On our recent trip to Nou Camp we discovered that Barcelona isn’t actually a difficult place to navigate. Most European cities aren’t! They are usually straight roads that are set out in a grid system. But you may be wondering the best way to get around Barcelona when you want to visit loads of different places. There are loads of different methods from train to bus to scooter. So in this article we’re going to show you all the ways to travel around Barcelona.
How to travel around Barcelona
Arriving at the airport
Assuming you’ve flown to Barcelona, on arrival you’re greeted with loads of transport options! You can hop on the train (metro), get a bus, rent a car or jump in a taxi. If you’ve driven to Barcelona then why are you reading this? You drove there… Drive around.
How to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre
How to get around Barcelona
On our recent trip we took the bus from the airport to the city centre. We were slightly sceptical, thinking we could be on the bus for a long time, wondering what stop to get off at. It turned out to be very easy to follow. We hopped on the bus for about 5 euros each – bargain. It took about 20 minutes and we hopped off at the first stop, near the city centre. It was ideal! The bus was an airport shuttle and you can hop on the A1 or A2. There are a few stops before they make the return journey to the airport. Which meant we knew we could jump on to get back to the airport at the end of the holiday!
We would normally get a taxi as we’d worry about the time and getting the right ticket or stop. This saved some money on what could’ve been a really expensive journey and it got us there equally quick. The only downside was walking to the hotel at the other end. We didn’t mind as the weather was beautiful, even in winter. We have to say that if we were less active then a taxi may have been a better option. This is because you go straight to/from your hotel rather than having to walk.
On a previous trip to Barcelona we got a train from the airport. Again this was pretty easy, although not quick as simple as an airport shuttle bus. There were more choices on the train which always complicates things! A bit like when you’re choosing the best football boots! So many beautiful options but only 2 feet to wear the boots! We still managed to make it on the train and it took us closer to our hotel than the bus. But there’s always the risk of getting the wrong stop. The train was also slightly longer than the bus.
How to get around in Barcelona
After you get settled into your hotel, making sure you’ve looked in every cupboard and drawer and properly bounced on the bed. You’ll want to start exploring a city that has so much to offer! There are more ways to get around in Barcelona than you might think. Whether you just want to get yourself to the beach. Or you want to see the sights – Barcelona Cathedral, La Sagrada Familia among others. There’s a way to get there that suits you.
How to get to the Nou Camp
Barcelona football club – Nou Camp – How to get around Barcelona
The Nou Camp is slightly to the West in Barcelona and is walkable from most hotels in the centre. Both times we’ve visited we walked there and it took around 15 minutes walking time. It’s great to soak up the atmosphere and get amongst the fans. We also took the chance to stop off at a few pubs and bars to sink a couple of Estrellas. Estrella seemed to be available on tap where ever we went in Barca! Even the cafes had Estrella on tap! Wouldn’t get that kind of quality service in England would you?
You can also get the train to the Nou Camp but this can get very busy before and after the game. Les Corts is the nearest station. So close you can see the stadium from the station!
You could also hop in a taxi. We think with the traffic around the stadium before and after the game this could take a while and might not be very practical.
Rent a bike in Barcelona
Renting bikes in Barcelona – How to get around Barcelona
On our recent summer visit we rented bicycles. These were relatively cheap and there are rental places scattered all round the city. It was about 5 euros for an hour or there was a day rate that works out cheaper if you’ll be riding for more than a few hours. The bikes have been ridden more than Hugh Heffner but they do the job for exploring the city!
With a bike for a day you should be able to explore the whole city and see all the famous sights. A ride across the main city could take about 10-20 minutes depending on how fast you want to go! There are also loads of designated cycle paths but be careful when you venture off these. We found that down some of the quieter side roads cars and vans could pop out of nowhere and require evasive action. Lucky we’re used to taking evasive action as we weave in and out of defences on our way to missing a sitter.
Most bikes come with a lock as well. This was perfect as we were able to lock them up while we strolled around some of the sites. Or for when we wanted to escape the sun and pick up some lunch and a beer inside. Just remember it’s illegal to ride a bike while drunk!
Getting a taxi in Barcelona
Taxis in Barcelona – How to get around Barcelona
Like in most major cities taxis are everywhere. Just be wary to try to negotiate a price before you get in where possible. This will make sure you don’t get any nasty shocks. It may be harsh to assume badly of the taxi drivers but since you don’t know your way around they could easily take a longer route to charge more. Just have your wits about you!
You can also grab an Uber in Barcelona. We love Uber! Nothing better than ordering a taxi via an app. Especially as you know exactly what the cost will be before you travel. Plus you can put in a pick-up and drop off point without any language barrier to fight through!
In a relatively small city like Barcelona you can get most places in a taxi in about 10/15 minutes. Obviously we don’t know where you’re staying or visiting but the city isn’t huge. We would expect a taxi cos to range from about 5 euros for a short journey to 15 for a slightly longer journey. A trip to the airport may set you back slightly more as they always do!
Riding the train in Barcelona
We live in London and therefore have some of the best underground train facilities in the world. Just a shame they are boiling hot, overcrowded and about as reliable as Simon Mignolet.
The trains in Barcelona are pretty good too! Once you find the stop nearest your hotel you can get all around the city! Just make sure you remember which stop yours is for when you return! The trains are reasonably priced and you can get a variety of tickets ranging from day, number or trips or weekly.
Scooter or Segway in Barcelona
Scooters in Barcelona – How to get around Barcelona
If you have a need for speed (ok that’s a bit of a stretch but you catch our drift) you can easily rent a scooter or Segway. I mean, we’re not sure which is more dangerous. A scooter round the roads of Barca or a Segway with our balance? Both seem as risky as a fart the day after a curry.
You could get a Segway tour round Barcelona. They are slightly pricey but you do get to experience riding a Segway. You also get a guide who can take you to all the popular tourist sights and hopefully give you a bit of info about each of them.
Anyway… Who are we to tell you how to get around? You choose your method! We just let you know the options and how we fared.
