How Many Terminals Serve El Prat Barcelona Airport?

Barcelona International Airport consists of two terminal buildings, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), located approximately 4 km / 2.4 miles apart. Transfers between terminals are handled by free airport shuttle buses, operating 24/7. Shuttles depart every 6–11 minutes and reach the other terminal in about 10–14 minutes.

In general terms, international and Schengen flights are mainly handled by Terminal 1, while Terminal 2 serves primarily regional, domestic, non-Schengen, and low-cost flights. Terminal 2 is further divided into three interconnected sections. Therefore, checking your arrival and departure terminal in advance is essential, especially if you have a tight connection.

The “New” Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (T1)

Terminal 1 opened in 2009 and was designed by renowned architect Ricardo Bofill. Since its inauguration, T1 has gradually taken over the majority of passenger traffic, leading to the reclassification of the older facilities as Terminal 2.

Today, T1 handles most of Barcelona Airport’s traffic, serving international, European, and Schengen flights, along with selected non-Schengen and low-cost routes.

The terminal covers almost 550,000 m², ranking among the 10 largest airport terminals in Europe. It is structured across three main levels:

  • Level 0: Arrivals area
  • Level 1: Departures and boarding areas A, B, and C
  • Level 2: Airport lounges and passport control
  • Level 3: Boarding areas D and E, mainly for non-European flights

Terminal 1 also features a large 20,000 m² shopping and dining zone on Level 1, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and luxury brands. A smaller shopping area is located on Level 3, near gates D and E.

Tip: Terminal 1 includes a designated outdoor smoking area located after security control, although signage may be limited.

The “Old” Yet Reorganized Barcelona Airport Terminal 2 (T2)

Before 2009, Barcelona Airport operated with a single terminal, now known as Terminal 2. Today, T2 consists of three interconnected sections: T2A, T2B, and T2C.

The original terminal building corresponds to T2B, while T2A and T2C were added as the airport expanded, particularly ahead of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. These expansions were also designed by Ricardo Bofill.

Currently:

  • T2A: Mainly non-Schengen flights
  • T2B: Schengen flights
  • T2C: Primarily EasyJet and EasyJet Switzerland flights

The distance between T2A, T2B, and T2C is easily walkable. While T2 offers fewer shopping and dining options compared to T1, passengers can still find duty-free stores, fashion shops, gift stores, and wellness services.

Tip: Terminal 2 does not feature a designated smoking area. Smoking is allowed only outside the terminal buildings.

Transportation Between Barcelona Airport Terminals

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a free airport shuttle bus operating 24/7.

  • Every 6 minutes: 08:00–20:00
  • Every 8 minutes: 05:00–08:00 and 20:00–00:00
  • Every 11 minutes: 00:00–05:00

Shuttle stops are located at:

  • T1 Departures (Level 3)
  • T1 Arrivals (Level 0)
  • T2B Departures
  • T2C external roadway

Travel time is approximately 10 minutes from T1 to T2B/T2C and 14 minutes from T2 to T1. The ride between T2B and T2C takes about 1 minute.

Tip: Walking is possible between T2A and T2B (2 minutes) and between T2B and T2C (5 minutes).