By train: the resort has its own station
According to PortAventura World, the resort has its own stop on the Rodalies R17 line, which you can board in central Barcelona at Sants or Passeig de Gràcia. The resort puts the journey at between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the station you leave from.
Check departures for the day of your visit on the Rodalies timetable, and look up the return trains before you go: after a full day in the parks, a long wait on the platform with tired children is the thing to avoid.
The options at a glance
| Option | From | Arrives at | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train R17 | Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia | PortAventura station | 1 h 15 – 1 h 30, according to the resort | Couples and families who travel light |
| Car | Your hotel | Resort car parks | A little over 100 km by motorway; depends on traffic | Flexible timing; staying at the resort hotels |
| Private car with driver | Your hotel or the airport | The resort entrance | About an hour from Barcelona airport, according to the resort | Families with young children, groups, late returns |
Times are typical and depend on the timetable and on traffic leaving Barcelona.
Arriving straight from the airport
Many families go to PortAventura at the start or end of a holiday. The resort says it is about an hour by road from any terminal at Barcelona El Prat. By public transport the trip means getting from the airport into Barcelona first and then out again on the train, which is a long journey with luggage.
If your flight lands at Reus airport instead, PortAventura is much closer: see Reus airport to Barcelona for the bus links listed by Aena.
Tips for a family day
- Buy park tickets on the official site and check the opening hours for your date: they change through the season.
- Pack a change of clothes for the children if you plan water rides, and leave the big bags at the hotel.
- Agree a time to leave before you arrive: closing time is the busiest moment at the station and in the car parks.
- If you need child seats in a car, say so when you book and give the age or weight of each child; see kids and car seats.
- Another day out on the same coast: Tarragona, with its Roman amphitheatre by the sea.
With a driver: when it makes sense
A private car or van with a driver takes the whole group from the hotel or the airport to the resort entrance, with child seats on request, and brings you back at the time you choose. QuickPickups, which publishes this guide, sells this service; its booking box is clearly marked on this page. Park tickets are not included.
It makes most sense for families with young children, groups who would otherwise buy several train tickets, and anyone arriving or leaving on a flight the same day.
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.