Last Updated on November 21, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: June 11, 2018
As Spain’s second-largest city and a bustling European metropolis, Barcelona features an extensive and excellent public transportation network. Fortunately, their public transit system gets better and easier to use each year. Make getting around the Catalan capital a breeze with our guide to public transportation in Barcelona!
Have more questions about getting around? Check out our complete guide to transportation in Barcelona for more insider tips.
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Expert Tips for Traveling on Public Transit in Barcelona
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Get a multi-ride ticket. Grab a T-Casual card (good for 10 rides on metro, train, and bus) if you’re planning several short trips; it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to get around.
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Use transportation apps. Download the TMB app for real-time metro, bus, and tram schedules, which will help you plan your routes efficiently.
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Know your smart-card. Barcelona uses a T-mobilitat contactless card system for integrated fare payments across metro, buses, and more — perfect for frequent use.
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Don’t skip the tram. While metro lines are fast, trams are a great alternative when you want a more scenic and spacious ride, especially in neighborhoods like Diagonal.
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Ride the trains for more remote locations. Use the above-ground train to visit areas not served by the metro. It’s an easy way to take day trips out of the city without needing a car.
Metro
The safe, clean, and easy-to-use metro system is one of your best bets when it comes to public transportation in Barcelona. For one thing, it’s quick; you’ll rarely need to wait more than five minutes for a train! Second of all, it can get you to all of the top sights of the city and beyond.
In fact, with eight lines and more than 150 stations, there’s hardly a spot in the city where the metro can’t take you! A single-journey ticket costs just €2.20 and can be purchased at the ticket machines in every metro station.
Bus
With dozens of bus lines connecting all reaches of the city, traveling by bus in Barcelona is cheap, fast and easy. Bus stops are easy to find and buses arrive with regular frequency, so you’ll never be waiting for long.
Like the metro, a single-journey ticket costs €2.20. You can usually purchase your ticket from the driver, but some buses feature ticketing machines where you can use contactless cards. When your stop is approaching, simply press the red button to let the driver know you need to get off.
Insider Tip: Plan on using public transportation in Barcelona quite a bit? Rather than buying single-journey tickets every time, consider purchasing a T10 pass. This money-saving transport pass entitles you to 10 journeys on the bus, metro or tram. Another great option is the Barcelona Card, which gives you free public transport, entry to all major sights and monuments, and exclusive deals.
Tram
With 6 lines and nearly 30 kilometers of track, Barcelona’s two tram networks are an especially great option for day trips. While they don’t run right in the heart of the city center, you can easily take the tram from the outskirts of the center to some of the nearby towns and less-explored areas of Barcelona.
Trams tend to arrive about four times per hour during the day. You can buy your ticket for €2.20 at the ticketing machines found at every stop. When you board, remember to validate your ticket by sticking it into one of the machines found throughout the tram.
Rodalies
Looking to escape the city for a day or two on a day trip from Barcelona? The Rodalies network of commuter and regional trains could be just what you need.
Operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail service, these trains can take you beyond Barcelona regularly and quickly. Ticket costs vary based on starting point and destination, but can be purchased at the machines inside all Rodalies stations.
Go on a Guided Day Trip from Barcelona
If you only take one day trip from Barcelona, make it this one. From the silence of Montserrat’s basilica at sunrise to a sparkling glass of cava poured between the vines, this Montserrat & Cava Winery Day Trip from Barcelona hits every note: sacred, scenic, and seriously delicious.
You’ll explore Catalonia’s most iconic mountain before the crowds arrive, then head to a boutique winery for an off-road adventure, a farm-to-table feast, and cava that tells a story in every sip.
Featured Review: Montserrat Wine Tour & Cava Winery Day Trip
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My husband rounded out our 6-night trip to Barcelona with this tour, and I am so glad that we did! Visiting Montserrat first thing in the morning is ideal. Though it was a bit chilly, we were able to experience it before the crowds arrived. It was almost like having the monastery to ourselves! Next up…the Cava Winery tour. What an amazing experience from beginning to end. I loved learning about Cava and Joan Segura Pujadas’ family winery. The icing on the cake was the lunch out in the vineyard.”
– Amy on Tripadvisor
Public Transportation in Barcelona FAQs
What is the best way to get around Barcelona?
The best way to get around Barcelona is by using its efficient public transportation network. The metro is especially fast and convenient, and connects all major neighborhoods and attractions. Buses, trams, and trains are great for reaching areas the metro doesn’t cover, while taxis and rideshares offer convenience for late-night or door-to-door travel. If you’re staying several days, pairing the metro with a multi-day travel card gives you the best mix of convenience and value. For short distances, walking is ideal; Barcelona is compact and pedestrian friendly.
How do I pay for public transport in Barcelona?
Barcelona uses an integrated ticketing system, making it easy to switch between the metro, bus, tram, and trains with a single pass. Most travelers choose the T-Casual (10-ride ticket) or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which offers unlimited rides for 48–120 hours. You can buy tickets from metro station machines, TMB Information Points, or via the official TMB app. Simply tap your ticket at the metro turnstiles or show it on buses and trams; there’s no need to buy separate tickets for each mode of transport.
Is public transportation in Barcelona good?
Yes, Barcelona’s public transportation is excellent. Their metro is one of the most reliable systems in Europe, with clean trains, clear signage, and short wait times. Buses and trams run frequently and cover areas the metro doesn’t reach, while the integrated ticketing system keeps travel simple. Public transit is also safe, affordable, and tourist friendly, making it one of the best ways to explore the city without the stress of driving or parking.
