Overview
The Barcelona Metro (Metro de Barcelona) is a rapid transit network serving Barcelona and its suburbs, mostly running underground in the city centre. It forms part of Barcelona's unified public transport system, which is regulated by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM) and includes metro lines, commuter rail, buses, trams, and ferries. The network consists of 12 lines operated by two companies: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC). As of November 2021, the network spans 170 kilometres with 183 stations. To ride the metro as a visitor, you purchase a ticket or pass at a station ticket machine, validate it at the turnstile before entering the platform, board your train, and exit at your destination station. Single journeys, multi-journey cards, and unlimited daily or monthly passes are all available.
The network
The Barcelona Metro comprises 12 lines divided between two operators. TMB operates 8 lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9, L10, and L11), while FGC operates 4 lines (L6, L7, L8, and L12). Two additional lines, L9 and L10, are currently under construction with sections having opened between 2009 and 2021; both are due to be fully completed in 2030. Three lines operate as automatic, driverless systems: L11 was the first converted, followed by L9 and L10.
The network operates on three different track gauges—a unique characteristic shared only with Tokyo's Toei Subway. Line 8 uses 1,000 mm metre gauge, Line 1 uses 1,672 mm older Iberian gauge, and the remaining lines use 1,435 mm standard gauge.
- L1 – Fondo / Hospital de Bellvitge to Les Planes
- L2 – Badalona Pompeu Fabra to Parallel·lel
- L3 – Zona Universitària to Trinitat Nova
- L4 – La Pau to Cornellà Centre
- L5 – Cornellà Centre to Vall d'Hebron
- L6 – Sarrià [FGC line, originating from the historic 1863 railway]
- L7 – Balmes [FGC line]
- L8 – Aeropuerto T1 to El Prat Estació [FGC line]
- L9 – Under construction; sections opened between 2009 and 2021, due for full completion in 2030; runs from Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet towards the airport
- L10 – Under construction; sections opened between 2009 and 2021, due for full completion in 2030; runs from Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet towards Zona Franca and El Prat International Airport
- L11 – Trinitat Nova to Aeropuerto T1 (automatic driverless operation)
- L12 – Estació de Sants to Serralada del Litoral [FGC line]
The Barcelona Metro is integrated with other public transport under the ATM scheme. Commuter and regional trains are operated by Renfe (under the Rodalies Barcelona system) and FGC (which operate their own longer-distance lines). Tram services operate on routes including Trambaix and Trambesòs. Ferries connect Barcelona's port to the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Italy, and Morocco.
Tickets & fares
Ticket types and prices
All fares below are approximate and subject to change. They are valid for Zone 1 (central Barcelona and inner suburbs). A single ticket costs €2.90 and is valid for metro, bus, and the Montjuïc funicular; it also allows up to three transfers between the metro, TMB bus, tram, funicular, FGC trains, and Rodalies commuter rail within a single journey.
Multi-journey tickets offer better value for multiple trips. The T-casual costs €13 and provides 10 journeys but is not valid for airport stations. The T-usual costs €22.80 and provides unlimited journeys for 30 consecutive days from first use; this pass is valid at airport stations.
Tourist and short-term passes include the T-día (24-hour unlimited pass) starting at €12, which includes one journey to and from Airport T1/T2 on L9 Sud. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card starts at €12.50 and is valid for 5 days of unlimited travel, including return metro trips to and from the airport. The T-jove pass costs €45.50 and provides 90 days of unlimited travel for those under 30 years old.
Group and family tickets include the T-familiar (€11.50, 8 journeys over 30 days for families, shareable but not valid at airport stations) and the T-grup (€91, 70 journeys over 30 days for groups, also shareable but not valid at airport stations).
Special and reduced fares are available for specific groups. The T-16 is a free unlimited pass for children aged 4–16. Children under 4 travel free. The T-metropolitana is a free pass for qualifying low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. Unemployed individuals can purchase a subsidised T-usual for €5.65 per month. T-70/90 and T-usual passes are available at reduced prices for single-parent and large families.
Airport ticket
A dedicated airport ticket costs €5.90 and is valid for a single metro journey between Airport T1 and Airport T2 stations on L9 Sud and the rest of the metro network. Standard single and multi-journey metro tickets do not cover airport access; you must purchase the airport ticket separately or use a pass that explicitly includes airport access (such as T-usual, T-día, T-jove, T-casual, T-grup, or Hola Barcelona).
How and where to buy tickets
Tickets are purchased at automated ticket machines located in all metro stations. The machines accept cash and card payments. T-mobilitat contactless smartcards are available (in personal, non-personalised, or mobile phone formats) onto which you can load any of the above tickets and passes. These cards allow tap-to-ride entry at turnstiles without requiring a printed ticket. You can also purchase a T-casual on a T-mobilitat card for €13, which covers 10 journeys on any Suburban Train (Rodalies), metro, tram, or bus in the metropolitan area—though note this is more expensive than a standard metro T-casual and offers slightly different benefits.
From the airport
Barcelona has one main airport, Barcelona International Airport (El Prat, BCN IATA), which is served by two terminals. Both terminals have metro stations.
By metro
The metro is the cheapest and most convenient option for reaching the city centre from the airport. Purchase a Billet aeroport (airport ticket) at the ticket machines before the turnstiles for €5.90, which provides a single journey to anywhere in the city by metro. Alternatively, if you plan to use public transport multiple times during your stay, purchase a T-usual (unlimited 30 days, €22.80), T-día (24-hour unlimited, from €12), or Hola Barcelona card (5 days unlimited, from €12.50), all of which include airport access. The metro runs from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a free shuttle connecting Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.
By train
Regional trains (Rodalies) depart from Terminal 2 every 30 minutes until around midnight. There is a free shuttle from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. A T-casual on a T-mobilitat contactless card (€13 for 10 journeys) or a single Rodalies ticket is cheaper than the Aerobus and valid on metro, bus, tram, and train throughout the metropolitan area. This option is much more economical than dedicated airport shuttle services.
By night bus
The N18 night bus operates late-night and early-morning connections and stops at Plaça d'Espanya on its way to Plaça Catalunya. This option is available if you arrive on a late flight when trains have stopped running.
Etiquette & customs
Barcelona's metro etiquette broadly follows the customs of other European rapid transit systems. Queue in an orderly line when boarding, especially during busy periods. On escalators, stand on the right side to allow faster passengers to walk on the left. Priority seating (marked with reserved symbols) is designated for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with small children; offer your seat if someone from these groups boards. Food and drink are generally permitted on the metro, though eating messy or pungent foods is discourteous. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Keep conversations at a moderate volume and avoid loud phone calls. During peak hours (typically 7–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.), trains become crowded; be prepared for tight conditions and hold onto handrails or handles for stability. It is customary to let passengers exit before boarding.
Official links
- TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) – Fares and tickets
- T-mobilitat – Integrated fares and transport passes
Survival terms
- Metro (Catalan: metro; Spanish: metro) – subway or rapid transit system
- Entrada – entrance
- Sortida – exit
- Línia – line
- Bitllet (Catalan) or Billete (Spanish) – ticket
- Transbordo – transfer between lines
- Bitllet senzill (Catalan) or Billete sencillo (Spanish) – single fare ticket
- Bitllet diari (Catalan) or Billete diario (Spanish) – day pass
To avoid confusion and save money, buy a T-mobilitat card and load a T-casual (10 journeys for €13) or monthly T-usual (unlimited for €22.80) onto it on your first day, as these offer much better value than single tickets, especially if you plan to use the metro more than a handful of times during your visit.