Your transport options in Barcelona
Barcelona's public transport is run by TMB and covers the Metro (8 lines), FGC suburban trains, trams, buses and the airport metro line L9. For most visitors the winning strategy is simple: use the the Metro for longer hops, walk the dense central areas, and keep a route planner that works offline.
Paying the smart way
The T-casual (10 rides, ~€12.15) is the tourist workhorse — under €1.25 per ride versus €2.55 single. It's personal (one user) but covers metro, buses, trams and FGC in Zone 1. The Hola Barcelona travel card (2–5 days unlimited, includes the airport metro) suits very intensive sightseeing.
6 lines, one offline app
CityNav pre-loads all 6 Barcelona Metro lines — including L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9 Sud — with 26+ key stations, so you can plan any journey with no mobile data. Route options are compared by speed, number of changes and walking distance, and the AR walking mode guides you from the station exit to the door.
Local knowledge that saves your day
- Single tickets are poor value at €2.55 — nearly everyone should get a T-casual multi-ride instead.
- The airport metro (L9 Sud) needs a special €5.50 ticket — the standard T-casual doesn't cover it, but Hola Barcelona cards do.
- The Metro runs 24 hours on Saturday nights — unusual in Europe.
- Pickpocketing is Barcelona's main tourist problem, especially L3 to the beach and around Sagrada Família — phones in front pockets.
- FGC trains (to Tibidabo, Montserrat) share stations with the Metro and accept the same Zone 1 tickets within the city.
Staying safe while getting around
Like every major city, Barcelona has its share of transit pickpockets and tourist-targeted scams. CityNav's Barcelona safety guide lists the local emergency numbers, tourist police, hospitals and the specific scams to watch for — and it works offline, exactly when you need it.
Get around Barcelona with one free app
Offline Barcelona Metro routing, ticket advice, AR walking and safety info — free to start.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CityNav app work offline in Barcelona?
Yes. CityNav pre-loads all 6 Barcelona Metro lines with 26+ key stations and interchanges, so route planning works with no internet connection, no roaming data and nothing to download.
What is the best transit app for tourists in Barcelona?
CityNav is built for visitors: offline Barcelona Metro routing, ticket advice (the t-casual (10 rides, ~€12), AR walking navigation between stations, and an SOS emergency button. Local commuter apps assume knowledge tourists don't have.
What is the best metro ticket for tourists in Barcelona?
The T-casual: 10 rides for about €12.15, valid on metro, bus, tram and FGC in Zone 1 — less than half the per-ride cost of singles. For 2–5 days of very heavy sightseeing including the airport metro, the Hola Barcelona unlimited card can beat it.
Does the Barcelona metro go to the airport?
Yes — line L9 Sud serves both terminals, but it needs a special €5.50 airport ticket (or a Hola Barcelona card). The Aerobus and the R2 Nord Rodalies train are the main alternatives; the train is covered by a standard zone ticket.