Travel Blog and Tips for Prague, Madrid & Barcelona
News, travel tips and advices for Apartments in Prague, Madrid & Barcelona.

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Barcelona has quite a large and a very easy-to-use transportation system that is an absolute delight for visitors to this spectacular city. After the 1992 Olympic Games that were held in the city, municipality has largely improved and upgraded the transportation system. It is not difficult to get around city without spending a huge amount of money.  The totally integrated system allows you to get around cheaply and easily for 24 hours a day. The Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona is the organisation which is responsible for co-ordinating not only the city’s Metro and bus systems but also the trams and local train services.

By far the quickest way to travel around the Catalan capital city is by the truly excellent Metro system, with an easy to follow colour-coded route map that comes as a blessed relief to those more used to trying to decipher London’s underground maps. There are more than enough stations – you’re never very far from one wherever your wanderings take you – and they are easily identifiable by the signs with the blue letter M inside the red diamond. A single ride will cost you EUR1.25 – but, as we shall see later – there are some very good deals to be had. You can use Metro which happens to be the easiest and fastest way of getting around Barcelona. All you need to do is, find out the station name for each end of the metro line that you’re planning to use. This will help you in understanding direction which you must stay even if you do not understand a single word of Catalan. It is recommended that you do not buy metro tickets individually, buy them in strips. You can also buy passes which offers unlimited travel on both metro and bus networks and you can get to purchase these passes either from the station offices or from the automatic machines that are present at the entrance of metro station.

You must prefer to buy those tickets that include funicular and cable car lines. These tickets will be useful in case you plan to visit Tibidabo or Montjuic. If you prefer to travel on the road and see some of the city buildings as well, use bus service. It can be a bit slower than the metro system but it is certainly more eye-catchy. The buses and Barcelona are color-coded, while the red buses are restricted to stay within the city center, others will also take you out in surrounding areas and suburbs. You can buy tickets for individual journeys for the metro at 1.45 euros per ticket. But if you are here for more than one day or intend taking more than 5 journeys on the metro or buses it’s best to buy the T10 ticket. The bus routes – and there are more than 80 lines across the city – may not be as quick as the Metro but they certainly offer an easy method of seeing the many architectural splendours – ranging from the bizarre Gaudi inspired architecture to the more classically inspired splendours the city can provide. The bus stops are at red signs with brown benches underneath a small roof and almost all of the buses in Barcelona are now wheelchair accessible, with many having wheelchairs lifts. For late-nighters, Barcelona provides a comprehensive night service, the Nitbus, which operates until 4.30 in the morning and goes past most of the popular night venues – some can even take you straight to the airport.

You can pick up free maps showing all the city’s bus and Metro lines – including the Nitbus – at tourist offices and Metro stations – and hotels often have them. The Tourist and Leisure Cards which offer significant savings on fares are available at TMB Customer Service centres, Metro stations, Newsagents, Tourist Information Offices and even at Lottery selling outlets. A two day card offering unlimited use costs EUR10.70, a three day card EUR14.30 and a five day EUR23.10 – and remember that they’re valid for all the TMB services.

Make your mind before renting a car in Barcelona. Most of the times, you’ll have to leave your car in the parking lot which also comes at a premium since Barcelona receives heavy traffic and the parking area is a little less. Using public transportation system in Barcelona is the best and easiest method that you can enjoy the city. It is important that you be aware of the pick pockets in the subway system and do not encounter unnecessary problems. Of course, Barcelona also has its share of taxis for those who prefer this mode of transport or who have luggage they need to stow. Barcelona cabs are easily recognised by their black and yellow colouring and, of course, have the green light on the roof which indicates they are ‘libre’ – lliure in Catalan. If the light is yellow, then the taxi is unavailable for hire or occupied. Currently there is a minimum fare of EUR1.80, with rates at EUR0.82 per kilometre or EUR1.04 per kilometre at nights and weekends. Obviously you can expect surcharges for luggage, etc and, if you’re looking to travel from the airport by cab, the minimum charge is EUR15.00, with EUR1 for every item of luggage.

With regard to taxis, it’s as well to remember, though, that much of the centre of Barcelona is pedestrianized and allows access only to buses, so there are some places taxis cannot take you. For short distance, prefer covering the distance walking, especially if it is the old Barri Gotic area and Las Ramblas. Barcelona has been very well designed for traffic and you also get a chance to see some extraordinary architecture and experience the leisurely pace of the city. Make sure that your wear comfortable shoes so that in work comfortably. Some of the older parts in city have cobbled streets and rough areas so comfortable shoes will keep you relaxed.

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