How to get around Barcelona using public transport: A complete guide to the metro, buses, and fares

For tourists: The Hola BCN! card

The Hola BCN! card is the most convenient option if you plan to travel extensively. It offers unlimited journeys for 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days across the entire urban network. It works on both the metro and the bus, eliminating the need to count journeys or top up your balance. It's particularly practical if you visit several neighbourhoods a day or use the metro to return to your hotel at night.

For occasional trips: The T-casual

The T-casual is one of the most popular tickets. It includes 10 single-person journeys and can be used interchangeably on the metro, bus, and urban train. It's ideal if you alternate public transport with walking and don't need unlimited travel.

For long stays: The T-usual

If your stay exceeds two weeks, the T-usual allows for unlimited travel for 30 days. It is personal and designed for those who want to get around like a local, without restrictions.

The single ticket: When is it worth it?

The single ticket is the least cost-effective option. It only makes sense if you plan to use transport just once. For any other scenario, an integrated pass will be more economical.

The Barcelona metro is fast, intuitive, and connects virtually the entire city, from the historic centre to more outlying areas.

Buying your ticket and the T-mobilitat

You can purchase tickets from the ticket machines at any station or use the T-mobilitat, the digital system that centralises travel passes onto a card or your mobile phone. The machines are available in multiple languages and accept both card and cash.

Lines, timetables, and night service

The lines are clearly numbered and colour-coded. Service runs approximately from 5:00 am to 12:00 am, with continuous service on weekends. For many travellers, the metro is the quickest way to get around between key areas such as Plaça Catalunya and the outer neighbourhoods.

The bus complements the metro and is perfect for short journeys or for enjoying the city from street level. It uses the same integrated tickets and is validated upon boarding. At night, the Nitbus lines ensure mobility when the metro is not operational.

Choosing well-connected accommodation makes all the difference. Staying at a hotel perfectly connected for exploring the city allows you to optimise every journey and rest better between visits. From areas with direct access to the metro and bus, Barcelona opens up without limits and without unnecessary wasted time.

1.    Can I use the T-casual to go to the airport by metro? 
Yes, the T-casual is valid for the metro journey to the airport within the urban zone.

2.    Can two people use the same T-casual?
No. The T-casual is for personal use only and cannot be shared.

3.    Does public transport run all night?
The metro runs all night on weekends. On other nights, the service is covered by night buses.