the moment you meet with your driver. However note that the driver will only be able to assist you with 1 or 2 suitcases.
Luggage allowance
Aerobus: There’s no luggage allowance limit. Any item than can be transported in a plane can be placed in the Aerobus. There is a reserved luggage area for carrying wheelchairs, push chairs, bicycles and bulky luggage.
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| Reserved luggage area in the Aerobuses |
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: The luggage allowance if of one suitcase (maximum standard size: 70cm hight x 47cm wide x 21cm deep approximately) per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage that you will take in the vehicle with you.
Carry on suitcase are not hand luggage and will be considered as a normal suitcase.
You can travel with excess luggage such as large suitcases, additional suitcases, golf clubs, wheelchairs, skis, pushchairs, etc. as long as you contact the shuttle company in advance. Contact details will be indicated on your confirmation email.
Taxi transfer: Upon booking you’ll be required to enter your number of suitcases so that the taxi company can book a vehicle adapted to your number and type of luggage. Large taxis are available.
Private transfer: Upon booking you’ll be required to enter your number of suitcases so that the taxi company can book a vehicle adapted to your number and type of luggage. Minibus are available.
Infant and Children prices & Baby and child seats
Aerobus: Baby and child seats cannot be provided by the Aerobus. Children under 4 travel free of charge. Children from 4 pay the adult price.
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: Baby and child seats cannot be provided by the Aerobus. Children under 3 travel free of charge on their parent’s lap. There is a discount price for children between 3 and 11. Children from 12 pay the adult price.
Taxi transfer: Baby/child seats and booster seats can be booked in advance.
Baby/child seat:€3.00
Booster seat: €3.00
Private transfer: Baby/child seats and booster seats can be booked in advance.
Baby/child seat: €7.00
Booster seat:€7.00
Wheelchair adapted
Aerobus: all buses are wheelchair adapted with wheelchair ramps and a wheelchair reserved area where you can travel on your wheelchair with a wheelchair seat belt.
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: the shuttle transfers are not wheelchair adapted. However you can store your wheelchair in the luggage hold. Note that you will need to use the steps to get in the bus.
Taxi transfer: You can book a wheelchair adapted taxi with a wheelchair ramp and straps where you can travel in your wheelchair.
Private transfer:You can book a wheelchair-adapted vehicle which has a ramp with straps which enable you to stay in your wheelchair during the journey.
Additional services
Aerobus: Free wifi and USB chargers on board.
Shuttle transfer and speedy shuttle transfer: None.
Taxi transfer: Free wifi, extra stops along the way, luggage drop service.
Private transfer: Extra stops along the way.
Extra stops along the way are useful when the members of your party do not stay at the same accommodation or if you need to pick up your apartment keys at a different location than your apartment.
With the luggage drop service, the taxi driver will drop you off at your desired drop off location and will then deliver your luggage at your hotel or apartment.
Our transfer option recommendations to you
From/to Barcelona Airport to/from the city center:
If you travel light, if your hotel is located at walking distance from one of the 4 Aerobus stops, if you don’t mind finding your way to the bus stop at the airport and from the bus stop to your accommodation and waiting up to 15 minutes for the Aerobus to show up, then the Aerobus is a quick and affordable option.
If however your accommodation is not at walking distance from one of the 4 Aerobus stops and if you don’t mind waiting a bit at the airport before your shuttle leaves, spending some extra time on the transfer while it makes a few stops, then the shuttle transfer or the speedy shuttle transfer are an affordable door to door option. Note that in some cases, the shuttles might drop you off at the nearest shuttle stop instead of at your accommodation door.
However if you want to make you way to the city center as quick as possible and have a personal driver waiting for you to take you straight to your desired location and assist with your luggage, we recommend you to book a private transfer.
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| Barcelona Private Transfer |
From/to Barcelona Airport to/from the cruise port:
If you’re not in a hurry and are looking to save some money, we recommend you to book the shuttle transfer or the speedy shuttle transfer.
However if you want to get to the port quickly, we recommend you to book a private transfer.
From/to Barcelona Airport to/from the Costa Brava or the Costa Daurada:
The shuttle transfer from/to the Costa Brava or the Costa Daurada will be much more affordable than a taxi or a private transfer.
However the transfer duration will be longer than with a taxi or private transfer as you might have to wait at the airport before the shuttle leaves the airport and you’ll spend additional time on board while other passengers get on or off the shuttle.
If you value comfort and speed over money savings, then choose a private transfer.
From Barcelona Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport:
The shuttle transfer and the speedy shuttle transfer operate between the Cruise Port and Barcelona Airport.
However as you’ll disembark at the same time of hundreds of other passengers, it will be easy to miss the Shuttle representative that will be waiting at your disembarking gate. If you need to catch a flight, you might want to avoid a stressful situation where you have to look for your representative or call the customer support number for help.
From the cruise port, we recommend you to book a private transfer.