Traveling from an airport to your destination can be complicated. Not so in Barcelona, thanks to the airport shuttle bus. Read on for schedules, fares and advice.

Aeroport de Barcelona is just ten kilometres from the city centre, meaning transfer is quick and simple. An easy and affordable option is the Aerobus; even the first time visitor will have no trouble making the journey.

There are three airport transfer options to choose from:

• Aerobus (airport shuttle bus)
• Taxi
• Train

The best option for you depends on your budget and how far you are prepared to walk between your drop-off point and your accommodation.

If there are four of you traveling to accommodation outside the city centre, a taxi may be the more attractive option. A taxi from the airport to Barcelona will cost up to 25€ ($37) but it does have the advantage of taking you direct to your destination.

The train is a cheaper option than the Aerobus, though it takes several minutes walking to reach the terminal at the airport and transfer to the city will take longer.

Barcelona has an extensive underground system - the Metro - but it does not reach as far as the airport.

Where to Find the Aerobus

The Aerobus picks up directly outside each terminal. Don't be confused by any coaches parked up nearby - the Aerobus has a distinctive blue and white livery and picks up from the glazed shelter at the roadside.

Aerobus Schedule

The service is very frequent during the day, so you'll never be waiting more than a few minutes. However the service is also very popular, so you may have to queue and take the next bus. The service runs daily at the following times:

Airport to Placa Catalunya

Monday to Friday, 0600 to 0000

Saturday to Sunday, 0630 to 0000

Placa Catalunya to Airport

Monday to Friday, 0530 to 2315

Saturday to Sunday, 0600 to 1315

Placa Catalunya is a broad, lively square at the heart of Barcelona, located at the head of the city's most famous promenade, La Rambla. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the city and region.

Despite what the guidebooks might say, the journey between the airport and Placa Catalunya can be a breeze. Through the day and in the evenings when there's less traffic, the trip can take just 20 minutes, though expect that to double at rush hour.

You may want to be dropped off at other points on the Aerobus route, and this will take longer. Whereas it is essentially a straight road from the airport to Place Catalunya, other stops – Sants railway station in the west of Barcelona, for example – mean cutting across and through the city. This is also the route the Aerobus follows for the return journey, and it can take up to 45 minutes if traffic is poor.

How Much Does the Aerobus Cost?

A single journey on the Aerobus costs 4.05€ ($6) per person. At each airport terminal there is an automatic ticket dispenser, though it's frequently smothered in shrugging tourists. Avoid the scrum by purchasing your ticket from the driver - the correct change is preferred though a 5€ or 10€ note won't be frowned upon.

On your return to the airport, there is a member of staff selling tickets at the bus stop in Placa Catalunya, otherwise you can pay the driver on board.

Where Does the Aerobus Go?

From the airport, the Aerobus stops at:

• Placa Espanya
• Gran Via - Urgell
• Placa Universitat
• Placa Catalunya
• Pg. Gracia Diputacio
• A. Roma - Urgell
• Estacio de Sants (Sants train station)

The Aerobus then returns to Placa Espanya (picking up from the opposite side at Creu Coberta) before returning to the aiport.