Barcelona’s Metro

Barcelona’s transportation system is world class, efficient and cheap. I recommend getting a street map right away. These will usually indicate the Metro stops and tourist attractions. The Metro is one of the best ways to get around town, avoiding traffic jams, and city smog. The cars and stations are clean, relatively modern, and there’s usually an electric sign telling you how long the wait is for the next train (rarely more than 3 minutes).

A single trip costs a Euro, but there’s a whole slew of discount cards available for multiple journeys, and these are an excellent deal. If you’re going to be in Barcelona more than a day or two, I highly recommend getting the T-10 card, which allows you 10 trips within the city, and costs 5.80 Euros. That works out to only 58 Eurocents a trip, and that includes an hour and 20 minutes of travel time, which can easily get you anywhere you need to go. These can be purchased at the station window or from one of the automated machines. If you’re going to be staying longer, even better discounts are available on a monthly or yearly basis.

Electronic toll booths accept your ticket and read out how many more trips you have left on your card. You can also count the stamps on the back and figure out how many more you have left.

Buses

Buses also provide excellent service, but run less frequently than the Metro. They’re often the best way to get to some of the main tourist attractions including Montjuic, Port Vell, Vila Olymipia. Bus schedules only tell you how long you wait between buses, but not exact times, which can vary with traffic congestion. Night buses operate after midnight and can get you back in the wee hours.

I highly recommend you take the airport bus into town. Not only is it cheap at 3.30 euros, but it’s right outside the door to the airport terminals. You also avoid having to schlep your luggage up and down stairs to the train. The bus stops in various places, but the main terminus is Plaza Catalunya, where you have a choice of transport to your next destination including taxis, Metro and city buses.

Taxis

I recommend taking a taxi if you have a lot of luggage, as taxis are cheap in Barcelona, usually 5 Euros or less to anywhere (except the airport) from downtown. Taxis are also great when you’ve been out late (The Metro and normal buses stop after midnight on weekdays, 2am on weekends and holidays). Taxi stands are usually right where you need them, but you can always hail one with it’s light on. You might have to shout and wave your arms for them to notice you. Most drivers are very friendly and know their way around town. Few speak English however.

Funiculars

There are several funiculars and cable cars in Barcelona. You can get one to Port Vell, another to Montjuic, and another to Mt. Tibidabo. All afford excellent views and are a unique way to see the city. They’re more expensive than other modes of transport, but still better than walking up those steep hills.

Cars

You can rent cars cheap in Barcelona. EasyCar is great for just a few days, or for a week or more you can get a good deal from Budget Rentacar. The big problem is traffic and parking.

Barcelona doesn’t exactly have a rush hour, and traffic can be heavy in certain areas day and night. It really doesn’t make sense to have a car in the city unless you’re driving way out of the center or into the countryside.

The real problem is finding a parking spot in town. Many streets have no parking at all, and if you’re close to the center you might have to use the underground parking facilities.