Cheap flights to Barcelona

How long is the flight to Barcelona?

Flights to Barcelona, Spain, are widely accessible from major Australian airports, such as Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD), Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Perth Airport (PER). With your Barcelona flight deals, durations will differ considerably according to the departure airport and the number of layovers. From Sydney, flight times can vary from 25-44h. From Perth, you can expect flight durations between 21-45h; and from Brisbane, flights take between 26-60h.

Are there direct flights to Barcelona?

Currently, there are no direct flights between any cities in Australia and Barcelona, Spain. Flights from Sydney offer the most frequent and fastest flights to Barcelona, with only one layover. Flights from Australian cities Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne have one or more layovers. Major airlines Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qantas and Qatar Airways offer Barcelona flight deals to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Barcelona. Common routes may include stops in Doha (DOH), Singapore (SIN), Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tokyo (HND).

How do you get from the Barcelona airport to the city centre?

There are several convenient and efficient ways for you to travel from Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain, to the centre of the city. The official shuttle bus (Aerobus A1) departs from Terminal 1 approximately every 10min and travels to Place de Catalunya in around 35min. You can purchase tickets from the terminal or on the bus. A RENFE train is available from Terminal 2, requiring a free shuttle bus transfer from Terminal 1. You will need to purchase a ticket for the N2 North Line, and the journey will take roughly 30min. Taxis can be found directly outside the exit of Terminal 1, taking approximately 20min depending on the time of day. The Metro L9 runs every 30min, and by changing at Torrassa onto the red line, you can reach the centre in approximately 30min.

What are some things to do in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a vibrant city rich in cultural heritage, architecture and lively events sure to appeal to any traveller. Las Ramblas has long remained a must-see for any tourist; street performers, market stalls and cafes adorn the boulevard making it a perfect destination to while away a few hours. A visit to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter will be at the top of the list for most Barcelona visitors. You can enjoy a guided tour around the cathedral and museum, and marvel at this UNESCO-listed monument so emblematic of this city. A bus tour will enable you to explore the city at leisure with the benefit of a knowledgeable guide to point out fascinating facts on your journey. If you feel energetic, you could even hire a bike and discover this city at your own pace. In July, Barcelona and its beachfront area comes alive with the Cruilla Music Festival, showcasing musicians from around the globe through four days of concerts, food, workshops and much more at this family-friendly event.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Barcelona?

For an Australian citizen to travel to Barcelona, Spain, you must have a valid passport issued within the last 10 years. You must ensure that there are at least three months remaining on your passport beyond the date of your planned departure from the EU. Upon arrival in Barcelona, you will be issued with a Schengen visa, which permits you to stay for up to 90 days within six months. You must receive an official stamp in your passport from the border officer upon your arrival.

Barcelona climate

On the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has hot summers and cool winters. July and August are the hottest months with the temperatures occasionally pushing 37 degrees. January is the coolest month when temperatures are usually in the 10s. May and June are sunny and warm, and in September the heat starts to cool down to comfortable ranges.

Getting around Barcelona

The public transportation system is very thorough and includes a bus network, a metro, several tram networks and aerial cable cars. It’s a great way to get around Barcelona but walking is a very nice way to explore.

The double-decker Bus Turistic makes stops at popular tourist destinations in the summer. Save some money by buying multiple-ride tickets. The Barcelona Card gets you discounts at various restaurants and tourist attractions. You can also rent mopeds and bicycles, or hail a taxi. 

Taxis are reasonably priced, but it’s always a good idea to make sure the meter is running. Note that fares are more expensive at night.

Visitors who prefer to drive will find that Barcelona is well-connected with neighbouring areas. Three international routes cut through the city, and an extensive network of highways and smaller roads help to connect major sights within the city.

Getting Downtown from the airport

Once the flight arrives at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), the Aerobus service goes to and from Placa de Catalunya every 15 minutes, stopping off at locations along the way. It is a good option for those with little luggage. Trains run from the airport to various stations in the city centre every 30 minutes. The airport station is located near the terminal and is connected to it by a moving walkway. There are taxi ranks outside the airport. Taxis are metered and the journey time by road or rail is between 20 and 30 minutes.

What is good to know if travelling to Barcelona?

• There are so many major tourist attractions in the city that you may feel like getting off the beaten track and seeing something a little more esoteric. If so, the Museu del Calcat, or shoe museum, is the perfect spot. The museum showcases the cobbler’s craft from Roman times to the modern day.
• The catamaran Orsom is moored at the port of Barcelona and is a great way to escape the city to the sea or to parts of the Costa Brava. Jazz cruises set out in the evenings. To book, just head to the port at the bottom of Las Ramblas.
• As with most major tourist attractions, it’s best to visit the Sagrada Familia in the very early morning if you want to avoid the crowds. Millions of people come here every year, so unless you enjoy being jostled, arrive first thing in the morning to see it in relative peace and quiet.
• For a more relaxed enjoyment of a Gaudi masterpiece, head for the Parc Guell. Buses stop right outside, or you can take a short walk from the metro. The Unesco site is filled with Gaudi’s stunning sculptures, but there is plenty of room just to sit back and enjoy the views of the city.
• If you want to visit the beaches of Barcelona, the closest to the city centre is Barceloneta. However, this is, understandably, extremely busy. A short bus ride away is Nova Icaria, near to the Olympic marina. As well as the beach are bars and restaurants – but again it is almost always full. To experience the sea in a bit more solitude, take a train to the north (local custom has it that the beaches to the north attract a higher class of visitor) and stop at Ocata, where you’ll find a long sandy beach with plenty of space and beautifully clean water.