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Transport in Barcelona
"Barcelona International Airport" is the main airport of the city, it is located at “El Prat de Llobregat” around 8 miles from Barcelona’s Downtown. This airport is the largest airport of Spain after Madrid’s airport; it handles around 33000000 passengers per year. It is one of the main hubs of the Mediterranean Coast; since, it receives local and international flights, including flights from the main European capitals like London, Berlin, Roma and Paris as well as United States and Asia. You can get a ticket to Barcelona in the main airlines of the world like Iberia, United Airlines, Delta, Air Europa, British Airways, etc.
There are several options to transport from the airport to the city like “Aero Bus” (a bus service) which is available in the airport every 15 minutes from 6:00 to midnight. You can also take the train from the “Prat” train station or a cab from the taxi ranks outside the terminals of the airport.
International Airport of Barcelona
Another option to get Barcelona is by train, you can get connection by train amongst Barcelona and several important European cities like Madrid, London, Milan or Paris. There are several kinds of trains like AVE, ALTARIA, TER, TALGO or the Electrotren; all are very comfortable and fast. The trains are operated by RENFE (Spanish State Railways).
There is also available a long-distance bus service in Spain, but it is not very popular because it is quite slow and uncomfortable. A great way is rent a car; several American car-rental companies like Avis, Hertz or Budget have offices in whole Spain including Barcelona. You require 21 years old, a passport, a credit card and a valid license of driver. You must remember that Spaniards drive on the right side of the road.
You can get Barcelona, also by ferry. There is a ferry service to and from Majorca and Minorca.
Metro of Barcelona
The best mean of transport in the city is the metro, which works with 5 different lines (identified by different colors and an “L” followed by the line number). The metro is available from 5:00 to midnight from Monday to Thursday and from 5:00 to 2:00 at weekend. A trip by metro costs around 1 euro and tickets are checked before boarding; you can buy tickets from the ticket office or the tickets machines at the metro stations (you can also buy ticket valid for several journeys). The metro service in Barcelona is very clean and punctual and has air-conditioned.
There is also a suburban train service known as FCG (Ferrrocarriles de la Generalitat de Catalunya) which has 2 lines. It is available from 5:45 to midnight from Monday to Thursday and from 5:50 to 2:15 at weekend. A trip costs also 1 euro. If you want to reach the top of “Montjuic” or “Tibidabo”, a great option is the funicular. This vehicle takes you up to the summit where the Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart) church and “Parc d’Attraccions” can be found; the prices of the funicular tickets are very reasonable.
Bicing Service
The urban bus service of Barcelona is another option to transport in the city, but, it is much slower due to the big traffic. Nevertheless, the bus network is very extensive with around 70 lines that cross the entire city. The prices of the trips by bus vary depending on the distance and the route, but the average price is 1 euro.
Another good option is rent a bike or a motorcycle. Both vehicles are very popular in Barcelona. In March 2007 Barcelona’s "City Council" started the “Bicing Service”, a bicycle service understood as a public transport. There are around 100 stations where you can get a bicycle; you only need to buy a user card.
Finally, taxis are also very efficient and comfortable in Barcelona. They are black or yellow and show a green light, when they are available to hire. Taxis are not too expensive (for European standards); a trip within the city center usually costs around 7 euros.
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Spanish in Barcelona
Spanish in Spain
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