How to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to La Sagrada Família

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Spain · Urban & Cultural · Barcelona · Barcelona El Prat Airport · La Sagrada Família

Getting from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) to La Sagrada Família is easy by metro (cheapest), airport train + metro (fewest transfers from T2), the Aerobús + short metro hop, or a door-to-door taxi/transfer. Pick based on your arrival terminal, luggage, and budget—step-by-steps and map links below.

At A Glance (Barcelona El Prat Airport to La Sagrada Família)

Mode Duration Best For
🚇 Metro L9 Sud + L5 (or L2) ~45–60m (T1/T2 → Sagrada Família) Cheapest, frequent service
🏷️ Cost: ~€5–€6 (airport metro fare or integrated pass) » TMB metro lines
🚆 Rodalies R2 Nord (T2) + Metro L5 ~40–55m (incl. transfer at Clot-Aragó) Fewer stops from Terminal 2
🏷️ Cost: ~€5–€6 (integrated ticket/pass) » Rodalies (RENFE) Barcelona
🚌 Aerobús (A1/A2) + Metro L2 ~55–70m (T1/T2 → Catalunya/Universitat → Sagrada) Easy luggage space, city drop
🏷️ Cost: Aerobús ~€6–€7 + metro fare » Aerobús official
🚖 Taxi / Ride-App / Welcome Pickups ~25–40m (traffic-dependent) Door-to-door with heavy bags
🏷️ Cost: ~€35–€45 typical meter to Eixample; prebooked varies » Welcome Pickups | GetTransfer quotes
🚌 City Bus 46 (to Plaça Espanya) + Metro ~65–85m Cheapest with time to spare
🏷️ Cost: ~€2–€3 (integrated fare) » TMB bus lines

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Tickets & passes: Barcelona uses integrated fares (T-casual, T-usual, etc.). Airport metro stations have a specific fare unless using certain passes/cards—check machines on arrival.
  • Contactless: Many barriers accept contactless bank cards/phones; Aerobús sells tickets online or at the stop.
  • Luggage storage: If you want to visit first then check in, stash bags near the center via Radical Storage Barcelona.
  • Skip-the-line for Sagrada: Popular time slots sell out; reserve entry on GetYourGuide or Klook.
  • Ride-hail options: Taxis are plentiful; Cabify/FreeNow operate. For meet-and-greet, compare Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.

🚇 Option #1 — Metro L9 Sud + L5 to Sagrada Família (Cheapest & Frequent)

Budget Every ~7–10m One transfer

  • Overview: From BCN Terminal 1 or 2, take Metro L9 Sud → Collblanc, transfer to L5 (blue) → Sagrada Família. Elevators/escalators available at most stations.
  • How to book (with price): Buy from machines at the airport stations; cost ~€5–€6 (or included in some passes). See TMB Metro lines.
  • Pros: Reliable, cheap, no traffic. Cons: One transfer with luggage; trains can be busy at peak times.

Step-by-step: Metro L9 Sud + L5

  1. Follow signs in T1/T2 for Metro (L9 Sud). Buy an integrated ticket/pass at the machines.
  2. Board L9 Sud toward Zona Universitària; ride to Collblanc.
  3. Transfer to L5 (blue) toward Vall d’Hebron; alight at Sagrada Família (station exits face the basilica).
  4. If staying nearby, walk to your hotel or hop a short taxi.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Metro & Collblanc)

  • Airport stations: Signed from Arrivals at both T1 and T2.
  • Transfer: Collblanc has clear wayfinding to L5 platforms.
  • Official site: TMB Metro
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — Rodalies R2 Nord (T2) + Metro L5 (Fewest Stops)

Fast from T2 Good with luggage T1 shuttle needed

  • Overview: From Terminal 2 train station (walkway from T2; free shuttle from T1), take R2 Nord → Clot-Aragó. Transfer to Metro L5 → Sagrada Família.
  • How to book (with price): Buy integrated tickets at T2 station (~€5–€6). Timetables: Rodalies Barcelona. Metro lines: TMB.
  • Pros: Fewer stops; easy transfer at Clot. Cons: Only from T2 (or shuttle from T1).

Step-by-step: R2 Nord + L5

  1. From T2, follow signs to Rodalies/RENFE station; from T1, take the free green airport shuttle to T2.
  2. Board R2 Nord toward city, alight at Clot-Aragó.
  3. Follow signs to Metro L5 (blue) and ride two stops to Sagrada Família.
  4. Exit toward the basilica; most exits lead directly to the church square.

Getting to the main embarking points (T2 Train & Clot-Aragó)

  • T2 station: Connected by covered walkway; elevators available.
  • Clot-Aragó: Direct interchange with Metro L1/L5; clear signage.
  • Official sites: RodaliesTMB
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Aerobús (A1/A2) + Metro L2 (Most Luggage Space)

Easy with bags Frequent One change

  • Overview: Take Aerobús A1 (T1) / A2 (T2) to Plaça Catalunya or Plaça Universitat. Switch to Metro L2 (purple) directly to Sagrada Família.
  • How to book (with price): Aerobús ~€6–€7 one-way; buy at the stop or online. See Aerobús official. Metro ticket needed for L2 (or travel card).
  • Pros: Dedicated airport bus with luggage racks. Cons: Slightly longer than train/metro combos.

Step-by-step: Aerobús + L2

  1. From T1/T2, follow signs to the Aerobús stop; board A1 (T1) or A2 (T2) to Universitat/Catalunya.
  2. At Plaça Universitat, enter the metro and take L2 (purple) toward Badalona Pompeu Fabra.
  3. Alight at Sagrada Família; follow exits to the basilica.
  4. Keep your Aerobús ticket handy for inspections en route.

Getting to the main embarking points (Aerobús stops & Universitat)

  • Airport stops: Just outside each terminal with clear signage and ticket machines.
  • Universitat/Catalunya: Central interchanges with easy access to L2.
  • Official site: Aerobús
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #4 — Taxi / Ride-App / Welcome Pickups (Door-to-Door)

No transfers 24/7 Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Official taxis queue outside Arrivals; ride-apps (Cabify/Free Now) operate in the city. Prebooked meet-and-greet services are also available.
  • How to book (with price): Typical meter to Sagrada Família area ~€35–€45. For fixed pricing/child seats, compare Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Fastest door-to-door, great with heavy luggage. Cons: Costs more than public transport; rush hour can slow.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-App

  1. Exit Arrivals and follow signs to the Taxi rank or app pickup area.
  2. Share your destination as “La Sagrada Família” (C/ de Mallorca 401); confirm route and fare estimate.
  3. Pay by card/cash; many drivers accept contactless.
  4. Get dropped at the basilica square or your nearby hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourt & Basilica)

  • Airport: Taxi ranks at both T1 and T2; meet-and-greet services inside Arrivals.
  • Basilica area: Drop-off zones around the Sagrada Família square; short walks to entrances.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #5 — City Bus 46 + Metro (Cheapest, Unhurried)

Low cost Frequent Slower overall

  • Overview: Bus 46 from T1/T2 to Plaça Espanya, then Metro L1 or L3 + transfer to L2 or L5 for Sagrada Família.
  • How to book (with price): Use the same integrated ticket/pass (~€2–€3 per ride or included in pass). See TMB Bus lines.
  • Pros: Very cheap; many departures. Cons: Multiple transfers; traffic along Gran Via.

Step-by-step: Bus 46 + Metro

  1. From T1/T2, board Bus 46 to Plaça Espanya.
  2. Enter the metro and ride L1 (red) to Universitat, then switch to L2 (purple) to Sagrada Família. (Alternative: L3 to Diagonal → L5 one stop.)
  3. Exit at Sagrada Família and follow signs to the basilica.
  4. Validate integrated tickets at each leg if required.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus stops & Espanya)

  • Airport 46 stops: Clearly signed at both terminals.
  • Plaça Espanya: Major hub with L1/L3 metro and escalators/elevators.
  • Official site: TMB Bus
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Barcelona El Prat Airport to La Sagrada Família)

Which is the absolute simplest route?
From T2, the R2 Nord train to Clot-Aragó then L5 is simple and fast; from T1 or T2, L9 Sud + L5 is the cheapest no-hassle choice.

Can I buy tickets with a phone?
Yes—card/contactless often works at metro barriers and Aerobús machines. Otherwise, use station kiosks for integrated passes.

How long should I allow from landing?
Plan 60–90 minutes from Arrivals to the basilica by public transport, or ~25–40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.

Where exactly do I exit at Sagrada Família?
Use the exits signed “Sagrada Família/Pl. de la Sagrada Família”—you’ll emerge by the Nativity Facade park.

Any storage near the church?
Yes, find short-term options via Radical Storage Barcelona around Eixample/Gràcia.

Can I tour Sagrada immediately?
Slots sell out—reserve in advance on GetYourGuide or Klook.