Barcelona Tickets

Ultimate guide to Barcelona public transport with Hola BCN Card

A Guide to Public Transport with Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Barcelona’s public transport system is one of the most efficient and tourist-friendly networks in Europe. With metros, buses, trams, and even funiculars, navigating the city is seamless. For tourists, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card stands out as the ultimate solution for unlimited, hassle-free travel across the city.

Public transport in Barcelona

Benefits of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Barcelona Travel Card with city landmarks and public transport icons
Tourists exploring Barcelona city with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card Pass for 2 to 5 days, visiting famous landmarks and enjoying local experiences
Tourists exploring Barcelona city with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card Pass for 2 to 5 days, visiting famous landmarks and attractions
Tourists exploring Barcelona city with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card Pass for 2 to 5 days, visiting famous landmarks and attractions
Tourists exploring Barcelona city with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card Pass for 2 to 5 days, visiting famous landmarks and enjoying local experiences
Tourists exploring Barcelona city with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card Pass for 2 to 5 days, visiting famous landmarks and enjoying local experiences
1/6

Unlimited travel across Barcelona

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card provides unrestricted access to the city's comprehensive public transport network, including metros, buses, trams, and regional trains within Zone 1. It connects major attractions like La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Montjuïc, ensuring easy navigation throughout the city.

Convenience for travelers

This card eliminates the need for individual tickets, making travel simple. Start using it immediately upon arrival—redeem it at the airport metro station to avoid taxi costs and head directly to the city center. It’s a swipe-and-go solution for hassle-free exploration.

Significant savings

A single metro ride costs €2.55, while the Hola Barcelona Travel Card starts at €17.50 for two days of unlimited travel. With just five rides daily, the card pays for itself, saving you money while offering unlimited access to all included transport modes.

Flexible options

Choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5-day passes, valid for consecutive calendar days from first use. The card’s 90-day purchase validity allows for flexible planning, making it ideal for short or extended stays.

Comprehensive coverage

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card covers:

Metro lines: Efficient, air-conditioned, and perfect for major attractions.

Buses: Ideal for reaching areas not covered by the metro or for scenic rides through the city.

Trams: Access quieter neighborhoods and suburban areas with ease.

Montjuïc Funicular: Ride to the summit of Montjuïc Hill for stunning views and attractions like Montjuïc Castle.

Regional trains: Convenient for airport transfers and destinations within Zone 1.

Time-saving and hassle-free travel

Forget juggling multiple tickets or calculating fares. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card simplifies every journey—just swipe, and you’re on your way. This ease is especially valuable during peak travel times or when navigating unfamiliar areas. You’ll also avoid long queues at ticket machines and minimize time spent planning transport logistics.

Exploring public transport with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Barcelona metro train arriving at a station platform with passengers boarding.

Metro

The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to explore Barcelona’s key attractions, such as Casa Batlló, La Sagrada Família, and Camp Nou. With 12 color-coded lines connecting the city, it runs from 5am to midnight on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.

  • Savings: A single metro ticket costs €2.55, and with 5-6 daily rides, you’d spend over €12.75 per day. Using the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you pay €17.50 for unlimited metro rides for two days—less than the cost of two days’ single tickets.
  • Airport transfer: The card includes a metro ride from the airport, saving an additional €5.15.
Barcelona by Metro
Aerobus One-Way Tickets: Barcelona Airport to/from City Center

Buses

Barcelona’s buses complement the metro by connecting areas not covered by subway lines. They’re particularly useful for reaching neighborhoods and attractions such as Tibidabo and Park Güell. Buses run frequently during the day, but night buses are not included in the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

  • Savings: A single bus ticket also costs €2.55. Even with just a few trips per day, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card significantly reduces costs.
  • Convenience: Swipe the card at the front of the bus to start your journey without worrying about cash or single-ticket purchases.
Barcelona by bus
Tourists exploring Barcelona city with the Turbopass Barcelona City Card, visiting over 25 attractions and using public transport

Trams

The tram network is ideal for short, scenic routes in the city and suburban areas. Lines like Trambaix and Trambesòs connect quieter neighborhoods, providing a relaxed travel option.

  • Savings: Each tram ride costs €2.55. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card allows unlimited access, making it cost-effective for visitors who rely on trams for local travel.
Barcelona by tram
Barcelona Travel Card

Montjuïc Funicular

The Montjuïc Funicular is included in the card, offering a convenient way to reach Montjuïc Hill, home to attractions like Montjuïc Castle and the Magic Fountain.

  • Savings: A single funicular ride costs €2.55. Frequent use of this scenic route makes the Hola Barcelona Travel Card a valuable option.
  • Connectivity: The funicular seamlessly connects to the metro, allowing a smooth transfer.
Montjuic Funicular
Barcelona Travel Card

Trains

Trains operated by RENFE and FGC (Zone 1) are part of the integrated transport network, making it easy to travel within the city and to nearby destinations such as Castelldefels Beach.

  • Savings: A single RENFE or FGC train ticket costs €2.55. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card covers unlimited rides, ideal for those planning multiple train journeys.
  • Airport Connection: Like the metro, the card includes train travel to and from the airport, saving an extra €5.15.
Barcelona by train

Major attractions included with your Barcelona travel card

Barcelona Travel Card
Barcelona Travel Card
Barcelona Travel Card

Tips

  • Redeem your card at the L9 Sud Metro Station at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This saves you the €5.15 airport transfer fee and gives you unlimited travel to the city center and beyond.
  • The metro is the fastest way to navigate Barcelona’s top attractions, such as Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Camp Nou. Plan routes using Google Maps or the TMB app to avoid peak-hour congestion. A single metro ride costs €2.55. With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, unlimited metro rides cost as little as €8.75/day (2-day pass).
  • While the metro is efficient, buses provide scenic views of the city and access to areas like Tibidabo or Barceloneta Beach. Use buses to explore neighborhoods off the beaten path or travel directly when the metro requires multiple transfers. Each bus ride costs €2.55. Frequent use makes the card indispensable for budget-conscious travelers.
  • The card is valid for consecutive calendar days, so activate it early in the morning to get the most out of your first day. For example, activating a 3-day card on Monday morning means it will remain valid through Wednesday evening.
  • Plan to use public transport frequently, especially the metro and buses, which cover most tourist hotspots. For example, Visiting La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Barceloneta Beach in one day can cost over €12.75 for a single ticket. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card ensures unlimited access for a flat rate.
  • The card is valid for consecutive calendar days, so activate it early in the morning to get the most out of your first day. For example, activating a 3-day card on Monday morning means it will remain valid through Wednesday evening.
  • The card automatically activates on its first use and remains valid for the consecutive days you selected. For example, a 2-day card first used on a Monday afternoon will expire at midnight on Tuesday.
  • Plan multiple stops along metro lines to save time and maximize the card’s value. For example: Line L3 (Green): Plaça Catalunya → Passeig de Gràcia → Park Güell. Line L4 (Yellow): Barceloneta → El Born → Poblenou

Traveling by Metro? Read here

Book Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Hola Barcelona Travel Card: Unlimited Public Transportation

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration

Barcelona Card: Access to 25+ Museums & Unlimited Public Transport

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide

Aerobus Tickets: Barcelona Airport to/from Plaça Catalunya

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
35 min. - 40 min.
Transfers included

Turbopass Barcelona City Card: 25+ Attractions & Public Transport

Free cancellation
Flexible duration
Guided tour
Transfers included

Frequently asked questions about public transportation in Barcelona

Can I use the Hola Barcelona Travel Card for round trips to the airport?

Yes, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card covers both your arrival and departure trips via the airport metro (L9 Sud) or the airport train (RENFE R2). Simply swipe your card at the turnstiles—no additional tickets are needed. For late-night flights, check the metro and train schedules as the last rides are around midnight.

What happens if I lose my Hola Barcelona Travel Card?

Unfortunately, lost cards cannot be replaced, as the pass is non-transferable and linked to your unique voucher code. To avoid this situation, keep your card secure and store your voucher code separately—it cannot be reissued once redeemed.

Can I use the card for group travel?

No, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card is personal and valid for one user only. Each person in your group needs their own card, but you can purchase multiple passes in a single transaction when booking online.

How do I redeem my card if the vending machine isn't working?

If a ticket machine is out of order, visit any Tourist Information Office or another metro station. These offices operate between 8:30am and 8:30pm and can assist with card redemption. Always carry your voucher code for easy processing.

Does the card work for suburban travel or nearby beaches?

Yes, the card covers all Zone 1 travel, which includes suburban areas like Castelldefels and the beaches of El Prat. Use the RENFE trains or metro for these trips without worrying about additional costs.

Are there ticket inspectors, and what happens if I forget my card?

Yes, ticket inspectors frequently check for valid passes, especially on metros and trains. If you’re caught without your Hola Barcelona Travel Card, fines can exceed €100. Always carry your pass with you to avoid penalties.

Can I check how many days are left on my pass?

Yes, you can check your pass validity at any metro ticket machine. Insert your card, and it will display the remaining days. Alternatively, count consecutive days from the first time you used the card, as the validity is based on calendar days, not 24-hour periods.

Can I use the card on public holidays?

Yes, Barcelona’s public transport operates on holidays, albeit with a slightly reduced schedule. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card remains valid, allowing you to travel seamlessly even on days like Christmas or New Year’s.

Can children use the Hola Barcelona Travel Card?

Children under 4 years old travel free on public transport in Barcelona and don’t need a card. For children aged 4 and above, you must purchase a separate Hola Barcelona Travel Card as there are no discounted fares for kids.

Barcelona Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM