The options at a glance
| Option | Route | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise bus + metro | Cruise bus to Portal de la Pau, metro L3 from Drassanes, change to L5 at Diagonal | Allow about an hour | Cruise bus €3.50 one way, €5 return |
| Taxi | Rank at the terminal | About 17 min without traffic | Metered fare; see the AMB fares |
| Private car | Terminal pick-up to the basilica and back | About 17 min without traffic | Fixed price when you book |
Cruise bus: Port de Barcelona. Metro lines at the basilica (L2 and L5): Sagrada Família.
Tickets and timing
The Sagrada Família sells tickets online only, for a set entry time, and it has no luggage storage, so go with a day bag. Book an entry time that leaves a wide margin before your ship’s all-aboard time, not the departure time.
Work backwards from all aboard: the return trip to the terminal, the walk from the drop-off to the gangway and a buffer for traffic. City traffic around the Eixample is slow at rush hour; the ship will not wait.
Making a day of it
- From the Sagrada Família, the Park Güell is a short drive or a metro ride with one change.
- Passeig de Gràcia, with Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, is on the way back towards the port.
- If your ship is at the World Trade Center terminal, the Rambla is a few minutes’ walk; see the cruise port guide.
With a driver
A car waiting at your terminal takes you straight to the basilica and back, which is the surest way to control the return time. QuickPickups, which publishes this guide, sells private transfers from the cruise port at a fixed price agreed when you book; its booking box is marked on this page. For several stops in one day, see the routes with a driver.
QuickPickups booking service
Booking a private transfer: the usual questions
- Is the price really fixed?
- Yes. You see the full price for the vehicle before you pay, and it does not change with traffic, the route or the time of day.
- What if my flight is late?
- Your flight number is tracked in real time and the pick-up time is adjusted. At the airport you get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing; at the cruise port, 30 minutes.
- How will I find the driver?
- At the airport the driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Your confirmation email has the contact details.
- Can I get child seats?
- Yes, on request when you book, for a small supplement shown before you pay. Tell us the age or weight of each child.
- Can I get an invoice?
- Yes. QUICKPICKUPS S.L. can issue an invoice for your booking, including one made out to your company.
- What if my plans change?
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are free. You can manage the booking from your confirmation email or by writing to info@quickpickups.es.