Barcelona
Long layover in Barcelona: what to see in a few hours
With the Aerobus, central Barcelona is 35 minutes from both terminals, so a layover of six hours or more gives you time to head out for a stroll. The key is to work out your timings carefully and not put your next flight at risk.
| Layover | Actual time in the centre | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 h | None, safely | Better to stay at the airport |
| 6 h | About 2 hours | La Rambla, the Boqueria and the Gothic Quarter |
| 8 h | About 4 hours | All of the above plus Passeig de Gràcia or the Sagrada Família (from outside) |
| 10 h or more | 6 hours or more | A ticketed visit (Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló) and a leisurely lunch |
How to work out your time
Starting from your landing time, subtract:
- 30-60 minutes to get off the plane and out of the terminal (more if there's passport control or you have to collect a bag).
- 35 minutes on the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya, and another 35 back, plus waiting time.
- 2 hours before your next flight to check in or go through security (3 hours if it's outside Schengen).
What's left is your time in the city. Buy your Aerobus return ticket before you set off: that way you won't waste time at the machines, and the return leg is valid for either terminal.
Before you leave the airport
- Documents: if you're arriving from a non-Schengen country, leaving the airport means entering the Schengen area. Check whether your nationality needs a visa.
- Luggage: if your bag is checked through to your final destination, you don't need to collect it. If not, find a left-luggage office before heading into the centre so you don't have to carry it.
- Departure terminal: check whether your next flight leaves from the same terminal. Take the Aerobus line for your departure terminal, not your arrival one.
A two-hour walk from Plaça Catalunya
Walk down La Rambla to the Boqueria market, head into the Gothic Quarter along Carrer de la Boqueria to Plaça Sant Jaume, carry on to the Cathedral and return to Plaça Catalunya via Portal de l'Àngel. If you have time to spare, walk up Passeig de Gràcia to Casa Batlló. More ideas in what to see near the stops.