Ultimate Guide to Public Transport in Barcelona
As an international student in Barcelona, mastering the public transportation system will help you get to classes and explore the city without any issues.
Like many other cities in Europe, Barcelona has a huge network of buses, taxis and metros. It may seem a bit confusing at first, but don’t be intimidated, it is a lot simpler than you think.
In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about public transportation in Barcelona.
Key Takeaways
Once you find the right Barcelona student residence, it’s time to discover what your daily commute will be like. Will you be using a taxi or metro? or Will you be taking a short walk to campus? Knowing this will help you make the most of your time in Barcelona.
Barcelona has different forms of public transportation. Students can use taxis, the bus, metros, rent a bike or electric scooter, or get on the train. There are also several ride sharing services in Barcelona such as Cabify Taxi, Uber, and Bolt Taxi.
It’s important to live in the right neighbourhood in Barcelona. Living in the right apartments provides easy access to transport links so you can easily move around. The priority is to live as close to your campus as possible or close to transport options that can get you to campus in no time.
Student Luxe provides the best student residences in Barcelona. These luxury apartments are close to different universities and business schools while also being near various transport links. This way, you have all you need at your doorstep. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
Best Way to Get Around in Barcelona
You can easily get around in Barcelona by using the public transport system which includes buses, trams, metros and function all day, everyday. The metro has 12 connected lines and is the cheapest option for fast travel in the city. Bike-sharing networks are also available for students who love cycling and being more active.
Like in many cities, you need a public transport card and in Barcelona, this is known as the T-Casual Card. This card is budget-friendly and provides access to metros, trams, and buses in different zones. If you live in the city centre, this card gives you the flexibility to move around.
Let’s explore how to use each mode of public transportation in Barcelona.
How to use the bus in Barcelona
Using the bus in Barcelona is simple and convenient, especially for routes not covered by the metro. The buses are affordable and wheelchair and stroller accessible, with designated spaces available. Here’s a quick guide:
Buy a Ticket: Purchase a single-use ticket from the driver (€2.40 per ride) or use a T-Casual card (10 rides across buses, metro, trams, etc.). Tickets are also available via apps like the TMB App. Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding.
Find Your Bus: Use Google Maps, Moovit, or the TMB website to find routes and schedules. The buses run on a regular schedule from 5am to 11pm. However, you should still check bus stop maps for your bus number and its arrival time.
Boarding: Enter through the front door, validate your ticket, and find a seat or stand. Press the stop button when nearing your destination.
Night Buses: NitBus runs from 11 pm to 6 am, covering most of the city with routes starting at Plaça de Catalunya.
How to use the metro in Barcelona
There is a metro station close to every public attraction in Barcelona. The metro is easy to use with lines across the entire city everyday. Here’s how to use it.
Buying a Ticket: Purchase single tickets (€2.40) in metro stations or through the TMB app or use a T-Casual card (10 rides across metro, buses, trams, etc.)
Entering the Metro: Insert your ticket or tap your transport card at the turnstile to enter. Keep your ticket handy, as you may need it to exit at certain stations.
Finding Your Train: Use Google Maps, Moovit, or station maps to find the correct line and direction. You shouldn’t have any issues as metro stations are well-marked with coloured lines and destination signs.
Onboard: Trains run frequently from 5 AM to midnight (later on weekends). Follow onboard displays and announcements for the next stop, and exit when you reach your destination.
Using the tram in Barcelona
Barcelona has 2 tram networks running through 6 lines. You probably won’t find a tram in the city, but you will find one in more serene areas away from the city centre. Tickets are available at tram stop vending machines or via the TMB App and cost €2.40. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding.
How to rent a bike in Barcelona
Barcelona has a very comprehensive CityBike system. Renting a bike is a popular and eco-friendly way for students to explore the city. Here's a quick guide:
Bike Rental Options:
Bike-Sharing (Bicing): Available to residents with an annual subscription. Pick up and drop off bikes at designated stations across the city.
Tourist Rentals: Numerous shops and services offer short-term bike rentals, starting at around €10 per day. Look for rental shops near popular areas or book online.
Using the Bike: Barcelona has dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, especially along the beachfront and major streets. Always follow local traffic rules, and be mindful of pedestrians.
Returning the Bike: For bike-sharing, return the bike to any Bicing station. For rentals, return it to the shop within the agreed timeframe.
How to use the train in Barcelona
Barcelona’s train network is operated by Rodalies de Catalunya and is ideal for travelling to nearby towns and suburbs. Here’s a quick guide:
Buying a Ticket: You can purchase tickets at station vending machines or online through the Rodalies app. A T-Casual card can be used for Zone 1 journeys within the city, while longer trips require specific tickets.
Finding Your Train: To plan your journey, use Google Maps, Moovit, or the Rodalies website. Be sure to check station boards for platform numbers and departure times.
Boarding the Train: Validate your ticket at the platform gate before boarding. Follow onboard displays or announcements to track upcoming stops and exit at your destination.
Other means of transportation in Barcelona
Electric scooters: These are very popular in Barcelona, especially among students. If you have a license, you can drive around on your scooter without any issues. You can also rent a scooter for about €39 per month on popular scooter-renting sites.
Car rentals: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Barcelona. The cost usually depends on the type of car you want to rent. There are usually city cars, electric cars, premium cars, luxury options, and even vans available for rent.
Ride-hailing services: Barcelona offers different ride-hailing services, such as Cabify, Uber, and Bolt, to help you get around the city.
Where to Live in Barcelona
Where you live in Barcelona plays a major role in how easily you can navigate and move around the city. Most students live in areas like Eixample, Gràcia, Poble Sec, etc., and many others. These are also known as student-friendly areas thanks to their proximity to the University of Barcelona, ESCP Business School, and many other popular academic institutions.
Students who don’t want to live in on-campus or university-managed accommodations in these areas will find many private accommodation options. There are PBSAs, shared student apartments, homestays, hostels, and luxury rentals. Some options, like luxury rentals, are more expensive than others. However, the price is justified by the amenities and other perks they provide.
Some great luxury student accommodation Barcelona offers are:
These luxury apartments are fully furnished and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as outdoor balconies, gyms, smart appliances, concierge service, and many more. You can book your luxury Barcelona student residence on Student Luxe.
FAQs
What is the best method of transportation in Barcelona?
Buses, metros, and trams are the most efficient ways to get around Barcelona. Other more exclusive modes of transportation include private car rentals and ride-sharing options.
How to pay for public transport in Barcelona?
You buy a physical card for about €0.50 and then recharge it as needed online or in the vending machines.
Wrapping Up
Moving around in Barcelona is super easy. You can either use affordable options like buses, metro, trams or trains or rent a private car. Living in an area that is near transport links also makes it easy to move around the city.
Student Luxe provides some of the most exclusive luxury student accommodation Barcelona has to offer. These apartments are fully furnished with stylish interiors and hotel-style amenities, perfect for affluent international students.
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Most of these apartments are in the best parts of the city, with amazing on-site amenities and flexible booking perks.
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