Barcelona: El Prat to the City and Beyond

El Prat has two terminals a shuttle bus apart, and three reasonable ways into the city. Nothing here takes more than about 35 minutes outside rush hour.

Into the city

• Aerobús — the simplest. Direct to Plaça de Catalunya in around 35 minutes, from both terminals, frequent all day.
• Metro line L9 Sud — cheap and useful if your accommodation is near the line, but it requires a separate airport fare.
• Rodalies R2 Nord train — reaches Sants and Passeig de Gràcia in about 25 minutes from Terminal 2.
• Taxi — metered with an airport supplement, roughly 25 to 35 minutes to the centre.

Choosing a neighbourhood

The Eixample is central, gridded and easy to navigate. Gràcia is quieter, with squares and small restaurants. El Born and the Gothic Quarter are atmospheric and loud at night. Barceloneta puts you at the beach and further from everything else.

The daily rhythm

1. Lunch is served from around 13:30 and dinner rarely before 20:30.
2. Many smaller shops still close in the afternoon.
3. Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló all need timed tickets bought in advance.
4. Pickpocketing on Las Ramblas and the metro is the main practical risk. Keep bags closed and in front of you.