Barcelona is truly one of the most captivating cities in the world. From art and beaches to gourmet cuisine, shopping, and scenic walks, it offers the full spectrum of European charm all in one place. It’s a destination where you can feel the essence of Europe in just a single city.
Many travelers planning a trip to Barcelona tend to book accommodations and research public transportation options in advance.
However, there are also plenty of spontaneous travelers who arrive with just a hotel reservation and no set plans. Often, when they try to buy public transport tickets at the airport, they’re surprised by the high prices and wonder, "Why didn’t I book in advance to get a discount?"
But don’t worry — even if you didn’t plan ahead, there’s still a way to get discounted transportation cards right on the spot. And I’m going to show you exactly how to do it.
Barcelona Public Transportation Card Prices (as of 2025)
As of January 2025, public transportation fares in Barcelona have increased by approximately 3%. Here are the updated prices for major travel cards
● T-casual: A 10-trip card that allows up to 3 transfers within 75 minutes per journey. Price: €12.55.
● T-usual: A personal monthly pass offering unlimited travel for 30 days. The regular price is €40, but it is currently available at a discounted rate of approximately €22. Unlimited transfers are allowed during the valid period.
● T-familiar: A multi person card valid for 8 trips within 30 days. Ideal for families or groups, it allows up to 3 transfers within 75 minutes per journey. Price: €11.05.
● Single Ticket: A one-way ticket without transfer options. Price: €2.65.
Additionally, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, designed for tourists, offers unlimited travel on public transport. Prices are as follows
● 2-day pass: €18.10
● 3-day pass: €26.30
● 4-day pass: €34.40
● 5-day pass: €42.10
You can choose the option that best fits your travel plans.
Please note: Both the regular travel cards and the Hola Barcelona card do not include the Aerobús (airport express bus). To travel to and from the airport, you can use the Rodalies RENFE train, city buses, or the metro instead.
Things to Know Before Getting a Transportation Card
Even if you're joining guided tours, you’ll almost certainly need to use public transport at least once during your stay. So, it's highly recommended to get a transportation card in advance.
● Zones
- Barcelona’s public transportation system is divided into fare zones ranging from Zone 1 to Zone 6. The city center and most major tourist attractions are located in Zone 1, which is usually sufficient for most travelers.
● Transfers
- Time Limit: With T-casual and T-familiar cards, transfers are only allowed within 75 minutes from the first validation.
- Same Line Restriction: Return or consecutive rides on the same line are not considered transfers. For example, if you ride the same bus line twice in a row, each ride will be counted separately.
- Ticket Validation: You must validate your ticket every time you board a bus, tram, or enter a metro station—even when transferring.
How to Purchase Public Transportation Cards in Barcelona, Spain
In my case, I stayed in Barcelona for 4 days and 3 nights before heading to the UK. Since I planned to explore many places around the city during my stay, I chose the 72-hour unlimited travel ticket (3-day Hola Barcelona card), which allowed me to move around freely without worrying about transfers.
As mentioned earlier, it's best to choose the transportation card that fits your travel schedule and style. Whether you're staying for a couple of days or planning to move around a lot, there's a pass that matches your needs.
1. Online Purchase
● Official Website: You can purchase the Hola Barcelona Travel Card directly from the official website.
● Travel Agencies & Ticket Platforms: It’s also available through various global and Korean travel platforms such as Klook, Interpark Tour, MyRealTrip, and WAUG. These platforms offer Korean language support and flexible payment options, which can be convenient for international travelers.
2. On-site Purchase
● Metro Station Ticket Machines: You can buy the card directly at automated ticket machines located in most Barcelona metro stations. Simply select the “Hola Barcelona Travel Card” option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
● Airport Sales Points: Cards are also available at the metro station or information desks inside Barcelona El Prat Airport.
In my case, I purchased the card online through Klook Travel. Online purchases are usually a bit cheaper than buying on-site. Once you complete the payment, a ticket code is immediately sent to your email. So, when you arrive at the airport in Barcelona, there’s no need to worry—you can just scan your code at the machine and print your ticket right away.
How to Pick Up and Use Your Barcelona Public Transport Card
I purchased the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, and to collect it, you need to find the red ticket machine located near the ticket gates inside any metro station.
Once you're at the machine:
1. Choose the type of card you purchased.
2. Enter the verification code that was sent to your email.
3. Tap “Veure bitllets” (which means “See tickets”).
4. Then press “Imprimir bitllet” to print your card.
In my case, I headed to my accommodation by taking Bus No. 46 from the airport. Just follow the signs outside the terminal—you’ll find the bus stop easily.
A quick tip about Barcelona buses:
They work a bit differently from buses in Korea. Don’t tag your transport card on the reader next to the driver. Instead, look for the card validator that’s just beside or behind that—it looks a little different. That’s where you insert or scan your ticket.
Also, depending on the bus, you might need to press a stop button, just like in Korea, or you might have to press a button on the door to get off. Same goes for the metro—some train doors don’t open automatically, so make sure to press the button on the door when the train stops.
Throughout this trip, I visited Barcelona, London, and Manchester.
When it comes to prices, transportation, food, and accommodation, I found Barcelona to be the most affordable and enjoyable overall.
That said, safety and public manners were definitely better in the UK. In Spain—especially in Barcelona—you really need to be careful about pickpockets. Avoid groups of people who approach you too friendly or offer help with directions. Always stay alert.
Thanks for reading this post, and I hope you have a smooth and wonderful trip!
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