El Prat Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Overview

Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is generally known as El Prat Airport. It is located 8 miles (12km) outside Barcelona and is the second-largest airport in Spain. The airport caters well for foreign tourists and local passengers alike, with a great selection of shops and duty-free items. Most flights to and from El Prat Airport serve European (and some north African) destinations. The terminal is easy to navigate, and the staff at the airport are always willing to help. Architecture is one of Barcelona's greatest cultural assets - and to prepare yourself for the treasures that lie in wait in the city, first admire the architecture of El Prat Airport, which was designed by Ricardo Bofill, the man behind the Cartier head office and L'Arsenal Metz in Paris, the National Theatre of Catalunya, and the Shiseido building in Tokyo.

Location

The airport is located seven miles (12km) southwest of central Barcelona.

Getting to the city

The Aerobus service goes to and from Placa de Catalunya every 15 minutes, dropping off at locations along the way. It is a good option for those with little luggage. Trains run from the airport to various stations in the city centre every 30 minutes, costing around €2.40; the airport station is located near Terminal A and is connected to the terminal by a moving walkway. There are taxi ranks outside the airport terminals; taxis are metered. The journey time by road or rail is between 20 and 30 minutes.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +34 (0)902 404 704.

Car rental

Car rental companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis

There are taxi stands at every terminal at El Prat Barcelona Airport and the cost for a taxi to Plaça d'España in Barcelona is approximately €15 while a taxi to Sagrada Familia will cost €21 and take approximately half an hour. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis. Prices are steeper at night and on the weekends. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis.

Transfer between terminals

A pedestrian avenue with moving walkways links the three terminals.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange facilities, banks, shops (including duty free), a children's play area, wireless Internet access, VIP lounges, bars and restaurants. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking

Both terminals at El Prat Airport have their own dedicated parking garages (T1 and T2). There is also a long-stay parking lot, located a mile (1.6km) from the airport, and connected to the terminals by a free shuttle-bus. Parking rates in T1 and T2 are calculated quite strangely - at €0.023375 per minute. This works out to be about 70 cents for 30 minutes, and €1.40 for an hour. Daily rates are €18.30. The long-stay parking lot charges €13.20 per day.

Departure Tax

None.

Website

www.barcelona-airport.com

Airlines

Flights to Barcelona El Prat Airport are available on most Spanish airlines, such as Iberia, Air Nostrum, Spanair and Vueling Airlines; as well as Ryanair, Air Europa and easyJet. Many European countries have direct flights to Barcelona on national carriers such as Air Lingus, Air France, Air Berlin, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa. Cheap flights to El Prat Airport are usually available on CityLine, Jet4You, Ryanair, bmi, Blue Air, Lauda Air, Brit Air and Pegasus Airlines.

Internet

There are 26 Wi-Fi internet access points (provided by Kibiwireless, Comunitel and Vodafone), distributed around the terminals. There are also 19 computer workstations found throughout the airport, offering internet access for those not travelling with their own computer.

Business Lounges

Barcelona's El Prat Airport is fully equipped with conference and business facilities. Meeting rooms are located in Terminal 2B and there is a business centre with fax services, printing and internet access in Terminal 1.

Barcelona Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.