You've landed at Barcelona El Prat Airport, it's past 10pm, and your hotel is somewhere in the middle of the city. The good news: BCN airport has solid night transport, and unlike a lot of European cities, you won't be choosing between a two-hour wait and a ruinous cab fare. The Aerobus runs all night, two Nitbus routes wind into the city centre, and the taxi queue is mercifully short after dark.
The right choice depends on which terminal you arrive at, what time you land, how much luggage you're carrying, and how quickly you need to reach your hotel. Arriving during the day? Our full guide to Barcelona Airport transport covers the metro, train, and all daytime options too.
Aerobus: Direct from Barcelona Airport to the City, Every 20 Minutes All Night
The Aerobus is the easiest airport transfer for most night arrivals, and it runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Line A1 connects Terminal 1 to Plaça Catalunya, and line A2 does the same from Terminal 2. Between midnight and 5am, both lines run every 20 minutes, so you won't be standing at a bus stop for long.
The journey takes around 35 minutes to Plaça Catalunya, at the top of Las Ramblas and the edge of the Eixample. A single ticket costs €7.45; a return is €12.85, valid for 90 days. You can pay at the bus stop, on board, or in advance online. Children under 4 travel free.
If you have luggage and no strong reason to save money, just take the Aerobus. It's direct, comfortable, and drops you exactly where you need to be.
Night Buses N17 and N18: The Budget Transfer from Barcelona Airport
Barcelona's Nitbus network runs two routes from the airport to Barcelona city centre after dark. Bus N17 connects Terminal 1 to Plaça Catalunya, stopping at Plaça Espanya and Gran Via along the way. It runs from around 21:55 until 04:50, every 20 minutes. The N17 and N18 night buses are operated separately from the regular TMB city bus network, and your Hola Barcelona travel card is not valid on either route.
Bus N18 also goes to Plaça Catalunya, serving both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (T2B and T2C), but this line only starts at midnight. Both night buses reach the city centre in around 50 to 60 minutes. In the city, both buses stop at the southwest corner of Plaça Catalunya, where La Rambla meets Carrer de Pelai. Tickets cost €2.55, paid on board with cash or contactless. If the fare matters more than the clock, the Nitbus is a perfectly decent option.
Taxi from Barcelona Airport to the City Centre at Night
Taxis queue outside both terminals, 24 hours. The night tariff applies from 22:00 to 06:00, and every airport trip includes a fixed supplement of €4.60. For a transfer from Barcelona airport to the city centre at night, the total typically runs €35 to €45, depending on your exact destination.
There's a real upside to travelling by taxi at night: no traffic. What can take 40 minutes during a daytime rush takes 20 to 25 minutes after dark. Split between two or three people, a taxi makes good sense. Use the official black-and-yellow cabs with a green light on top, and never accept a ride from anyone approaching you in the arrivals hall at BCN airport. Unlicensed taxis targeting tired arrivals are a known problem at both terminals.
Private Airport Transfer: Pre-Booked, Fixed Price, Zero Faff
A private airport transfer means your driver is already waiting in arrivals with a sign, the price is fixed before you land, and nothing needs figuring out after a long flight. Services typically cost €40 to €60 for a standard vehicle. Your driver monitors your flight for delays and will wait up to 60 minutes after landing. For groups or anyone who just wants it handled, it's worth it. Book in advance online, especially during peak summer months.
Comparing Your Options: Barcelona Airport to City Centre at Night
| Option | Price | Journey time | Available all night? | Drop-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobus A1 / A2 | €7.45 | ~35 min | Yes, every 20 min | Plaça Catalunya |
| Night bus N17 | €2.55 | ~55 min | From 21:55 (T1 only) | Plaça Catalunya |
| Night bus N18 | €2.55 | ~55 min | From midnight (T1 + T2) | Plaça Catalunya |
| Taxi | €35–45 | ~20–25 min | Always | Your hotel |
| Private transfer | €40–60 | ~20–25 min | Yes, pre-book | Your hotel |
Prices correct as of June 2026. Check the operator's website before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre at night?
The most reliable option is the Aerobus, which runs 24 hours a day from both terminals directly to Plaça Catalunya, every 20 minutes after midnight. For a cheaper journey, the N17 and N18 Nitbus routes cost €2.55 and take around 55 minutes. Taxis are available at all hours outside arrivals at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with fares typically running €35 to €45 at night.
Does the metro run from Barcelona Airport at night?
Not reliably. The L9 Sud metro line connects the airport train station to the city centre, but it closes at midnight on most nights. It runs until 2am on Fridays and all night on Saturdays. For most late-night arrivals, the Aerobus or a taxi is the practical way to reach the city.
Is Uber available from Barcelona Airport at night?
Yes, but it works differently here than in most cities. In Barcelona, Uber partners with licensed taxi drivers rather than private individuals, so the fare is similar to a metered cab: around €35 to €45 to the city centre at night. Apps like FreeNow and Cabify work the same way. They're convenient for booking ahead of time, but you won't pay noticeably less than a metered taxi.
How far is Barcelona Airport from the city centre?
Barcelona El Prat Airport is about 15 kilometres southwest of the city centre. By Aerobus, the journey takes around 35 minutes day or night. By taxi after dark, with the roads clear of traffic, you can reach most city centre hotels in 20 to 25 minutes.
Once you've made it into the city, the next question is where to sleep. Our guide to the best areas to stay in Barcelona covers every neighbourhood with honest advice for first-timers.
