Welcome to MonTataneTour (MTT) and your page “Barcelona airport port transfer”.
I’m Sarah (or Miss Tatane 😛), passionate about cruises and a cruiser just like you. I’m here to share my experiences and tips so you can fully enjoy your stopover or embarkation in Barcelona.
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On this page, I’ve selected two of the most budget-friendly partners for you. You can book with Civitatis 🔴 or GetYourGuide 🔵, depending on your preference. I’ve already compared the prices and picked the cheapest options for each activity.
Enjoy reading, have a wonderful cruise… and most importantly: have fun! ONE LIFE!!!
Barcelona airport port transfer
How to get from Barcelona El Prat airport to the cruise port
Just landed at Barcelona El Prat Airport and your cruise is waiting? The question every traveler asks is the same: how to best organize your Barcelona airport to cruise port transfer?
The distance between Barcelona El Prat Airport and the cruise port is about 10 miles. Whether you’re looking for a transfer by taxi, public transport, or private service, there are options for every budget and style of travel.
This guide helps you choose the best way to get to your cruise ship on time and stress-free.
Options – Barcelona airport port transfer
Aerobus + connections
How does it work?
The official transfer from Barcelona Airport to downtown and the port is done in 2 easy steps. Follow our guide for a smooth, stress-free journey.
Step 1 – The Aerobus
To reach downtown from the airport, the Aerobus is the most convenient choice.
- From Terminal 1 (one level below the arrivals hall), take the Aerobus A1 to Plaça de Catalunya. The ride takes about 35 minutes and buses run every 5 to 10 minutes, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Fare → $8.80
- From Terminal 2, take Aerobus A2. Same duration and frequency as from Terminal 1.
The Aerobus drops you off right in the heart of Barcelona, at Plaça de Catalunya, with a comfortable and reliable service.
Step 2 – From downtown to the port
From Plaça de Catalunya, you have several options to reach the Barcelona cruise port:
- Metro L3 – Plaça de Catalunya → Drassanes – 2 stops – 5 minutes ride + 5 minutes walk. Price: $3.13 per person.
- Pros: simple and frequent.
- Cons: requires walking, not ideal with heavy luggage.
- Taxi from Plaça Catalunya – around 10 minutes for about $15. Pros: quick and direct. Cons: more expensive than public transport.
Whether you’re traveling light or with luggage, there’s an option to suit your needs: economical with the metro, convenient with the bus, or fast with a taxi.
Taxi
- Price: $50 depending on traffic and time of day.
- Duration: 20–25 min (30–40 min during rush hours).
- Pros: fast, direct, practical with luggage.
- Cons: more expensive, possible surcharges (+$1.5 per bag, +$5 nights/Sundays, +$6 Terminal 1) + waiting line. Book a transfer in advance for the same price and avoid waiting!
Available 24/7, taxi stands are located right in front of the airport.
Private transfer
Barcelona airport port transfer
Looking for a simple, comfortable, and stress-free way to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the cruise port? A private transfer is the ideal option for a smooth, worry-free journey.
You land and your driver is already waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They’ll handle your luggage and take you straight to your cruise terminal in a spacious, premium vehicle. No waiting, no hassle just a pleasant ride to kick off your cruise the right way.
Why choose a private transfer?
- Simplicity – Door-to-door service, from the airport to your cruise terminal.
- Comfort – Travel in a clean, well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Reliability – Your driver waits for you even if your flight is delayed. Guaranteed on-time arrival with no surprises.
- Flexibility – Perfect for families or groups, with space for everyone’s luggage.
Private transfer airport → Port
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 4,747 reviews
Prices for this service start at $50 for up to three people. For larger groups, the fare is adjusted according to the number of passengers. This choice guarantees direct pickup, no waiting, and a driver ready to greet you upon arrival.
Price per person → $50
Direct bus airport → Downtown
Barcelona airport port transfer
The direct airport-to-downtown bus is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to get into Barcelona as soon as you arrive at El Prat. Unlike the metro or train, which require transfers, this service takes you straight to Plaça Catalunya in the city center.
From Plaça Catalunya, you have several options to reach your ship:
- Metro L3 – Plaça de Catalunya → Drassanes – 2 stops – 5 minutes ride + 5 minutes walk. Price: $3.13 per person. From there, you can take the Cruise Bus ($3.54) at the World Trade Center, which drops you off right at your terminal.
In short, this transfer is budget-friendly compared to a direct taxi or private transfer, while still being simple and totally doable with a little planning.
Note – This transfer is popular, but it’s about $4.73more expensive than the Aerobus!
Airport ↔ City transfers
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Relax in a comfortable bus with free WiFi between Barcelona Airport and Plaça Catalunya. Forget about the stress of airport transport by booking your ride in advance.
Price per person → $13
Comparison table – Which option to choose?
Barcelona airport port transfer
To choose the transfer option that suits you best, compare the main solutions at a glance. This table summarizes the key information (price, duration, simplicity) to help you make the right decision.
| Option | Price | Duration | Simplicity | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobus + connections | $11.93 | 50–70 min | ⭐⭐⭐ | Good balance price/comfort, see the city center, air conditioning |
| Direct airport bus → city center | $13 | 35 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast & stress-free, great with luggage, excellent value |
| Taxi | $50 + Surcharges | 20–25 min (30–40 min during rush hour) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, luggage, zero stress, quick & direct |
| Private transfer | $50 | 20–30 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Premium comfort, groups, door-to-door service |
Where to park near the port?
Barcelona airport port transfer
For a smooth start to your cruise from Barcelona, it’s essential to find a good place to park your car.
We help you book your spot with our partner Parclick, the leading online parking reservation platform. You’ll find options for every need: parking lots just a few minutes’ walk from the terminals, budget-friendly options, and those that let you enjoy the city center before boarding.
No stress, no wasted time. Book your spot in advance and board with peace of mind.
Cruise parking in Barcelona
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Whether you need a parking lot close to the terminal for more comfort, or a budget-friendly option with shuttle service, Barcelona offers several alternatives for cruise passengers. By booking in advance, you’re guaranteed a spot near the port.
Rate → From $2.32/ hour (packages available)
Things to do in Barcelona
Barcelona airport port transfer
Make the most of your stopover in Barcelona by discovering the city’s top activities. From guided tours to cultural walks, historical excursions to local experiences, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to admire Gaudí’s architecture, explore traditional neighborhoods, or relax on the beach, your day will be unforgettable.
Popular activities for cruise passengers:
- Barcelona in one day – Quickly discover highlights like Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Las Ramblas.
- Excursions from the port – Hop-on hop-off bus tours, guided walking tours, or bike rides to explore the city with ease.
- Iconic landmarks – Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc, La Boqueria market, and Barceloneta beach.
- Transport tips – Use metro, buses, taxis, or port shuttles to save time stress-free.
- Cultural experiences – Tapas in Gràcia, Catalan modernism, and flamenco shows.
- Guided tours in English, French, or Spanish – Explore Barcelona with expert guides and enjoy every site.
- Practical tips – Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid crowds and enjoy a smooth day.
Prefer booking with Civitatis?
Check out all the tours and guided visits they offer for your Barcelona stopover. From walking tours to hop-on hop-off buses, Gaudí landmarks, and local shows, you’ll easily find something that fits your plans.
FAQ – Barcelona airport port transfer
Frequently asked questions
❓ How long does it take to reach the cruise port from the airport?
Travel time ranges from 20 to 60 minutes depending on your chosen transport and traffic. Taxi and private transfer are the fastest options (20–30 minutes), while public transport can take up to an hour.
❓ Is there a free shuttle between the airport and the cruise port?
No, there is no free direct shuttle. You’ll need to use a paid service (Aerobus, taxi, metro) to get from the airport to the port. The Cruise Bus (paid) only operates inside the port area to connect the World Trade Center with the distant cruise terminals.
❓ What is the cheapest option?
Public transport such as the metro is the cheapest option. The special airport ticket costs €7.45, but the trip requires transfers and some walking.
❓ Can I walk to the cruise port from downtown?
Yes, you can walk from downtown (for example from the Christopher Columbus statue) to the World Trade Center area of the port. However, to reach the distant cruise terminals (where most ships dock), the Cruise Bus shuttle is mandatory.
❓ Do I need to book my transfer in advance?
For taxis and public transport, advance booking is not necessary. For a private transfer, it is highly recommended to book ahead to ensure availability and a stress-free service.
MTT Recommendation
After dozens of cruises departing from Barcelona, here’s my personalized advice depending on your traveler profile:
| Profile | Recommended Option | Price | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| In a hurry? | Private transfer | $50 | Save 1h+ and arrive relaxed, door-to-door service |
| Tight budget, light luggage | Aerobus | $8.80 | Perfect for solo travelers with cabin luggage, cheapest choice |
| With family | Private transfer | $50 | Maximum comfort and simplicity, especially with kids |
| Extra time & want to explore | Aerobus + walk | $11.93 | Enjoy Plaça de Catalunya and Las Ramblas before heading to the port |
Miss Tatane’s bonus tip 🎁 – If you arrive a day before your cruise, take the Aerobus to the city center and enjoy sightseeing! The next morning, take a taxi straight to the port.
What to do and see in Barcelona
Recommended article
Barcelona
MTT wishes you the most beautiful cruises departing from Barcelona!
