The tickets visitors actually use
The table below lists the tickets that make sense for a short stay, with the prices that TMB publishes for zone 1, which covers Barcelona and the airport. Where TMB writes “from”, the price is for one zone. Fares change every year, so check the official page before you buy.
| Ticket | What you get | Who can use it | Valid at airport metro stations? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single ticket | 1 journey on metro, bus or Montjuïc funicular | 1 person | No: you need the Airport ticket | €2.90 |
| Airport ticket | 1 metro journey including Aeroport T1 and T2 | 1 person | Yes | €5.90 |
| T-casual | 10 journeys | 1 person | No | From €13 |
| T-familiar | 8 journeys in 30 days | Several people, shared | No | From €11.50 |
| T-grup | 70 journeys in 30 days | Several people, shared | No | From €91 |
| T-dia | Unlimited for 24 hours | 1 person | One trip to and one trip from the airport | From €12 |
| Hola Barcelona | Unlimited for up to 5 days | 1 person | Yes, return metro trips to and from the airport included | From €12.50 |
Each journey on a multi-trip ticket includes changes between metro, bus and tram within the time allowed. TMB also sells monthly and resident tickets (T-usual, T-jove) and a free T-16 for children aged 4 to 16; they are personal and usually not worth it for a short visit.
The airport rule
The two metro stations at the airport, Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 on line L9 Sud, have their own fare. According to TMB, the T-casual, the T-familiar and the T-grup are not valid there, and neither is the ordinary single ticket. If you arrive by metro, you need the Airport ticket, a Hola Barcelona card, a T-dia (one trip each way) or a personal T-usual.
The rule applies only to the airport stations. You can land, buy an Airport ticket for the first journey and then use a T-casual for the rest of your stay. The other airport options, the Aerobús and the R2 Nord train, have their own fares: see every option from the airport to the centre.
Which ticket for which trip
- A weekend with a few journeys, one person: a T-casual for the city, plus an Airport ticket if you arrive by metro.
- A couple or family making a handful of journeys together: the T-familiar can be shared, but it does not work at the airport stations.
- Several days of heavy use, including the metro to and from the airport: compare the Hola Barcelona price for your number of days with an Airport ticket each way plus a T-casual.
- One very busy day with the airport at one end: the T-dia covers 24 hours and one trip to or from the airport in each direction.
- Travelling with children: TMB’s T-16 is a free personal card for ages 4 to 16. Check its conditions on the TMB website before counting on it.
Buying and validating
Tickets are sold at the machines in metro stations and through TMB’s official channels. Validate the ticket at the barrier at the start of every journey and keep it until you leave: inspectors check on board and at the gates.
With luggage, look for the wide gates at the end of each row of barriers. Most metro stations have lifts: TMB lists lifts in 156 of its 165 stations.
When a ticket is not the answer
For the airport run with several suitcases, children or a late arrival, the public options mean changes, stairs or timetables. QuickPickups, which publishes this guide, sells private transfers at a fixed price, and its booking box is marked on this page. For groups, compare it with the cost of several Airport tickets plus the time spent on changes; see also the airport with luggage or a group.
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.