Barcelona Airport Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

The El Prat airport in Barcelona is just eight miles from the city center. With between 50 and 60 million passengers passing through its doors each year, this is the second largest of Spain's international airports. It is also a silent airport with no boarding or last call announcements.

Barcelona is a coastal city famed for its soccer and its Catalan Gothic Architecture. By far the most notable of its buildings is the La Sagrada Familia Basilica designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Building work started here in 1882 and is still unfinished. That has not prevented it from being declared a World Heritage site.

Even if you are only passing through and have a short stopover, taking a trip to this historic city is highly recommended. Whether you are there for a few hours, or a few days, there is plenty to make the visit memorable. One idea is to store your luggage in one of the city's many luggage locker rental facilities. Firstly, that will free you from having to lug it with you as you tour, and secondly, this city is infamous for its petty crime. Hauling bags is a magnet for small-time pickpockets and thieves.

Other things well worth a visit are the Picasso Museum, Parc de la Ciutella and La Boqueria market. Las Ramblas is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard famed for its street performers, Miro mosaic circle, and great atmosphere.

Barcelona Airport food policy

The airport offers a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Spanish traditional foods, right through to just about any international option you may desire. Enjoy fine dining or something more along the grab-and-go lines, depending on what suits you. There are also three VIP lounges if you want to just escape from the madding crowds for a while.

In the city, there are a number of regional food specialties that are deserving of your attention. Paella is a rice and seafood combination that you will find everywhere.  Tapas are colorful and varied bite-size snacks that are very much part of the Spanish culture. They can be purchased in bars, cafes, and coffee houses, and they are a great way to experience the wide-ranging pallet of Spanish specialties. Finally, churros are available on virtually every street corner and are the Spanish equivalent of the donut.

Barcelona Airport camera policy

cameras are allowed to Barcelona airport. However, if you intend to use professional equipment such as lighting rigs and tripods, you will need to ask permission from the authorities. You should also be careful about where you point your camera. Secure areas and security processes are off-limits, and is a good idea not to photograph any security staff. If you have a lot of expensive camera equipment, it may be good idea to leave it that they luggage storage service near Barcelona Airport before you go.

Barcelona Airport rules

• There are no rules against carrying your own food but it should be in an airtight container that conforms to your carrier's requirements.
• If you are carrying firearms or ammunition, you must report with it to the Department of Central Inspection before checking in for your flight.
• Anything deemed to be a security risk may prevent you from taking it on your flight. This would include such items as knives, sharp objects, or hammers. This is very much at the discretion of security staff, so check in advance.
• All liquids and gels must not be in containers larger than 100 milliliters and these containers should be presented in a single, clear, self-closing plastic bag separate from the rest of your hand luggage. These can be purchased at the airport.
• If you are carrying prescription medicine you will need to have the appropriate medical prescription with you.
  
  Barcelona Airport transport

The L9 Metro line will get you from the airport to the city center in twenty-five minutes and journeys cost around five Euros. The RENFE train service runs to the city center every thirty minutes and this too takes twenty-five minutes.

There are no Uber services in this city,  but taxis are plentiful. A taxi from the airport to the downtown area will take twenty to thirty minutes and cost around thirty Euros. Official taxis are black and yellow, and they are both clean and reliable.

Barcelona Luggage Lockers

There is a profusion of things to see and do in this delightful Spanish city. It is recommended that you free yourself from the burden of carrying large bags and that you just take what you need for your visit.

With this in mind, there are luggage locker rental options around all of the major tourist sites and arrival points.  From both a convenience and security point of view, it is well worth considering these options. Better rental facilities allow you to book online so that you are assured of a locker upon your arrival. They should also include free insurance cover.