Barcelona with its growing popularity and ever-increasing number of tourists is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after city destinations. However, with this growth in popularity typically comes higher prices for rent, food and especially transport. Therefore, it is becoming more and more expensive to get to and from the airport, visit our favourite tourist spots and go on day trips outside the city on a budget. However, we have some transport tricks up our sleeves to cut costs which we share with you below.
Airport
Although the aerobus is a quick and easy option from the city centre to airport terminals 1 and 2, it is costly at 5.90 euros one way. Instead, buy a T-10 city transport card from any metro stop (10 euros for 10 journeys) and take the R2 Renfe train from Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona Sants direct to the airport for one journey (1 euro). Another option is to take metro green line 3 to Plaça d'Espanya and from here bus number 46 to terminals 1 and 2, all for one euro with the T-10.
Tibidabo
One of Barcelona’s most popular tourist spots, Tibidabo, with its church and old-fashioned 1930s style fairground, are a great idea for lazy Sundays under the Mediterranean sun. However, reaching Tibidabo, by bus or train and funicular, is costly. If you are in a group of 4 or 5, it is more cost effective to rent a car for the day from rental companies such as Sixt or Rent-A-Car. In total, with entrance to the park and public transport, the cost would be over 40 euros per person, whereas with renting a car, it could be as little as 20 euros per person.
Bunkers del Carmel
Fancy a cheaper option to Park Güell? Try out the Bunkers. Used during the Spanish Civil War as an installation for anti-aircraft guns, they were then left to ruins and have now become a famous spot amongst locals and tourists to watch the sunset. Although it does not have the Gaudi masterpieces found in Parc Guell, it offers panoramic views of the city reaching over the Sagrada Familia in the heart of the city, to the Port, Montjuic and the sea. Take bus number V17 from the corner of Diagonal with Passeig de Gràcia directly to the top of Carmel hill for one euro with your T-10 to soak in the views.
Day trips
If you need a break from the hussle and bussle of the city, take the R2S train from Passeig de Gràcia or Plaça Catalunya out to the beach towns of Castelldefels or Gava towards the South, or the R1 train from Plaça Catalunya to Badalona in the North. These towns can be reached for one euro with the T-10 and offer tranquility and peace along sprawling stretches of white sand and cleaner Mediterranean waters.
COOKONA
If all the sightseeing and travelling leaves you feeling a little peckish then why not treat yourself to a cookie and coffee at Cookona. The nearest bus stops are V13, 54, 66 or 67 (Aribau/Còrsega) or 63 (Provença/Aribau) and the nearest metro stops are Hospital Clinic (Line 5) and Provença (Line FCG), all reachable in the city with the T-10.