Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)

Quick Guide to Barcelona Airport

Is your travel destination the vibrant city of Barcelona? Then your main gateway is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN). Although most travelers still call it simply El Prat Airport, the airport was officially renamed in honor of the former Catalan president.

Barcelona Airport is the second busiest airport in Spain and one of the largest aviation hubs on the Mediterranean coast. In 2024, it handled more than 55 million passengers, fully recovering its pre-COVID traffic levels.

The airport is located about 15 km / 9.3 miles southwest of Barcelona city center and serves the vast majority of domestic, European, and international flights to and from Catalonia.

Barcelona Airport at a Glance

Official Name: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport
IATA Code: BCN
ICAO Code: LEBL
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)

Barcelona Airport’s History

Barcelona’s aviation history dates back to 1916, when El Remolar airport first opened. As it soon proved insufficient, El Prat Airport replaced it in 1918. Regular commercial flights began in 1927, with Iberia’s inaugural route to Madrid.

Over the decades, the airport expanded significantly with new runways, terminals, and infrastructure upgrades. Major development projects were completed ahead of the 1992 Summer Olympics, while the opening of Terminal 1 in 2009 marked a new era for the airport.

In 2019, the airport was officially renamed Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport. Despite the impact of COVID-19, the airport has since rebounded strongly and continues to grow.

Barcelona Airport Layout

Barcelona Airport consists of two main terminals:

Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal, opened in 2009, handling most international, Schengen, and long-haul flights. It offers extensive shopping and dining facilities.
Terminal 2 (T2A, T2B, T2C): The older terminal complex, mainly serving low-cost carriers, domestic flights, and some non-Schengen routes.

The terminals are not adjacent. A free airport shuttle bus operates 24/7 between T1 and T2.

Flights at BCN Airport

Barcelona Airport serves a vast network of destinations, including domestic Spanish routes, European cities, and selected intercontinental destinations. It is a hub for Vueling, LEVEL, and Air Nostrum, and a major base for Ryanair, easyJet, and Iberia.

Connecting Passengers

If you are transiting through BCN Airport, always verify your departure terminal:

If your onward flight departs from a different terminal, use the free airport shuttle.
If your luggage is checked through, proceed directly to your next gate.
If not, collect your baggage, re-check it, and pass security again.

Tip: Terminal 1 features self-check-in kiosks for connecting passengers.

Services and Amenities

Barcelona Airport is a fully equipped international hub offering:

Duty-free shopping
Cafés and restaurants
Lounges and airport hotels
Wi-Fi throughout the terminals
ATMs, banks, and currency exchange
Medical services and pharmacies
Lost & Found offices
Business facilities and meeting rooms

Family & Accessibility Services

BCN Airport is family-friendly and fully accessible:

Play areas and baby care rooms
Free strollers and baby-friendly trolleys
Accessible terminals with ramps, lifts, and adapted restrooms
Special assistance for passengers with visible and hidden disabilities

Pet Facilities

Barcelona Airport is pet-friendly, featuring designated outdoor pet areas at both terminals. Pets must be leashed, vaccinated, and accompanied by valid travel documents.

Transportation Options from Barcelona Airport

Airport taxis (24/7)
Private airport transfers
City buses and Aerobús
Metro lines
RENFE suburban trains (R2 Nord)
Car rentals

Parking Facilities

Both terminals offer extensive parking options, including short-term, long-term, express, VIP, and valet parking. Long-term parking is also available close to the airport.

The City of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city of history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife. From Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces and world-class museums to vibrant beaches and legendary nightlife, Barcelona offers an unforgettable travel experience.

Contact Information

Address: 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 913 211 000
Official Website: https://www.aena.es/

FAQs

What are the two airports in Barcelona?

Barcelona is actually served by one airport, the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, located 15km from the city center. However, Girona Airport and Reus International Airport, located respectively 100km/62.1 miles and 120km/74.5 miles from Barcelona, are also accessible to passengers who travel to the Catalan capital. Choosing the right destination airport depends on several factors, such as cost and time.

What is the airport in Barcelona called?

The airport in Barcelona used to be called El Prat Barcelona Airport. However, recently it changed its name to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, honoring the Catalan politician and former president as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of his death. In any case, several nicknames, such as BCN Airport or El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, are still being widely used.

How busy is Barcelona Airport?

Barcelona Airport is the second largest airport in Spain, after Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, and the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Catalonia. Furthermore, it is considered one of the largest airports serving the Mediterranean coast.

How many runways does Barcelona Airport have?

Barcelona Airport has 3 runways, two parallel to the coastline, and one crossover. The parallel runways are the busiest ones, while the third runway is mainly used during the night or under severe weather conditions.

How far is Barcelona Airport from the city center?

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is approximately 15 km/9.3 miles away from the city center. However, the airport’s connection to the heart of Barcelona is more than satisfying. Hence, transferring from and to the city center is less of a hassle for travelers, whether they use public transportation means or benefit from the airport’s private transfer options.

How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city center?

There are 4 ways to get from Barcelona Airport to city center. The convenient airport taxis are available around the clock outside Barcelona airport terminals, while public buses and Aerobus frequently traverse the 15km/9.3-mile distance to the city of Barcelona. Additionally, trains and subways also connect the airport to the city center. Finally, many private transfer companies operate at El Prat Airport and offer reliable, fast, and comfortable travel services.