How does the metro work in Barcelona?

your local guide to getting around effortlessly

Barcelona is a city that awakens all your senses. From the Mediterranean beaches to the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, from Gaudí’s masterpieces to lively local markets, every corner has something that surprises you.

And if there’s one easy, fast and affordable way to explore it all, it’s definitely the Barcelona metro. It’s the favourite mode of transport for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its efficiency, cleanliness and safety.
At Feelathome, we want to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to explain cómo funciona el metro en Barcelona, with practical tips and insider tricks that only true Barcelonians know.

A metro system that connects the whole city

The Barcelona metro is operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and features 8 main lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9, L10 and L11) with 165 stations spread across the city. Each line has its own colour, making it easy to navigate.

The most useful lines for visitors are:

• L1 (red): runs east to west connects Plaça Catalunya, Arc de Triomf and Glòries.
• L3 (green): great for tourist areas such as Lesseps (Parc Güell) and Liceu (La Rambla).
• L4 (yellow): takes you directly to the beaches Barceloneta and Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica.
• L5 (blue): connects Sagrada Família and Hospital Clínic.

The most central and convenient stations include:

• Plaça Catalunya (L1, L3): the heart of the city.
• Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4): ideal for architecture and shopping.
• Plaça Espanya (L1, L3, L5): gateway to Montjuïc and the Magic Fountain.

If you’re arriving from El Prat Airport, the L9 Sud will take you directly to the city centre in about 30 minutes. You can also use the Aerobús, but the metro is the easiest and most economical option.

Once you understand cómo funciona el metro en Barcelona, you’ll realise you can cross the entire city without ever needing a car or taxi.

How to buy your ticket

Buying a ticket is quick and easy. Every station has multilingual ticket machines (Spanish, English, French, German and Catalan). You can pay by card or cash and receive a cardboard ticket with a magnetic stripe.

A single ticket costs around €2.40 and is valid for 75 minutes, allowing you to combine metro, buses, trams and trains within the same zone.

If you plan to use public transport several times a day, one of these passes will save you time and money:

• T-Casual: 10 personal trips, non-transferable.
• T-Usual: unlimited travel for 30 consecutive days.
• T-Familiar: 8 trips, shareable between travellers.
• T-Jove: discounted pass for under-25s.
• Hola Barcelona Travel Card: unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, including the airport line.

Feelathome tip: for short stays, the Hola Barcelona Card is the smartest choice. You can move freely around the city without worrying about buying separate tickets.

And don’t forget: children under 3 travel for free, and reduced fares are available for children under 16.

Flexible schedules for every traveller

The metro’s wide operating hours make it perfect for every lifestyle — whether you’re an early riser or a night owl.

• Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – midnight
• Fridays and holiday eves: until 2:00 a.m.
• Saturdays: 24-hour service
• Sundays and holidays: until midnight

During the day, trains arrive every 2–3 minutes, and every 8–10 minutes at night.
Even during rush hours (8:00–9:30 a.m. and 6:00–7:30 p.m.), the system remains smooth and efficient.

💡 Local tip: if you’re returning late from dinner or drinks, the metro is the safest and most budget-friendly way back to your apartment.

Accessible, clean and comfortable

Barcelona has invested heavily in making its metro accessible to everyone. More than 90% of stations are adapted for people with reduced mobility — with elevators, ramps, tactile signage and reserved seating.
Newer lines, like the L9, are fully adapted and modern.

Trains and platforms are air-conditioned, well-lit and cleaned several times a day. The experience is safe, quiet and pleasant — exactly what you need after a long day exploring the city.

Travelling with your dog 

Barcelona loves pets — and the metro does too! Dogs are allowed, as long as you follow a few simple rules:

• No travel during rush hour (7:00–9:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. on weekdays).
• Dogs must wear a muzzle and a non-extendable leash.
• Only one dog per person is allowed.

If you’re staying in a pet-friendly Feelathome apartment, you’ll have no trouble exploring the city with your furry friend.

Connections with other public transport

The metro is part of an integrated public transport network. You can use the same ticket for:

• City and intercity buses
• Trams (Trambaix and Trambesòs)
• Commuter trains (Rodalies)
• FGC regional trains (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat)

This means you can easily reach nearby towns like Castelldefels, Sabadell or Terrassa using the same travel card.

Feelathome’s insider tips

1. Download the TMB app for real-time schedules and route info.
2. Avoid rush hours if you want a calmer ride.
3. Use Citymapper or Google Maps — both work perfectly in Barcelona.
4. Keep your ticket until you exit the station; random checks are common.
5. Take advantage of transfers — you can change lines or transport without paying extra.
6. Enjoy the ride! The metro is a slice of local life: musicians, art, and everyday energy.

Safe and relaxed

Barcelona’s metro is one of the safest in Europe. Still, as in any major city, it’s wise to stay alert.
Keep your bag in front of you and hold your phone securely, especially in busy tourist stations such as Sagrada Família, Barceloneta or Plaça Catalunya.

Stations are clean, well-lit and monitored by security staff and cameras. If you ever get lost, locals are famously friendly and happy to help.

The whole city within reach

Once you know cómo funciona el metro en Barcelona, you’ll see the city shrink — everything is suddenly within reach.
You can have breakfast in Gràcia, lunch by the sea in Barceloneta, watch the sunset from Montjuïc and end the night in El Born, all in the same day.

Don’t miss these must-stop stations:

• Sagrada Família (L2, L5) – the city’s icon.
• Parc Güell (L3, Lesseps or Vallcarca) – Gaudí’s masterpiece in nature.
• Camp Nou (L5, Collblanc) – a must for football fans.
• Barceloneta (L4) – where the city meets the sea.
• Diagonal (L3, L5) – perfect for shopping.
• Drassanes (L3) – at the end of La Rambla, near the port.

The metro gives you freedom: move like a local, without limits or stress.

Metro + Feelathome = the perfect combination

Getting around is easy, but finding the right accommodation makes all the difference.
At Feelathome Apartments Barcelona, we offer modern, fully equipped apartments in the best locations — always close to a metro station.

From Feelathome Poblenou Beach by the sea to Feelathome Center Apartments in the heart of the city, all our apartments are designed to make you feel at home.
You’ll enjoy your own kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a comfortable space to relax after a day full of discoveries.

In summary

Now you know cómo funciona el metro en Barcelona: fast, clean, safe and connected to every corner of the city.
All that’s left is to enjoy it!

Book your apartment in Barcelona with Feelathome and experience the comfort of a real home in the heart of the city.
Whether you travel for leisure, work or adventure, with Feelathome, Barcelona becomes your home away from home.