Barcelona Airport
Barcelona Airport, with its IATA airport code BCN, is a bustling international airport that serves as a crucial transportation hub for millions of travelers each year. Located in El Prat de Llobregat, it is the main Catalonia airport.
History of Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
Barcelona Airport traces its origins back to 1916 when the first flight took off from an airfield in El Remolar, near the town of Viladecans. Over the years, the airport underwent significant transformations and expansions. During the Spanish Civil War, the airfield was used as a military base, and after the war, it was reopened for civilian use. In 1948, the airport was officially named Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport, in reference to its location.
Getting to/from Barcelona (BCN) Airport
Barcelona Airport is conveniently situated, making it easily accessible from the city center and surrounding areas. Travelers have various transportation options available to reach the airport. One popular choice is the Aerobus, a dedicated shuttle service that connects the airport terminals with key locations in Barcelona, such as Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça d'Espanya. The Aerobus runs at regular intervals, providing a convenient and efficient transfer for passengers.
Another option for getting to/from Barcelona Airport is the train. The airport has its own train station, located within the terminal complex, offering direct connections to the city center and other destinations in Catalonia. Renfe, the national railway company, operates regular services from Barcelona Airport to major cities like Barcelona Sants, Girona, and Tarragona.
For those preferring private transportation or wishing to explore the region independently, car rental services are available at the airport. Several well-known car rental companies have offices in the terminal building.
Facilities at BCN Barcelona Airport
Barcelona Airport boasts a modern and efficient infrastructure to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers. The airport features two terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), which are interconnected by a shuttle bus service.
Within the terminals, passengers can find a wide array of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes. Duty-free shops offer a variety of products, ranging from fashion and cosmetics to electronics and souvenirs. Barcelona-El Prat Airport has three departure lounges where passengers can relax and unwind before their flights. There are several hotels near Barcelona-El Prat Airport, offering comfortable accommodation for passengers with layovers or early-morning departures.
Additionally, Barcelona Airport provides essential services such as currency exchange facilities, ATMs, and information desks staffed by multilingual personnel who can assist with any queries or concerns both upon arrival and departure. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminals, enabling passengers to stay connected during their time at the airport. The airport features well-organized facilities with clearly marked signs and helpful staff to assist passengers through the customs process upon arrival.
Flights & Airlines at Barcelona Spain Airport
Barcelona Airport is a major European hub and the biggest of airports in Barcelona, serving as the primary gateway to the Catalonia region. In recent years, the airport has experienced significant growth, and served more than 41 million passengers in 2022.
A multitude of airlines operate flights to and from BCN Airport, offering domestic and international connections. Vueling has its base here, other airlines flying to and from Barcelona Airport are:
- Ryanair
- Iberia
- easyJet
- British Airways
- Volotea
- SAS
Some of the main destinations served from airport BCN include:
- Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Ibiza Airport (IBZ)
- Lisbon Airport (LIS)
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Compensations
Our recent data indicates that 31 passengers departing from Barcelona Airport submitted their flight compensation claims for the amount of 8600 EUR for the last 7 days.
Data shown are estimates, based on internal databases.
Many of the airlines operating in Barcelona Airport adhere to the EU 261 regulation of 2004 (EC No 261/2004), which provides rights and protections to passengers in cases of flight delays, flight cancellations, and denied boarding. Under this regulation, passengers may be entitled to compensation, assistance, and reimbursement of expenses, depending on the circumstances of the flight disruption.
In case you have experienced a disrupted flight departing from or arriving at Barcelona Airport, you can easily check your flight compensation using the flight compensation calculator below.
This article relies on information from open sources for informational purposes only. While we have taken care to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. We are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information presented.