How to GET AROUND BARCELONA on a BUDGET! | Public Transportation Tickets, Passes, Maps, Cost
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2023
- #barcelona #barcelonaspain #publictransportation #publictransport How do you get around Barcelona on a budget? In this video, I share how to use public transportation in Barcelona and how to get around Barcelona on a budget based on my travels. Essentially, this video is “Barcelona public transportation explained”
You’ll find everything you need to know about navigating Barcelona’s public transportation system with confidence.
Questions answered: How do I get around Barcelona? What is the best way to get around Barcelona Spain? How can I travel in Barcelona on a budget? How to get from El Prat BCN airport to the city center of Barcelona for the least amount of money? How much does the Barcelona public transportation metro or bus cost? What is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, how much does it cost, where can I buy one, and how do I use it? What are the pros and cons of certain transportation methods in Barcelona and what are the hours of operation?
So, how are you getting around Barcelona without a car? I break down the Barcelona transportation system (prices, city, metro rail, bus, airport transportation, maps, hours, etc.), rentals, and the tourist pass so you can navigate the Barcelona transportation system with confidence on your first, or next, visit.
Enjoy!
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage
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It started OK but later there were a lot of incorrect or missing info, but overall it's pretty useful.
It´s a long list and maybe you should adjust the info on your blog but it is one of the better videos out there.
-First of all, the biggest incorrect info is about the T-casual and T-familiar. Those are fully integrated cards and can be used on all integrated transport means, including metro, trams, suburban/regional trains, buses and any other integrated transport mean, like the Montjuïc Funicular and the Vallvidrera funicular. The only exceptions are the two airport L9S metro stations.
You can use them to get to the airport by regular buses and by train (and they do work on the Rodalies and FGC trains).
They also provide changes. On each ride you can change up to 3 times to any different transport mean. Changes must be made within 1h15 from the first validation of that ride. You do need to validate the card on each change. Changes inside a closed system, like the metro, without leaving it will not count as one of the 3 changes and there is need (or way) to validate. If you reuse the same transport mean (go out and back into the same closed system or the same bus or tram line) it will be considered as a new ride, even within the 1h15 time from.
-Integrated Cards
There are all kind of cards but for visitors the mention T-casual (personal, 10 rides 11.35€ and T-Familiar (sharable, 8 rides 10€) are the best option. Barcelona is pretty compact, very walkable and most attractions are within a relatively small radius (about 3 km/ 1.85 mi) and many are within a walking distance of each other so you won't use public transport that much. 10 rides provides 5 per day for 2 days and 3-4 for 3 days, which is more than enough for the vast majority. For most the HolaBCN is not needed. Also, be aware that the HolaBCN card is not an integrated one. You can only use it in zone 1 (no exceptions) and it does not work on buses not operated by TMB, like the night buses or buses that serve some parts of the city and nearby towns (and can be used for traveling inside the city).
If you want an unlimited rides card and you're visiting before the end of 2023 you can get the 30 days unlimited integrated card for 20€, instead of 40€. You buy it like any other card and it works with all integrated transport means, including the metro to the airport.
-Using the cards.
If you buy paper cards you validate them at the fare gates or at a validation machine on buses and trams. You need to insert it and the readers are nit the one shown in the video (which is for the T-mobilitat smart card/phone app).
You can get the smart card but you'll need to register, it can only hold one card type (for now) and has a one time fee of 4€.
I'm not sure you can register for the phone app option but if you can, it only works with Android phone with NFC (no iPhone as they use their own app and Apple does not allow NFC usage for "rival" payment options).
-Single ride fare.
This is not something people use, unless it's a one time thing or an emergency (no cars, card not working).
It is important to understand that this is not an integrated fare so it does not include changes and the price might not be the same on all transport means. Also, you cannot use a single ticket of one operator to ride another transport mean with a different operator.
There is a fixed fare of 2.40€ inside the same zone but different operators might have different zoning maps for that fare (they also offer their own cards that are only valid for their routs). The best example is the airport train. When you use an integrated card it is in zone one but if you'll by a singe fare ticket it won' be 2:40€ for the same zone but 4.60€ as the Rodalies zoning map has the airport in zone 4.
-Zones. the fast majority of visitors will stay in zone 1 s a one zone card is what you need as it includes 31 municipalities, including the city of Barcelona, that are part of the AMB (Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona), including a few in zones 2A, 2B and 2C.
Apart from zone 1 all zones are divided to sub zones. The one zone card is not specific for zone one but to once specific zone, so if you'll start using it in zone 3D it will work only for rides in zone 3D. You will use it in zone 1 so it will work in zone one (and a handful of municipalities in zone 2).
-Buses:
Don;t be afraid to use them. They are easy to use, you see the city and you don't need to go up and down stairs. They are great for people with baby carriages and wheelchairs. All buses are adapted, with electronic signs and announcements.
Regular routs of the red uses are marked with a number. Buses that are part of the grid network will be marked by a V+ odd number for vertical lines, H + even number for horizontal lines and D + number (20, 40 and 50) for diagonal lines.
Lines try to maintain straight lines with easy change points between them so with once change you can get anywhere.
There are 17 vertical lines numbered V1-V33 when 1 is the most southern one and 33 most northern one. 8 horizontal ones numbers H1-H16 from mountain side (H2 - west) to the sea (H16 - east).
Othe buses have different numbering like the N+number for night buses, L+number for yellow day buses and a few others that you'll probably won't encounter. Remember, you can use any card but you cannot buy cards on the bus (only single).
-Paying for a ride.
You can buy any integrated card from the machines on any metro, train or tram station. You can also get popular card in some newspaper stands, lottery shops and tobacconist shops. You cannot buy cards on buses. You can only get a single fare. On the TMB red buses you tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard on the red reader near the driver (tap once for every passenger), on other operators you but them from the driver. Use coins or small bills only (not higher than 10€ in most cases)
-The Montjuïc Funicularis is not the only way to get up there, there are buses, most commonly used is 150 (from Pl. Espanya, covers the whole of Montjuïc). This is, BTY, is called cable railway (but funicular is the preferred way in most places)
-Special services, like the Montjuïc Cable Car, Port Cable Car , the Tibidabo funicular and both operators of the HoHo bus are not integrated and not considered as public transport but more of a touristic attraction.
-Airport.
Unless you stay near one of the stations of L9S (which are far from the center) it is the worst option to get to the city. Since the rout is far from the city center and changes are not as good (and quite long) it takes about an hour, far more than other transport options.
The Aerobús is a great option for a fast connection to the core city center so if you stay close to one of the 4 stops (3 on the way to the airport) and it's for 1-2 people its a good option (I use it myself). A1 (mos is to T1 and A2 to T2. unless it's very early/late A1 leaves every 5 minutes and A2 every 10 minutes.
The train is also a great, and cheap, option to get to the city center but the station is only near T2 (that until the new T1 opened was the only terminal) so from T1 you'll need the free shuttle to T2. Frequency is every 30 minutes. A new line is in the final construction stage and will connect to the new underground station in T2 and to T1 with higher frequency. There is no specific opening date yet.
Bus 46 is OK but only reaches Pl. Espanya so most will need a change, but in most cases it's just waiting at the stop for a different line (like the H12 or the H16).
Taxis are the best way for 3 or more passengers. Most taxis can take 4 passengers but there are quite a few for 6 and some for 8.
Unlike the US, taxis here are clean, safe, well regulated, relatively inexpensive and easy to get.
There are well regulated taxi rank at the airport and there are always taxis waiting. Usually there is a taxi marshal that will direct you to a free taxi and will try to accommodate specific request (like a larger taxi). There is a 4.50€ supplement for the airport and the port and a 4.50€ supplement for a large taxi with 5, or more passengers )per taxi, not per passenger - this won't be charged in a large taxi if there are 4 passengers, or less). There are no supplements for suitcases. Tipping is not required. You can pay cash or credit.
You can pay cash or credit
There are 10,500 of them, their black and yellow colors are visible as well as the green light that means it's free to take passengers. Just hail it. You can also find one of the 300+ taxi ranks around the city. Taxi apps are available but not necessary. You can use them and get a fixed fare in advance but in most cases it will be more expensive than the meter. It is, however, an official fare.
Due to restrictions on "ride share" this kind of service is not common nor preferable to taxis. The few that use it are mostly companies with a special contract. If you must than FreeNow is the best option IMP as they has more taxis working with them.
-Metro has 12 lines (not 8). TMB operates 8 of then: L1-L5 and L9-L11. The other 4 are operated by FGC: L6-L8 and L12.
-As mentioned, buses run all night but they are not the regular red urban buses of TMB but a special nigh bus network. The buses are yellow operated by Baixbus. These buses are called NitBus, they are marked with an N+number from N0-N18 (no N10).
They cover the whole city and other in zone 1. Apart fro the N0 *which is circular) all buses start, end or pass through Pl. Catalunya.
Buses N16 (to T2), N17 (to T1) and N18 (both T1 and T2) serve the airport.
You can use any integrated card to ride it for the NitBUs but not the HolaBCN card (as they are not operated by TMB).
Thank you for sharing! There’s no way I could cover every detail in less than an hour so I appreciate your additional insight 😊👏🏽
OMG! Could this video be any MORE thorough and easy to understand??!? You ROCK!! Thank you so much. 👍
Yay!! Thank you so much for watching Derek! (P.S. - Your comment ROCKS harder😁)
I’m confused, why is there only 64 likes for the video ?
I’m in Barcelona right now and I wish I would’ve watched this video before I came. I took a taxi from the airport for 41 Euros, and taxis to different places each averaging 11 to 14 Euros each way. And one taxi which charged me by time instead of by kilometers and who acted like he was lost and drove in circles to charge me more.
I’m going to buy the hola Barcelona card today and thank you for making the video.
Oh wow, thank you! You just made my night with this comment, Alejandra! 😊❤️ Taxis can add up quickly but I’m glad you were able to purchase the right pass for the rest of your trip 🚕
This is by far the best video on how to get around the city of Barcelona. So well detailed with the options given for a tourist! EXCELLENT job!!
Yay!! 👏🏽 Thank you so much for watching and for your enthusiastic comment, loua! I Hope you have an easy time navigating Barcelona 😁❤️
Excellent video! This really helpful for our trip next week. Thank you.
Leaving for Barcelona in just under 3 weeks (😲) and this really really was so helpful ✅
That’s awesome, thank you! I hope you’re having an amazing time in the city!! 🥰
Such a great video! Thank you so much! :) :) :)
Well done! Need this info for our next visit to Barcelona.
Thanks so much 😃❤️ Can't wait for that return trip, right?
An Outstanding video. This will truly assist with my trip next year to Barcelona. Thank you so much❤️❤️👍🏾👍🏾I’m happy to be a new subscriber. Keep the great content coming.
Thank you so much Ibdam 😃 Welcome to the F&C family, we’re so glad you’re here!!
@@FrolicAndCourage ❤️❤️
Perfect. Exactly hwat I needed!
Glad it was what you needed, when you needed it JD! 😊👏🏽👍🏽
thank you for your video this's really helpful
Happy to help, thanks for watching 🙂
Thanks for sharing this video. I am more informed about Barcelona for my trip next year.
Happy to help Neila! Are you going on a cruise or visiting in land only?
@@FrolicAndCourage yes we are doing the western Mediterranean cruise with Oasis of seas and spending two days in Barcelona before embarking and one there after disembarking.
How exciting! A year is going to fly by sooo fast 💨
So helpful ❤
Happy to help, Pete! Thanks for watching 👍🏽😊
YOU HAVE THE MOST HELPFUL VIDEO THANK YOUUUU
Happy to help Mayali 😊 Thank you for the support!
Good info ℹ️
I usually get the 5 day Hola.
But that info ℹ️ on the private BLUE bus 🚎 to cruise port is banging🙌🏼😮💨
Thanks Donovan! The 5-day hola will certainly save 💰
Excellent advice! You cut to the chase and saved me a great deal of money! I don't need a confusing history of the system to get from station to station. Thank you!!!
Thanks Michael! Giving practical advice to help you plan well for your trip makes me super happy and I’m so glad you are able to save cash (and time) along the way! Happy travels! 😁👏🏽👍🏽
thx u it was very helpful
Happy to help, thanks for watching! 😊
Good job thank you will be in Barcelona in November
That’s coming up soon, Daisy! Are you ready for your vacation? 😁🥳
Thank you so much!
Happy to help, Jack! Thanks for watching 🙂
Hey gurl, it's been a long time since we last saw a vlog, hiw have you been,this advice will come in handy once I start traveling outside the country, keep these vlog coming, oh and tell Hun I said hello, much love ❤❤❤
Heyyyy Valerie! Yes, It's been a minute but I always have something cooking behind the scenes 👩🏽🍳 How is your summer going??
@FrolicAndCourage it's going good thank you for asking, I had a good vacation in ac for my birthday, didn't gamble much but I still had a nice restful time.
Thanks alot
You’re welcome!
you should have puttin down the road map calculator link in your description.
Thanks a lot for this detailed video. Just 1 question: If my 1st use of T-DIA (24 hour card) on a given day is at 1pm then it is valid till next day 1pm or only for that day?
Thank you so much for this vlog this is so helpful. But, when taking the bus and tram and when boarding we need to validate (insert) the hola card right? do we also need to validate the card when leaving the bus/tram? thank you!
You always have validate when entering, not when leaving!
That only happens at some FGC (suburban and metro L6, L7, L8 and L12) and Renfe (commuter trains) stations, and in those cases you validate both when entering and leaving :)
Would you recommend purchasing a BCN Essentials pass if we are going to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell?
Love your video, very detail. Do u feel metro is safe enough to go to airport with luggage for 2 single women? Thank you
Hey Tam, thank you so much 😊 I think the metro is safe enough for two single women with luggage. Pack tight and pack light - don’t bring more than you can carry/manage and ensure your luggage is locked and secure 👍🏽 Plus, it may help if you are able to find a seat away from the doors in the center section. Depending on which station you join, typically more and more people enter the train on the way to the airport so keep a sharp eye on your bags. As the metro gets closer to the airport people start to get off, leaving an almost empty metro depending on the time of day. On the return from the airport to city center the metro is one of the first stops, so it is relatively empty and tou can take your pick of seating 😊
Such a nice video. Thank you for sharing information. I just have one question. Do you know where I can put my luggage when I arrived at Barcelona airport? Is there any luggage storage? I have few hours layover and I dont want bring my bag to the city. Please share the information about that. Thank you
There is a baggage drop-off service located in Terminal 1 and Terminal T2b near the arrivals hall. The price of a 24-hour deposit is 4.50€ for a large locker, 4€ for an average locker and 3.50€ for a small locker
Very helpful video, especially how to convert the online purchased tickets to cards. I also read that the Barcelona Card (3-5 days) is unlimited transportation that includes discounts to museums, etc. What do you think of that card? Is that a good value?
Thanks Lias 😊❤️ Yes, the Barcelona card includes public transportation and discounts to certain attractions. I think the card value depends on your itinerary- if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing at the specific places the pass covers, it may be worth it. Otherwise, you may be able to find similar discounts to attractions by booking in the website directly (for example: the Barcelona card gives you 10% off the Barcelone bus turistic, but you already get that discount if you book it online). What are you most interested in seeing?
We are coming to Barcelona via the train and arrives at Barcelona Sants. Do you know if our train ticket will allow us onto the Metro at this point? Thanks
Hi..Good info video..❤.
Could you please suggest to me which ticket plan is good or cheap for two people for 5 days?
Me and my wife going this month to spain
Congratulations on your upcoming trip 🎉 I’d say any of the tickets I mentioned are available and good to use, but it all depends on your itinerary, locations, and how much you realistically plan to use public transportation. Once your itinerary is set, use Google maps to see where the nearest stations are then buy the best ticket for your needs 😊
Can you help me figure out how to use public transportation to get from the Airport to The Hyatt Barcelona Tower.
I watched the video and I've got the Airport options figured out and I'm going to buy the 72hour unlimited Hola Barcelona Card to use for touring sites. Also it works for getting from Airport. But I can't figure out where to transfer or how transfers work or the neatest train station or bus stop to the hotel.
This is my concern... figuring out from BCN to my lodging.😅 Good luck!
Where's the map you show that has all the transit options and paths? No link in your blog shows the map
I have scheduled trip to barcelona next week and your video helps me alot as I do research. Can I ask you about T-Usual ticket as you did not mentioned it and if its valid from airport to barcelona main city? Thank you
according to the TMB website it is Valid for Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 metro stations on line L9 Sud.
Thanks so much - I hope your trip to Barcelona is amazing 😊 This video focuses on short term, tourist visits to the city so I didn’t mention the T-Usual pass, but yes, you can use the T-Usual ticket for roundtrip airport transfers via the metro. 🚊
the tickets you now buy are now different. when you buy a ticket you have you pay an extra 50 cents for a reusable mobilitat card. this means the process of paying for metro tickets has changed with additional steps to follow.
Does T-casual have any validity? Like if I take 2 rides each day can I use this for 5 days? Or if I use it on the first two days of my arrival in Barcelona 2-3 times and leave for sitges and again come back to Barcelona after a couple of days. can I use it again?
I'm planning to visit Barcelona in late October. I have read and have been suggested to get the T-Usual card. I was told there currently is a discount on T-Usual till the end of this year (2023). Do you know if it would be possible for a foreigner to acquire that transportation card? Also, if it is possible, would the T-usual include transportation to and from the Airport? Your input would be very much appreciated. I just want to be as prepared as possible for the trip.
Hey Busy! Im not entirely sure and I’ve heard mixed perspectives. According to the website, “T-usual cards must be used in conjunction with a valid ID-national ID document or any official ID document.” Some people believe this is only for residents and others say a passport counts. The pass allows for airport transfers via the metro. I left it off my video due to confusion between some people being able to purchase the pass and others not, but feel free to try when you arrive. Also have a backup pass option to purchase if it doesn’t work 😉
Any budget friendly restaurants in Barcelona you would recommend? Going there next week for my 30th birthday
Happy early Birthday!! 🎉 I like La Pepita and La Bouqueria market (less restaurant more open air market) for affordable options. Tapas bars are huge and the price is based on how many dishes you buy, with each dish around the 6-12€ range. If you want more in depth info on my favs I made an entire video showing what I ate, the price range, and the vibe 😊: czcams.com/video/HB0NlgOhoew/video.html
Actually, you can use the T casual ticket from the airport, just not on the Metro. It does include R2N train from terminal 2 to the city center.
Hello may I know what transpo to use from airport with T Casula ticket?
@krisdegs3985 the regular bus (not the aerobus or metro) should work 🙂
Hey, there! May I ask if T-familiar also can be used to the Airport, when we travel with R2Nord? I think, it can.
Yes, the T Casual does include the R2N train from terminal 2. You can transfer to the Metro at Passeig de Gracia within 75 minutes on 1 ride of the 10 ride T casual ticket. It’s a great deal. I was there in Nov 23.
We will be in bcn for 4 days, is it better to buy a T-dia ticket or the T-casual? 1 zone, 2 people. Or the hola Barcelona?
Tough question! It all depends on your itinerary and how much you will use public transportation. A T-Familiar might be a good option if you plan to make limited trips with two people, but then again a T-casual for each would work just fine, too. Taking more than 4 trips via bus, tram, train, or metro a day? Want to take the metro from the airport? Consider an Hola BCN card. Barcelona is very walkable, so it may help to plug your destinations in Google maps to see what transportation is recommended for your trip each day 👍🏽
How to use t-familiar tickets on buses?
The t casual ticket doesn't expire. When you leave Barcelona keep hold of this ticket as it will save you time buying a new ticket when you get to the airport on your next trip. This may save you a half an hour wait for the next train to the city centre.
can multiple ppl use the hola barcelona card like if i buy it can my whole family use it?
Hey there CE! The Hola Barcelona card is for one person only. Checkout the T-Familiar, which can be used by families along with separate airport tickets for your trip.
@@FrolicAndCourage the T familiar card has 8 rides per person?
you can use a t casual ticket from the airport. if you arrive at terminal 1 first get the green transfer bus from terminal 1 to terminal 2. from terminal 2 you can catch the renfe train that runs every half an hour. this stops at barcelona sants and passieg de gracia with other stations beyond. passieg de gracia is the station you need for the city centre. if you get of at passieg de gracia and go up to the street level you will find you are at the very top of la rambla. you may need to get the metro to your final detination but this will cost you another journey credit on your t casual ticket. to get to the bottom of la rambla for free, get off at passiege de gracia but do not leave the platform. wait on the same platform for the train to estation de francia. it is then a 15 minute walk from estation de francia to the bottom of la rambla.
Thank you, hwilkonson 😊
I am moving to Barcelona to study. I want to get a card for public transportation but I don't know which one to choose to save money because I need it for the whole academic year and more. What would you do???😅 Thanks
Hey Luise 👋🏽 congrats on moving to Barcelona to study! That sounds really exciting. There are a couple of things you can try/
- if you’ll have a National ID, consider the T-usual (all adults) or the T-Jove (if you’re under 30yrs old)
- Since you’re moving, also consider how much you’ll actually take public transportation as you learn how to navigate your way around the city. You may find that you walk more than take public transportation and will therefore not need a monthly pass. Or tou may find tou ride public transport a lot 😅 it may help to try one pass to see how much you actually use it for the first month, then adjust based on your needs.
Hi, can I use Hola Barcelona card to travel to Costa Brava or Girona?
I think you can't, as the HolaBCN card is only for zone 1 (the city and its sorroundings) if I remember it correctly.
I would recommend you to buy the HolaBCN for trips inside the city and for daytrips outside buy a single use ticket for going and returning, as a multiple-use ticket for more than 1 or 2 zones becomes a lot more expensive and as a tourist you would probably not use it that much :)
I don’t feel safe on the Metro in Barcelona but that’s just me
Hey, to each their own 👍🏽 Do what feels most comfortable for you 😊❤️
Hello! Has anyone used the Barcelona Card 25+? It says that it gives you free access to some museums and unlimited public transport for the duration of card that you've purchased. Is this legit?
Accessible stations? Cars?
I’d say the metro system is mostly accessible with the buses being 100% accessible. Here’s a link to the Official Barcelona public transportation page with more info 🙂 www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona/accessibility-mobility-reduced
Senior fare? Handicap fare?
Hey Chris! Senior and handicap fares are available, but these fares are typically for “registered residents of a municipality of the Barcelona metropolitan area.”
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Thanks a lot for this detailed video. Just 1 question: If my 1st use of T-DIA (24 hour card) on a given day is at 1pm then it is valid till next day 1pm or only for that day?
Thanks for watching 🙂 I’ve heard of conflicting information, but on most accounts it is valid for that day. This seems consistent with the 30 day and quarterly passes where the first day counts (regardless of what time it is purchased).