Arriving in Barcelona

As you can see, we're just three blocks from Plaça Catalunya, the city centre | Airport transfer information

By Plane

Students arriving by plane can either take a taxi directly to their destination (which will cost around €20-25) or alternatively, take the airport bus or train into the city centre. The airport bus-stop is directly outside the international terminal building and the bus is a distinctive royal blue colour. The bus also goes to the Plaza Catalunya, via the Plaza España. It currently costs €4.05 and operates between 07.30 and 22.00.

The airport train station is about 200m from the terminal building. The train stops in Sants Station and also at the station in the Plaza Catalunya. It runs every 30 minutes, in both directions, from 06.00 to 23.00 and currently costs €2.50.

From any of these city centre locations, students can either take the metro, a bus or a taxi to their final destination. Students who have booked accommodation through us will be told the name of the nearest metro station to their accommodation when their booking is confirmed.

By train

Students arriving by train in Barcelona from France may arrive at either Sants Station or the Estación de Francia terminus. From here they can take the metro, a bus or a taxi to their final destination.

By Coach

Most international coach operators stop in the new coach station adjoining Sants Central railway station. From here students can either take the metro, a bus or a taxi to their final destination.

Taxis in Spain are relatively cheap compared to many other countries. A journey from one city location to another will usually cost less than €10.

By Car

Students who choose to drive to Barcelona should not leave any valuables in their car if they are going to leave it unattended; "valuables" include the car radio. Parking in Barcelona can be difficult and expensive. Most of the city's central streets are either no parking zones or metered. Away from the city centre, it is however possible to leave a car parked legally and without charge for up to a maximum of 8 days.

Airport transfers

There are frequent bus and train services from both Barcelona and Girona airports to the city centre. However, we recommend that young students with no knowledge of Spanish take advantage of our airport meeting service on arrival.

Transfers to and from Barcelona airport can be arranged at a cost of €80 each way for 1 person, or €45 each way for 2 or more people.

Transfers to and from Girona airport can be arranged at a cost of €180 each way for 1 person, or €95 each way for 2 or more people.

The prices quoted are for transfers from 08.00 to 22.00 (arrival time at the airport). If the students need a transfer before 8.00 or after 22.00, these prices will be increased by 25%. Prices are available for larger group transfers on request.

Please note that we need the arrival information at least 2 working days before arrival.

Insurance

Note that students are not insured by International House Barcelona against illness, accident, theft or loss of personal effects, and IH can accept no responsibility in the event of such occurrences. Personal insurance coverage is therefore strongly recommended.