Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Guide, Facilities & Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants

When you are traveling to and from Barcelona-El Prat Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain

Situated southwest of the Barcelona city center, lies the second-largest airport in Spain, the Barcelona-El Prat airport, which is also called Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Barcelona city is in the autonomous region of Catalan in Spain and is also a major tourist destination.

IATA: BCN

Address:
08820 El Prat de Llobregat
Barcelona, Spain

Airport Contact: (+34) 913 211 000

Website: http;//www.aena.es

Operation Hours: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

Airport Terminals

Barcelona-El Prat Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 is new, modern, and easy to navigate. It handles several flights, including the ones flying to European and other International destinations. Terminal 2, on the other hand, has three sections, or separate buildings, which are Terminals 2 A (T2A), B (T2B), and C (T2C), respectively. T2B and T2C mostly cater to low-cost carriers.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

Parking at Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Barcelona-El Part Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available between Terminals T1 and T2. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport.

These consist of General, First-Class, Open-Air, Long-Stay, Express, VIP, and Corporate Aviation parking areas, as well as special zones for motorcycles. The main parking areas are connected to the terminals via air bridges. Also, parking tickets are issued automatically when vehicles stop in front of the barrier.

Barcelona Airport parking is one of the largest spaces for vehicle parking which is around 19 thousand of which about 11thousand is in terminal 1 and almost around 8 to 9 thousand spaces between terminal 1 and terminal 2 which is distributed between the parking building and the surface area.

Terminal T1 has a different parking lot here we are going to discuss it.

Parking ExpressT1: This parking lot gives 15min free parking for the drop-off after that you must have to pay for the parking according to the rates set by the parking authority. It is situated on the departure side of terminal T1. This parking lot has a capacity of 95 spaces for car parking. Always keep in mind that after 15 minutes other parking is cheaper than this parking because they charge heavily when the 16th minute started.

Car Park General T1: This parking lot has very near terminal T1 anyone can connect to the terminal on their feet. It means you can get connected by the walkway to terminal T1. This parking lot has much more space for car parking it is around 9298 spaces.

Open-Air Car Park T1: It is located behind the parking building which is an uncovered area for parking your vehicle and the space for parking is around 1600. Here the maximum height of the vehicle permitted by the authority is not more than 2.20 meters.

Preferential Car Park T1: This car parking Lot has directly accessible to the customers for terminal T1 so the charges for car parking is also higher than other. This car parking lot is situated on the 2nd floor of the General Parking T1.

Rates for the Lots

Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Airlines Served at Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Barcelona-El Prat Airport serves many domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that are served at the airport’s Terminal 1 include:

Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Algerie, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air Nostrum, Alitalia, American Airlines, Arkia Israeli Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Avianca, BA Cityflyer, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Croatia Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, EgyptAir, El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM, LEVEL, LOT, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Rossiya Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Flight, Royal Jordanian, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, S7 Airlines, TAP Portugal, Tarom, Transavia, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines, United Airlines, and Vueling.

Airlines that are served at the airport’s Terminal 2 include:

Aer Lingus, Air Arabia Maroc, Air Armenia, Air Serbia, Air Transat, Azur Air, Belavia, Blue Air, Blue Bird, Bulgaria Air, EasyJet, Enter Air, Eurowings, Evelop, Georgian Airways, Jet2, Laudamotion, Luxair, Mahan Air, Nesma Airlines, Nile Air, Norwegian, PIA Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Rossiya Airlines, Ryanair, SkyUp Airlines, SmartWings, Sunday, Transavia, Ural Airlines and Wizz Air.

Facilities and Services Available at Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Barcelona-El Prat airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of Terminals 1 and 2. If you are still not satisfied with the resolution then you can call on the Helpline number (+34) 913 21 10 00.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you need to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. There are in total twelve charging units distributed throughout the two terminals for charging electronic devices, like mobile phones and laptops. Each unit provides 6 lockers that can hold mobile phones and mp3 players. These are located at the food court and Sky Center in Terminal 1 and between modules 1 and 3 in Terminal 2. The airport also offers 10 workstations in both terminals and is equipped with charging plugs for all devices.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. Left Luggage Office provides paid locker facilities and luggage storage services at the airport. Fees may range from €6 ($6.76 USD) to €9 ($10.14 USD) per bag or item (depending on the size) for the first two hours. Fees may then increase from €10 ($11.26 USD) to €15 ($16.90 USD) per bag or item per 24-hour period. Discounts are also offered for multiple bags/items stored per transaction and for any item or bag stored for eight days or more. It is located on T1, Ground Floor (24-hour location) and T2B, landside, Check-In Hall, Ground Floor. The facility offers services from 6 am to 10 pm.

Luggage Wrapping:
SecureBag offers luggage wrapping services at the airport. Bags are wrapped in plastic to protect them from theft and damage. It is located in T1, landside, Check-In Hall, 3rd Floor, and T2B, landside, Check-In Hall, Ground Floor.

Luggage Trolleys:
Luggage carts are available at the airport for free. These can be found in parking lots, and check-in, arrival, and departure areas. There are also luggage trolleys equipped with Maxi-Cosi child seats, which can be availed on request from the Information Desk.

Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Centre

At Barcelona-El Prat Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at Barcelona Airport are:

Sala Pau Casals:
The lounge is located on the airside of Terminal 1. It is available to Schengen and Domestic flight passengers only. Showers are also available. Access to this lounge is via pay-at-the-door and lounge membership programs.

Sala Joan Miro: The lounge is located on the airside of Terminal 1, towards Gate D. It is available to passengers of Non-Schengen flights only. Showers are also available. Access to the lounge is via pay-at-the-door and lounge membership programs.

Sala CIP Canudas:
The lounge is located on the airside of Terminal 2, near Gate B and opposite Gates 30-39. Access to the lounge is via pay at the door. The lounge is now closed for renovation.

Sala VIP Colomer:
This premium VIP lounge is located on the airside of Terminal 1, near Barcelona-Madrid Shuttle Area. Access to this lounge is via pay-at-the-door and lounge membership programs.

Business Centre:
This multi-purpose room is also run by the same company that operates the Sala VIP Colomer lounge. It has 5 board rooms; 5 offices, a fitness area with a gym, changing room and shower, and resting units with a bed, shower, or full bathroom. It is located on the 1st Floor of Terminal 1.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located in the Boarding areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Availability of Cafe, Bar, and Restaurants at Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions have been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. These include:

Landside of Terminal 1:
A few food concessions include Caffe di Fiore (Arrivals, 1st Floor), La Tramoia (Arrivals, 1st Floor), and Lizarran (Arrivals, 1st Floor).

Airside of Terminal 1:
Food concessions found here include Caffe di Fiore (Boarding Area C, 1st Floor), Coffee Republic (Shopping Center, 1st Floor), and Santamaria (Shopping Center, 1st Floor).

Landside of Terminal 2:
Here, you will find Caffe di Fiore (Arrivals, Floor 0) and Pans & Company (Departure Area, 2nd Floor).

Other Amenities Available at Barcelona-El Prat Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Chapel and Prayer Room:

There are two chapels located at the landside, La Plaza, 1st Floor of Terminal 1. The chapels are open from 6 am to 10:30 pm.

Pharmacy:

Farmacia is a pharmacy that sells medicinals at the airport. It is located on the landside and Departures, the 3rd Floor of Terminal 1 (open from 6 am till 9:30 pm), and landside and Departures, Ground Floor of Terminal 2 (open from 9 am till 8:30 pm).

Postal Services:

Postboxes are available at the airport. These can be found on the 3rd Floor of Terminal 1 and on the ground floor of Terminal 2B.

Children’s Play Area:

The airport offers play zones for children. These are located on the north and south 3rd Floor of Terminal 1 and 1st Floor of Terminal 2.

Strollers:

Luggage trolleys at the airport are equipped with Maxi-Cosi child seats and can come in handy for families traveling with children. These trolleys are available on request at the information desk. These are located in P1, Sky Center of Terminal 1, and P1 and Boarding area of Terminal 2.

ATM:

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located in the airside and landside areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Currency Exchange Counter:

The currency used in Spain is the euro (EUR). Currency exchange counters are available at the airport and the service is offered by Global Exchange. It is located in several areas throughout the terminals. These are T1, landside, Check-In Hall, 3rd Floor; T1, airside, 3rd Floor, Boarding Area D (non-Schengen); T1, airside, 1st Floor, Sky Center (Schengen); T1, landside, 1st Floor, Baggage Claim Hall; T2A, landside, Floor 0, Arrivals Hall; T2B, landside, Ground Floor, Baggage Claim Hall; T2C, landside, Ground Floor, Forecourt and T2, airside, 1st Floor, Boarding Areas U-W.

Banking Services:

Banking facilities are available at the airport. CaixaBank offers full-service banking and currency exchange. It is located in La Plaza, 1st Floor of Terminal 1 (open from 7:30 am till 10 pm daily, year-round) and Arrivals Hall, Ground Floor of Terminal 2B (open from 7:30 am till 8:30 pm daily, year-round).

Hotels On-site and Nearby Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Barcelona-El Prat Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Spain.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Sleep & Fly Barcelona:
This on-site hotel is located on the 1st Floor in Terminal 1. It offers one suite and nine rooms, each equipped with a double bed, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, telephone, slippers, and robe. The rooms can be booked for day use (3-6 hours) between 10 am and 6 pm or overnight.

Air Rooms Barcelona:
It is located on the landside of Terminal 1, at the Business Centre, next to the Barcelona-Madrid corridor. It is open 24/7 throughout the year.

TRYP Barcelona Aeropuerto:
It is located just 3 minutes from the airport. This is the closest hotel to the airport. It also offers free 24-hour airport shuttle bus services that operate between the hotel, T1, and T2.

BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel:
The hotel is located just 5 minutes from the airport. It also offers free 24-hour airport shuttle bus services that operate in a frequency of 20 to 30 minutes between the hotel and the airport all year round.

Salles Hotel Ciutat del Prat:
The hotel is located about 8 minutes from the airport. It also offers a free shuttle service that departs every 30 minutes.

Best Western Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto:
The hotel is located about 10 minutes from the airport. It offers a free shuttle service that operates from 5 am to 12:30 pm only.

Transport Options To and From Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Getting to and from Barcelona-El Prat Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. Several ground transportation options are available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Barcelona-El Prat airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. Bus stands are located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. From Terminal 1 or 2, the Aerobus A1 and Aerobus A2 travel 35 minutes to the city center with strategic stops along the way. From Terminals 1 and 2, Line 46 connects to the plaza de España de Barcelona through El Prat de Llobregat and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

Train and Metro Services

A commuter train services areas between the airport, Barcelona, and various parts of Catalonia, such as El Prat de Llobregat, and Granollers. The estimated travel time to Passeig de Gràcia is 27 minutes, with El Prat de Llobregat only 6 minutes away. The North Line R2 arrives and departs at a frequency of 30 minutes.

L9 Sud metro line connects the airport (with stops at each terminal) to Zona Universitària, stopping at Fira, Parc Logístic, and Mercabarna.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found opposite terminal T1, Barcelona-Madrid Corridor, and terminals T2 A and T2 B arrivals areas.

Car Hire/Rental Service

You can hire a car at Barcelona-El Prat Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars for hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Goldcar, Hertz, InterRent, and Thrifty.

Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Barcelona-El Prat airport, ride-sharing services are also offered.

Traveling to and from Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.