Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat (BCN) International Airport is 7 miles from the City Centre.

There are several airport hotels near to Barcelona Airport, to check rates  or make hotel reservations for Barcelona Airport Hotels click on any name.

discounted room rates

Cityotels have special internet rates available for certain hotels and dates, if the hotel participates in this scheme it will be ticked under deal

Hotel	deal	shuttle	dist
Best Western Alfa Airport			2m
Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto			1m
Hesperia Sant Joan Hotel			6m
Alguer			6m
Hotel Fira Palace			5m
Barcelona Cruise terminal Hotels
Grand Marina Hotel			0m
The Hotel Arts Barcelona			1m
Rafael hoteles Diagonal Port			1m

Airport shuttles

Visitors who arrive at Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat (BCN) find that the airport, 12km southwest of the city, is linked by a half-hourly train service. Many trains from the airport also run on to Plaça de Catalunya, a more direct way of reaching the Barri Gòtic. Alternatively, there's the efficient Airbus (Aerobus; Mon-Fri every 15min, Sat-Sun every half-hour; 6/6.30-11;), which departs from outside the terminals on a circular route and runs into the centre via Plaça España, Gran Vía, Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Grácia. An easier way is to avoid the hassle by pre booking an Airport Shuttle

Travel Information

There are frequent flights between Barcelona and most European City but no direct flights from the States and most European Cities. Flying time from the UK is around 2 hours,  from New York, around 9 not counting for stops

Getting Around

Barcelona has an excellent bus and Metro system. A map of the city and transportation systems is essential for ease of travel

Trains:
Estacío de Sants is the city's main train station, for national and some international arrivals. The Estació de França (or Estació Terminal), next to the Parc de la Ciutadella, is the terminal for long-distance Spanish and European express and inter-city trains.
FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Cataluña) travels into the hill country and around the city

Barcelona City Information

Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan and economically active city in Spain, and has always managed to stay ahead or abreast of the latest international trends. This is evident in the architecture, which so accurately reflects the zest for life of this city of vivid colours and boundless energy.

Barcelona is stretched out on a plain next to the Mediterranean sea in the very north of the Spanish coast, bordering France, between the rivers Llobregat and Besos and between two mountains, Collserola and Montjuïc.The result is scenic beauty beyond measure.

Barcelona is steeped in history, as witnessed by the grandeur of its architectural treasures from the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods. During the last century, Antoní Gaudí, led his contemporaries in adding new and exciting strokes to the pallatte as Modernist themes were blended with those of the past. Modernism is characterized by the predominance of curves over straight lines, the richness and detail of decoration, the frequent use of floral motifs, the taste for asymmetry, the use of a refined aestheticism and the dynamism of forms. Checking this list against any building designed or built by Gaudí will have the viewer nodding vigorously in agreement!

Barcelona is a progressive, commercially sophisticated, upper middle class European city, while at the same time being traditionalist and typically Mediterranean. This dichotomy between tradition and progress is a characteristic of the city and of its nearly two million inhabitants. In preparation for the 1992 Olympics 250 acres were cleared along the commercial waterfront, and a total transformation took place. The result was a spectacular five mile long beach and promenade that are now enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. As usual, this ultimate designer city, again reinvented itself.

Wherever you stay in Barcelona, the excellent public transportation system gives easy access to the entire city. A visitor might choose to stay in the old town near the bustling boulevard known as La Rambla within walking distance of centuries old, architecturally splendid buildings. Another choice would be the spacious Eixample district with its wealth of shopping opportunities and fine restaurants.

The three main sightseeing areas of Barcelona are Montjuic which has wonderful views over the surrounding city and countryside, her are also several of the best museums including a fine archaeological museum. Eixample covers the 19th Century area of the city, a walk along its streets will offer views of many modernista style architecture, and The Old Town area which includes the port region and La Rambla which traverses the city, this is one of the most harmonious city centres in Europe.

The Sea front at the end of La Rambla has a mix of the old and new there are trendy shops and restaurants and a modern Marina

Whatever the choice, Barcelonans will be delighted to have you sharing the beauty of their city.

English is not widely spoken and all signs are in Catalan and also in Spanish. However, there are many guided tours of the city and its sights that are available with English speaking guides to see a selection visit travelguide concierge services .

Barcelona has over 50 museums and galleries, many parks and a wide selection of waterfront noteworthy attractions. Modern art lovers shouldn't miss the Contemporary Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum. Barcelona hosts some of the world's greatest classical musicians including Montserrat Caballé and José Carreras. Many contemporary theater and dance companies perform year round. Modern music fans will enjoy the rock, jazz and salsa clubs. The tradition of dance halls also lives on in Barcelona.

Sports enthusiasts will find plenty of action in Barcelona. Sea fishing, hiking, water sports golf and cycling are some of the favorite forms of recreation. Soccer is the national sport and is almost elevated to a religion in Barcelona. Basketball, hockey and handball are also popular team sports that fill the local arenas.

Catalonia is a society, with deep-rooted relationships, in which great importance is given to the family. Children are loved and welcomed. When traveling with children, visitors may prefer a slower pace. One way to spend a relaxing and refreshing family day is to visit The Parc de la Ciutadella which is located near the Old Town and the waterfront. It has shade trees, acres of lawn, a boating lake and Spain's best zoo with over 7,000 animals. Beautiful beaches are within easy reach, and Barcelona also has many fine swimming pools. The weather is mild and sunny most of the year. Gaudí's fairy tale-like buildings, the 200 foot statue of Christopher Columbus pointing out to sea, much of what makes Barcelona so appealing to adults is also inherently appealing to children.

In the shopping districts, the windows display the latest fashions for the very slim, but extravagantly delicious culinary delights are everywhere. Hundreds of restaurants and cafés in every price range are conveniently located in all parts of the city and surrounding area. Crafts, antiques, ceramics, art objects, fashions, books: there is no limit to the wide array of offerings at the shops, markets, and stalls throughout the city.

Festivals and carnivals brighten every season. There is always something to celebrate in Barcelona from the grape harvest in the Fall to the Feast of Santa Eulalia in the winter and the marvelous Terrassa Jazz Festival in the Spring, followed by the summer arts festival and many more.
There is no question that Barcelona seems to have discovered the secret to eternal youth!