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Barcelona El Prat Airport

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Barcelona El Prat airport is the main airport for Barcelona and is just 15 km from the city of Barcelona. It is the second-largest airport in Spain after Barajas in Madrid, the airport has arrivals from around the world.

Barcelona–El Prat Airport: Your Ultimate Guide

1. History of Barcelona Airport

Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport, has a rich history dating back to its early days. Here are some key points:

  • Origins: The first airfield in Barcelona was located at El Remolar and began operations in 1916. However, due to limited expansion prospects, a new airport at El Prat opened in 1918.
  • First Plane: The inaugural flight was a Latécoère Salmson 300 arriving from Toulouse with a final destination in Casablanca.
  • Olympic Games: Before the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Terminal 2 (T2) was designed to handle incoming international traffic.

2. Flight Destinations

Barcelona Airport connects travelers to a wide range of destinations worldwide. As of now, there are 207 destinations in 61 countries served by both domestic and international flights. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, or the Americas, Barcelona Airport has you covered.

You can explore the full list of destinations on the Barcelona Airport Destinations Map or view the detailed list.

3. Transport Links to the City Center

Barcelona Airport is conveniently connected to the city center by various means of transport:

  1. Aerobus: The official shuttle bus, Aerobus, takes approximately 35 minutes to reach the city center (Plaça de Catalunya). It operates year-round, departing every 5 minutes. Remember that there are two routes: A1 (from Terminal 1) and A2 (from Terminal 2).
  2. Bus 46: An economical option that runs directly from both terminals (T1 and T2) to Plaça Espanya in the city center.
  3. Train: The R2 train connects the airport to the city center in about 40 minutes, with tickets costing only €4 per person.
  4. Metro: Metro Line L9 links Barcelona Airport to downtown, providing another efficient option.
  5. Taxi: Taxis take around 25 minutes to reach the city center.
  6. Car Hire: If you prefer to explore on your own, car rental services are available at the airport.

Remember that the departure points for these transport options vary between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, so choose accordingly.

4. Terminals

Barcelona Airport has two main terminals:

  1. Terminal 1 (T1):
  • Inaugurated in 2009, T1 handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
  • Designed by architect Ricardo Bofill, it covers an area of over 500,000 square meters.
  • Most major airlines operate from T1.
  1. Terminal 2 (T2):
  • Comprises three linked sections: T2A, T2B, and T2C.
  • Originally built for the 1992 Olympics, T2 now serves low-cost and regional carriers.
  • Easily accessible via free shuttle buses between terminals.

Remember to check your departure terminal before planning your journey.

5. Tips and Advice

  • Early Flights: If you have an early departure, consider booking a Barcelona airport hotel for convenience.
  • Aerobus Distinction: Remember the distinction between Aerobus A1 (from T1) and A2 (from T2) for your return journey.
  • Research: Plan ahead, research where you are going and what you need to do. Get an idea of the terminals, parking and hire car offices.

Barcelona Airport can be an unfamiliar place when you first arrive, but if you plan ahead you will be able to familiarise yourself with the surroundings.

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