Barcelona Public-Transport

Barcelona Public-Transport information

Trains

Apart from getting to and from the airport, the urban train network won't help the city visitor much. However, trains are a great way of exploring the coastal towns around Barcelona, or taking a trip to places such as Gerona. Spanish inter-city trains are large and comfortable, but must be booked in advance.

Metro

The metro system is brilliantly useful for getting around the city. It is clean, efficient and extremely easy to use, and on Friday and Saturday nights it runs until 02h00 (Mon-Thu, 23h00). Single journeys cost EUR1.20. Tickets have to be bought before travel. The main underground stations (such as that at Plaça de Catalunya) have multi-lingual vending machines, or you can buy your ticket from station offices.

Buses

Barcelona's bus network is good but can be bewildering to use - especially in comparison to the very tourist-friendly metro system. With a good tourist or transport map however you should have little problem with the buses should you want to use them. Travelcards are valid on buses and you should present them on boarding. Of most use is the tourist bus, which covers 26 of Barcelona's major sights and allows you to hop on and off the bus at will. A single day pass will cost EUR17 or buy a two-day pass for EUR21. The ticket price includes discounted entry for most attractions along the route. You can buy tickets on the bus itself or at the Turisme de Barcelona Information Centre in Plaça de Catalunya. Buses depart Plaça de Catalunya at 05h00 and run daily throughout the year. Single tickets for normal bus services cost EUR1.20 for a single. Buy tickets on board.

Ferries

A lot of people forget that Barcelona is a busy passenger port but there are regular sailings from the city to domestic and international destinations. You can get to the Spanish islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca by ferry: the dock is at the end of the Ramblas. Although crossing to the Balearics isn't a short trip, superfast modern catamarans have cut journey times drastically. Call Trasmediterranea, Tel: +34 902 454-645 for details.

Driving

Unless you're planning on a lot of day trips it is unlikely you will want to hire a car for a stay in Barcelona - it's just not worth the hassle. The city is not designed for heavy volume of traffic and although it isn't as bad as Madrid it can be unpleasant during rush hour when congestion through the centre gets severe. If you do decide to drive, Barcelona's two ring roads (rondes) allow easy orbital navigation of the city with the Avda Diagonal and Gran Via being the main arteries in and out of the centre. Local firms vary but generally you need to be over 25 and have held a licence for two years to qualify for vehicle hire. National licences of EU countries and UK licences are valid for driving in Spain, however, holders of the old style UK 'green licence' and members of non-EU countries should obtain an International Driving Licence. Your driving licence must be carried with you at all times. Visitors bringing their own cars require green card insurance to ensure full insurance cover. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left. The minimum driving age in Spain is 18. Speed limits are: 120km per hour (74mph) on motorways, 100km per hour (62mph) on major roads outside towns, 90 km per hour (56 miles per hour) on roads outside towns, 50 km per hour (31 miles per hour) in built up areas and 20km per hour (12mph) in residential areas. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts, where fitted.

Taxis

Taxis in Barcelona are extremely plentiful and are moderately priced by European standards. Their yellow and black livery makes them easy to spot, with a green light indicating whether they are for hire or not. Taxis can be hailed on the street or caught from ranks throughout the city. If you need to order a cab in advance telephone booking is widely available, but the size of the city means you could be waiting for some time if you book with a firm located far away. Ask at your hotel for the details of the nearest local firm, or get them to book a cab for you.

Rent a Car

Click Here for great deals on car rentals in Barcelona.