Getting Around in Barcelona

Public transport in Barcelona is efficient, affordable, well-maintained, clean, and safe. Regional trains and the more city-focused Metro are the friendliest to foreigners, with signage and ticket purchases in English.

Expats moving to Barcelona’s city centre can depend exclusively on public transport to get around. Those in surrounding towns will also find plenty of affordable and convenient modes of transit.

Some expats find driving in Barcelona easier than in other large Spanish cities, but drivers have to deal with heavy congestion and parking difficulties. Expats should also keep in mind that signage and street names are in Catalan. It is advisable to master the public transport and driving vocabulary, such as ‘ticket’ and ‘addresses’ in both Spanish and Catalan.

Areas and Suburbs in Barcelona

Public transport in Barcelona

The majority of Barcelona’s transport services participate in an integrated tariff system known as T-mobilitat. You can use one fare for the subway, buses, trams or the regional FGC and RENFE commuter trains. If your journey lasts for less than 75 minutes, only one trip will be charged.

The wider region is divided into six zones to calculate fares. Central Barcelona is in Zone One. If you’re living outside the city, you’ll most likely live in Zone Two. Prices rise as the number of zones travelled through increases.

There’s a range of ticket options based on the number of journeys or days used. Discounted tickets are available for those younger than 25 and seniors, and children under four do not pay. The T-16 card provides free unlimited travel for those aged 4 to 16. Monthly passes and multiple-trip tickets are also available.

Metro trains

With eight TMB Metro lines, four FGC lines and one funicular train, Barcelona’s Metro is the best bet for stress-free travel. Signage is posted in Spanish, Catalan and English. Automated ticket machines can be used in all major languages, although announcements are made in Spanish and Catalan. Metro tickets can be purchased at local Metro stations and at ServiCaixa bank machines.

Bus

Learning the bus routes in Barcelona takes practice and patience, but familiarising yourself with the extensive system of over 230 routes is time well spent. While the Metro might place commuters in the general vicinity of where they need to be, the bus can bring them to their destination’s doorstep.

Bus stops have maps and a schedule posted in the bus shelter waiting area. If there is no shelter, there will be a street sign displaying the bus route. Many different bus lines use the same stops, so when you see your bus approaching, hold out your arm to alert the driver.

Single journey tickets are available upon boarding, while travel cards and monthly passes can be purchased at Metro stations.

Tram

Six lines make up the above-ground, zero-emissions tram system, which extends to a larger area than the Metro. Lines T1, T2 and T3 cover some popular neighbourhoods not well-served by the Metro, including Pedrables, Esplugues de Llobregat and Sant Just Desvern. Line T4 runs on the opposite side of Barcelona and stops in Vila Olímpica and Diagonal Mar, areas where many expats choose to live.

RENFE trains

Officially La Red de los Ferrocarriles Españoles, RENFE trains refer to the national railway network. RENFE Cercanías are regional commuter trains that operate in Spain’s major cities. Local RENFE trains are part of the integrated tariff system in Barcelona, although non-integrated fares are also available. These trains link surrounding towns to Barcelona, while some RENFE stations connect with the Metro and FGC.

Read more about Public Transport in Spain.

Useful links

• TMB: Barcelona Metro and Bus
• Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC)
• RENFE: Spanish National Railway
• ATM: Barcelona Transport Authority

Taxis in Barcelona

Barcelona’s black and yellow taxis are plentiful and easy to hail. Rates are reasonable and should be posted in the cab. Expats should ensure the meter is reset before they begin their journey. Tipping is not required and will probably result in a surprised but happy driver. Some people give the driver the remaining change or a small tip of around 5 percent.

Drivers are generally trustworthy, friendly and reliable. While some may understand some basic English, it is very beneficial for expats to have their destination in writing or to know a landmark near it to avoid pronunciation confusion.

Lift-sharing services were previously restricted, but Uber is now available in Barcelona. The service operates differently than in other cities – when you book through the Uber app, you’ll get a traditional black and yellow taxi rather than a private driver. This provides a convenient way to avoid pronunciation or fare confusion.

Useful links

• Uber Barcelona
• Barcelona Taxi Institute
• Cabify
• Fono Taxi

Walking in Barcelona

Walking in Barcelona is an outright pleasure. Expats will find that the city’s mild weather, amazing architecture, and medieval alleys make for plenty of pedestrian opportunities.

Of course, you should exercise more caution in transitional neighbourhoods, tourist hotspots and under the cover of darkness. While Barcelona has historically had issues with pickpocketing, crime actually dropped by nearly 5 percent in 2024, with theft figures reaching their lowest level in a decade. Apart from petty theft, you don’t need to be too worried about serious crime.

Weather in Barcelona

Cycling in Barcelona

Barcelona has recently become much more bike-friendly and accommodating to cyclists. With designated lanes, signs, and traffic lights in the city centre, cycling in Barcelona has never been safer. You can also bring bicycles on the Metro, Trams and FGC during non-peak hours when there are fewer commuters.

Buying a bicycle is not even necessary, as the city’s popular Bicing bike-sharing service offers a practical alternative with bike stands positioned throughout the city.

To take advantage of the service, you simply insert your membership card at one of the designated stands, choose a bike, and get going. At your destination, you re-insert your card and drop off the bike. Prices are charged based on the amount of time the bike is used, and the service doesn’t allow bikes to be rented for longer than two hours at a time.

Useful links

• Bicing: Barcelona Bike Sharing
• Barcelona City Council: Cycling

Driving in Barcelona

Expats moving to central Barcelona may want to reconsider buying a car. Parking is minimal, and those who own vehicles in the city centre are often forced to rent a space in a private garage.

You’ll need to be ready to deal with the notoriously challenging Catalonian bureaucracy when buying a vehicle, as expats will be required to produce an NIE number. You should also prepare for your fair share of dents and scrapes. No matter where you park in Barcelona, the insanely narrow spaces and the congestion during peak times mean no vehicle goes unscathed for long.

Many expats live on the city outskirts or surrounding towns where cars seem more necessary, but even here, it’s not absolutely essential. Car sharing services like Europcar On Demand (formerly Ubeeqo) allow residents to rent a car for trips to the supermarket, weekends at the Costa Brava, and anything in between.

Transport, Driving and Driver’s Licences in Spain
Buying a Car in Barcelona

Useful links

• DGT: Spanish Traffic Authority
• Europcar On Demand
• Enterprise Car Rental Barcelona
• SEAT MO Electric Car Sharing