How do you travel by subway in Barcelona?

March 17, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The subway in Barcelona is the fastest and easiest way to travel around the city. But how exactly does it work? No worries! In this blog we explain step by step how to use the metro so you can travel around the city without stress.

The subway in Barcelona: getting around the city quickly and easily

The subway in Barcelona is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city. With an extensive network of 11 lines and more than 160 stops, you can reach virtually every corner of the city without walking long distances.

Each subway line has its own color and number, making it easy to find your route. Eight lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9, L10 and L11) are managed by TMB, while the remaining three (L6, L7 and L8), known as the “Metro del Vallès,” are under FGC. The latter are more like trains, but you can just travel on them with a normal metro ticket.

In short, the subway in Barcelona is fast, efficient and a perfect way to travel around the city during your city break.

Which subway line do you need in Barcelona?

Barcelona has an extensive subway network, but not all lines are convenient for tourists. Want to get to the main attractions quickly and easily? Here is an overview of the most convenient subway lines and what you can reach with them.

L1 (Red line) – Perfect for tourists! This line goes right through the center and stops at La Rambla, Plaça Catalunya, Plaça d’Espanya and the Olympic Stadium.

L2 (Purple Line) – Ideal for getting to iconic spots such as dhe Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gràcia (Casa Batlló) and the cable car to Montjuïc to get there.

L3 (Green Line) – Connects popular neighborhoods and takes you to Camp Nou, Plaça Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), among others.

L4 (Yellow line) – Convenient if you are staying near the beach. Also perfect for visiting Park Güell, Passeig de Gràcia and the lively neighborhoods of Gràcia and Eixample.

L5 (Blue line) – Runs through Sants-Montjuïc and Eixample, stops at the FC Barcelona stadium and is a convenient option for a trip to Montjuïc.

L9 Nord (Orange Line) – Goes through the north of the city, but has few well-known landmarks.

L9 Sud (Orange line) – The ideal line to travel to and from the airport.

Where do you buy a subway ticket in Barcelona?

subway tickets are easily purchased from the ticket machines at any metro station, identified by the “venda de tiquets” sign. You can set the language to English and pay with cash or a debit card. Note that the machine only returns change, so large bills are not recommended.

In addition to vending machines, you can also buy subway tickets for the Barcelona subway at tobacco stores (tabacos) and kiosks around the city.

Unlimited subway travel in Barcelona: the Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Want to travel on public transportation without the hassle? Then opt for the Hola Barcelona Travel Card! With this handy card you can travel unlimited throughout the city on buses, streetcars and of course the subway in Barcelona.

The card is available for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days and also provides access to the cable cars to Montjuïc. This way you move quickly and easily to all the sights without buying new tickets each time. Ideal for a worry-free city trip!

Barcelona subway opening hours: when can you travel?

The subway in Barcelona runs almost 24 hours a day, so you always have a quick and easy way to get around the city.

1. Monday through Thursday: 05:00 – 00:00
2. Friday & evenings before holidays: 05:00 – 02:00
3. Saturday: from 05:00 and all night
4. Sunday: until 00:00

Thanks to these wide opening hours, you can use the subway to discover Barcelona any time of the day (and night)!

Which zones do you need for the subway in Barcelona?

Public transportation in Barcelona is divided into several zones, but for most travelers, zones 1 and 2 are sufficient. These zones cover the center, the nicest neighborhoods and the main attractions.

With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can not only get unlimited metro travel in Barcelona, but also regional train, city train and cable cars.

Is the subway in Barcelona safe for tourists?

Yes, the subway in Barcelona is generally safe for tourists. During your ride, you may sometimes encounter buskers or beggars, but you are never obliged to give them money. Most travelers simply ignore them.

As in any big city, it is always good to watch your belongings, especially at busy stations and in crowded subways. As long as you travel consciously, the subway is a fast and safe way to get around Barcelona!

Are there elevators at the subway in Barcelona?

Many subway stations in Barcelona have elevators, especially the larger and newer stations. This makes the subway accessible for wheelchair users, strollers and travelers with heavy luggage.
Not all older stations have elevators, so it is useful to plan your route in advance. You can see which stations are accessible on the TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) website or app.

Are you traveling on the L9 Sud to or from the airport? All stations on this line have elevators!

Our experience with the subway in Barcelona: fast, easy and inexpensive

Every time we visit Barcelona, the Barcelona subway is our favorite way to get around. The network is well-organized, the subways run frequently and you get to the most beautiful sights in no time.

Our tip? Use the Hola Barcelona Travel Card! With it you can travel unlimited and you don’t have to keep buying separate tickets. This way you save time, money and you can enjoy everything Barcelona has to offer.

5 handy tips for using the subway in Barcelona

Want to travel by subway in Barcelona without hassle? With these handy tips, you’ll know exactly how to use the metro smartly and efficiently!

1️. Buy the right ticket

For a short trip, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card is ideal. It allows you unlimited travel on public transport and saves you money on single tickets.

2️. Watch your stuff

As in any big city, pickpockets occur. Keep a close eye on your bag, especially at busy stations and in crowded subways.

3️. Use Google Maps or the TMB app

These apps show you exactly which subway line to take and where to transfer. Convenient and stress-free!

4️. Step into the middle of the train

The middle subway cars are often less crowded than those at the station entrances. Thus, you travel more comfortably.

5️. Avoid rush hours

Between 08:00 – 10:00 and 18:00 – 20:00 the subway is very busy. Travel outside these times if you want a relaxing ride.

These tips will help you travel around Barcelona by subway easily and stress-free!

Special offers for a city trip to Barcelona

Are you planning a city trip to Barcelona Barcelona and want to visit the most beautiful sights and attractions? Then take advantage of these special offers and make the most of your trip.