The Barcelona Card is a tourist pass for those looking to save money on holiday.
It’s a a smart card with an NFC chip that grants free entry to 26 museums, discounts on 30+ attractions, and unlimited transport (including airport) .
It plays a bit like a wrist band at an all-inclusive resort – only our hotel is the city of Barcelona.
But is the Barcelona Card worth it? Let’s take a deeper look.
The Barcelona Card
I’ll be honest – if you’re going to spend most of your time lounging on Barcelona’s best beaches and devouring tapas by the tub load, the Barcelona Card may not be for you.
That said, if you’re visiting Barcelona for the culture then it’s something to really consider.
Let’s look at what’s in the pass, then we’ll get into prices and potential value.
What’s Included in the Barcelona Card
- Unlimited Transport: bus, the Barcelona metro, tram, overland rail, and the Montjuic funicular.
- Free Airport Transfer: (metro, train, or bus) from Barcelona airport to city centre.
- Free Admission to 25 Museums: including the Picasso Museum, Moco Museum, the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, the Joan Mirò Foundation, MACBA, MNAC, CCCB, the Chocolate Museum, and more.
- Barcelona Attraction Discounts Up to 40%: La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, Mirador Torre Glories, Wax Museum, Erotica Museum, the Aquarium, Zoo, Poble Espanyol, Palau de la Musica, and more.
- Tour Discounts: on bike tours, Barcelona scooter rental, walking tours etc.
Barcelona Card Prices
As you can see, ticket window prices are significantly higher so if you’re gonna do it, make sure you buy your Barcelona Cards online.
- 72 Hour Pass:
€53.00€47.70 (online) and kids €27.00. - 96 Hour Pass:
€63.00€56.70 (online) and kids €36.00. - 120 Hour Pass:
€75.00€67.50 (online) and kids €40.50.
Only visiting for two days? There’s a more limited 48 hour Barcelona Card that I’ll get into shortly.
If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids keep in mind that they’re defined as 4-12 years old.
Is the Barcelona Card Worth It?
To start, I recommend reading the full list of Barcelona Card discounts so you can follow along.
Let’s take a look at transport first – remembering that single metro and bus tickets cost €2.40.
A conservative average of four trips a day over a 3 day stay costs €9.60 x 3 = €28.80. Factor in return airport transfer for two more trips (remember, there’s free airport transfer) and we’re up to €33.60.
Now let’s throw in the Picasso Museum.
Your free admission at this must-see museum comes in at €17.00 – bringing us to €50.60.
How Much Money Does the Barcelona Card Save Me?
As you can see, on a 72 hour Barcelona Card worth €47.40 we’re now €3.20 in ‘profit’ – even without the 24 other Barcelona museum options and 30+ popular attractions discounts.
The Moco Museum, another must-see that’s included, is a €19.00 value and brings us to €22.20 in savings very quickly.
Throw in a €3.00 savings at can’t-miss Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, a walking tour, the Fundació Joan Miró, and Tibidabo Amusement Park and you can start to save money for real.
For legit sightseers this all-inclusive Barcelona tourist pass makes perfect sense.
The average tourist can expect to save between €20.00 and €30.00.
Related: Is the Barcelona Card Worth It?
Where to Buy the Barcelona Card
You can buy this Barcelona tourist discount card via the official Barcelona Tourism Office.
Clicking the button below gets you to their site for a special 10% online discount.
It also helps keep this Barcelona resource rolling (we’ve responded to thousands of questions for free, try us below, I dare you!) at no extra cost to you.
The Barcelona Card Express: 48 Hours
The Barcelona Card Express is a 48 hour free public transport pass for those visiting Barcelona with less time.
The only difference between this and other Barcelona Card options is there are no free admission to museums included – only discounts for the main Barcelona attractions (there’s a discount list here).
48 hours: €25.00 €22.50 (online)
Clicking the button below gets you a 10% discount booking online with Barcelona Tourism Office.
Where to Pick Up Your Barcelona Card
To claim your smart card, simply show the purchase voucher at tourist information offices spread throughout the city centre – you can even conveniently do it right at the airport upon arrival.
Here is the full list of Barcelona Card pickup points:
- Airport Terminal T1 and Terminal 2. Every day from 8:30 to 20:30.
- Barcelona Airport Metro Stations (T1 and T2). 8:30 to 21:00.
- Plaça de Catalunya. Number 17-S near the Hard Rock Cafe and the giant ‘i’ with the underground escalator. Every day from 8:30 to 20:30.
- Sants Estació. Plaça Paisos Catalans. Every day from 8:30 to 20:30.
- Placa Espanya. Every day from 9:00 to 15:00. Jun-Sept from 8:30 to 20:30.
- Sagrada Familia. Every day from 9:00 to 15:00. Jun-Sept from 8:30 to 20:30.
- The Columbus Statue. Plaça Portal de la Pau. Every day from 8:30 to 20:30.
- Plaza Sant Jaume. In Carrer Ciutat 2. Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 20:30. Saturdays 9:00 to 19:00. Sundays and public holidays: from 9:00 to 14:00.
Note: the Barcelona metro station pickup points (L9S) are the best option for late arriving flights – at either station simply look for the Barcelona Turisme information point to pick up your Barcelona Card.
All Barcelona Card ticket offices are closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Related: What Transport Is Included in the Barcelona Card?
What is Free with the Barcelona Card? Barcelona Card Museums List
Once you’ve grabbed your Barcelona sightseeing passes at any of the official Barcelona tourist offices, you’ll be ready to explore – here’s the full list of free entry museums using the Barcelona Card:
CCCB, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Fundació Joan Miró, MACBA, MNAC, Museu Picasso, El Born Centre Cultural, MUHBA, Cultures of the World Museum, Design Museum, Ethnological Museum, Frederic Marès Museum, CaixaForum, CosmoCaixa Science Museum, Natural Science Museum, Music Museum, Chocolate Museum, Catalan Modernism Museum, Egyptian Museum, Museum of Olympics and Sport.
Again, keep in mind these free museums are only accessible with the 3, 4, and 5 day passes.
The Barcelona Card Express (48 hours) only takes advantage of the attraction discounts below.
Related: What Museums Are Included in the Barcelona Card
Barcelona Card Discounts: What Attractions are Included
In addition to free museums, you’ll be given a Barcelona discount card valid pretty much everywhere.
Major Attractions: Casa Batlló (-€3.00), La Pedrera (-€3.00), Casa Vicens (-25%), Palau Guell (-25%), Poble Espanyol de Barcelona (-25%), Palau de la Musica (-25%), Sant Pau Recinte Modernista (-20%), Pavelló Mies Van der Rohe (-25%).
Secondary Attractions: Gaudi’s Crypt (-20%), Fundacio Vila Casa (-25%), MAPFRE (-€2.00), Archaeology Museum (-25%), Catalan History Museum (-20%), Wax Museum (-€3.00), Sex Museum (-25%), Perfume Museum (-40%), Maritime Museum (-20%), the MEAM (-25%), Human Bodies (-25%).
Again, add just one of these on top of our base trip that we outlined above and we can save €10.00 or €20.00 quite easily.
For more info on purchasing, click the button below:
How to Use the Barcelona Card Properly
If you’re there for X days, get it for X days.
Remember: public transport is included in the card and a day of normal public transport can really set you back.
Pick it up at the airport. You’re already there and there’s value in the airport transit into town.
Your Barcelona Card validity only begins the moment you use it for the first time. In other words, if you use a 72 hour card for the first time at 8 pm on the 1st of the month the card will expire at 8 pm on the 4th of the month.
Remember: to book the walking tours with a 50% Barcelona Card discount you’ll need to send an email to [email protected] letting them know which day you’ll be touring.
You have to book at least one day in advance and take the tour during the validity of your travel card. You need to show your cards on the day of the tour.
Related: How Does the Barcelona Card Work?
Related: How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?
Barcelona Card FAQ
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Where to buy the Barcelona Card?
The Barcelona Card is bought at tourist information points across the city and via the official Barcelona Turisme website. There’s a 10% discount on the Barcelona Card if you buy it online, so it is highly recommended to grab it before you arrive.
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Where to pick up the Barcelona Card?
You can pick up your Barcelona Card at Airport Terminal T1 and Terminal 2, Placa Catalunya, the Columbus Statue, Plaza Espanya, Sagrada Familia, Plaza Sant Jaume, and Sants Estacio.
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How much money can I save using my Barcelona Card?
With average travel, airport transport, a few free entrances, and just a few discounts at places you’ll be seeing anyway in any half-decent 3 day Barcelona itinerary you can easily save €10.00-€20.00.
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Is the Barcelona Card worth it?
Yes, if you visit major included museums like the Moco and Picasso Museum (which have a combined value of over $30.00) plus take transport a couple of times a day it is very easy to break even on this card. The savings can pile up if you take advantage of the discounts as well. The typical traveller saves €10.00-€20.00.
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Can I skip lines with the Barcelona Card?
No.
To get your entrance discounts using this pass you’ll have to show up to ticket booths.
If you’re looking for a Barcelona tourist card that allows you to skip lines and book everything online then check out the Barcelona Pass.
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Does the Barcelona Card include Sagrada Familia?
No, the Sagrada Familia is not included with the Barcelona Card, nor are there any discounts with the discount booklet.
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Is it better to get the Barcelona Card or the Hola BCN Card?
They’re both different products. The Barcelona Card includes unlimited public transport and free entrance to certain attractions while the Hola BCN offers only unlimited transport.
At any rate I’ve prepared a page explaining the difference between the Barcelona Card and Hola BCN so you can make the proper decision based on your needs.
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Can I use the Barcelona Card for the Aerobus?
No, the free public transportation applies to city and public transport services only.
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Which Airport transport is included in the Barcelona Card?
With your Barcelona Card you’ll be able to take the metro, airport train, or bus 46 into the city. The bus is only recommended for late night or early morning departures/arrivals when the first/last train has already departed.
The first train departs from Barcelona Airport at 05:42 and the last one leaves at 23:38. There are two trains an hour with service to Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gracia, and El Clot.
For your flight home the first airport train departs the city center at Passeig de Gracia at 05:13, with the last one departing at 23:07.
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How Do I book the Picasso Museum with the Barcelona Card?
Regardless of what it says on the card, the Picasso Museum has confirmed that Barcelona Card holders can show up at the ticket windows at 23 Carrer de Montcada where they’ll get express entrance. There’s no need to book.
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Is the Barcelona Card valid for days or hours?
The Barcelona Card is valid for consecutive hours. If you validate a 72 hour pass at 6 pm on Friday that means you’ll have until 6 pm on Monday to take advantage of the deals and transport.
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Can the Barcelona Card give you train access?
Yes, you’re free to use any of the RENFE trains as long as you’re going between stops in zone one of the Barcelona Transport Network.
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What do I need to pick up the Barcelona Card?
A printed out copy or mobile phone receipt of the voucher sent at the moment of purchase + one piece of ID.
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Can I use the Barcelona Card on non-consecutive days?
No, the Barcelona Card must be used on consecutive days.
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Does the Barcelona Card Expire?
Yes, the Barcelona Card expires exactly six months from the date of purchase. You will need to activate your Barcelona Card before then or risk missing out.
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What transit can I use with the Barcelona Card?
The Barcelona Card is valid in all of zone one of the Barcelona Transport Network. This includes the entire city and all major tourist attractions.
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Can I cancel my Barcelona Card?
Yes, all inquiries however must be made to [email protected].
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Can I use the Barcelona Card on the Montjuic Funicular?
No.
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Can I use the Barcelona Card on the Tram Blau?
No.
Buying a Barcelona Card?
Write me with Barcelona Card questions you may have in the comments below.
Also, don’t be afraid to join the discount card discussion by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.
Happy travelling 🙂
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May 23, 2023 at 7:10 pmHI there!!!! My partner and I are going to be visiting Bacelona in Aug. 23'. We arrive Aug 15 around 13:00 and will be leaving Aug 21. We want to visit Sagrada Familia, the Auquarium, Montjuic Castle, Spanosh Villa and other Attractions but will will be taking day trips to other cities like Sitges and Girona. Would ypu recommend this card or the Hola BCN travel card for us? Than you so much and love all the info you provide on ypur sight!!
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October 17, 2022 at 1:16 pmHi, thank you very much for all the information you provide here. Your blog has been very helpfull for me. We are planning on visiting Barcelona in April '23. We will be 3 adults and 2 teens. We will visit for sure the Aquàrium, the Montjuic Castle (teleferic), the Zoo and Poble Espanyol among others. Do you think that buying the Barcelona Card will save us any money? Thanks in advance for your response.
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October 18, 2022 at 12:34 am
Team MemberAshHi Kiki, If you're using standard tourism transport (4 or 5 rides daily) and seeing all of those attractions plus others (most are covered by this pass) then you will save money, especially since the Montjuic Castle is free with it. Cheers,
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June 23, 2022 at 7:41 amHi, i am traveling to Spain and my trip itinerary goes like this.. 27th July: land in Barcelona at 14:30 (stay near Sants station) 28th July: Leave for Madrid at 8:00 30th July: Back to Barca and road trip to Tossa 31st to 2nd August: Costa brava, Palafrugell, Girona, Montserrat, Penedes 2nd to 5th August: Barcelona (stay at La Rambla) Please help me with where all to visit on what days - which is the best Vineyard tour in Penedes in the morning - best beaches in barcelona, Tossa de mar, Costa brava and Palafrugell - If there are any vegetarian restaurants in these areas - Travel by metro or train from Sants station to the airport to pick up our car for the road trip ahead Thank you so much
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June 24, 2022 at 12:11 pm Team MemberAshHi Shreya, Let me first say that I don't have the greatest depth of experience with wine tours in Penedes. But the one that did stick out for me for its balance of wine education and history (it has been around three centuries) was the Torres Winery with Tapas visit. The 10:30 timeslot is particularly good as you can get there at your own pace instead of rushing right away in the morning. The best beach in Barcelona in my opinion is Sant Sebastià. It's got the cleanest water and it's not as overrun with sellers, though naturally there is that too. In Tossa I'd go for Cala Pola. Other favourites include Sant Feliu de Guixols or Cadaqués. Not being a vegetarian I don't know any restaurants outside of Barcelona... but in the city I would head to Arc Iris, fantastic modern takes on veggie tapas with some great burgers as well. You may also want to try Flax and Kale for more of a brunch vibe. From Sants station it's a simple overland train to the airport. Takes around 20 minutes. Nothing could be easier :) Metro is more expensive, longer, and involves changes. As for what to visit. It's quite hard without knowing anything about you, what you like, what you're intending to see. I would simply read our Barcelona four day itinerary and use that as a base. If you need something specific beyond that please let me know :) Cheers,
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May 24, 2022 at 10:25 pmHi Ash! Love the website, very helpful for planning my trip to Barcelona for this June. What would be the best way to get from the airport to Durlet Beach Apartments? Whether with Barcelona Card free transportation or other means? Thanks!
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May 5, 2022 at 11:49 amHi, If I order the Barcelona card online, will I have the discount codes for the attractions before I actually pick-up the card once I travel to Barcelona, so that I can book the tickets for the main attractions online in advance?
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May 5, 2022 at 1:05 pm Team MemberAshHi Celine, The discount code is applied at ticket windows, so let's call it a walk up pass without prebooking. The good thing is there aren't usually lines at most of the free museums. If you're looking to have everything booked in advance on your phone before arriving then the Barcelona Pass is the better bet. Cheers,
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May 5, 2022 at 1:43 amDoes the barcelona card give you 25% off concerts at the palau de la musica or only on museum tours at the palau?
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May 23, 2023 at 6:39 pmHI there!!!! My partner and I are going to be visiting Bacelona in Aug. 23'. We arrive Aug 15 around 13:00 and will be leaving Aug 21. We want to visit Sagrada Familia, the Auquarium, Montjuic Castle, Spanosh Villa and other Attractions but will will be taking day trips to other cities like Sitges and Girona. Would ypu recommend this card or the Hola BCN travel card for us? Than you so much and love all the info you provide on ypur sight!!
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May 26, 2023 at 3:44 pm Team MemberAshHi Cristina, This is good info! As you see in my other message I said it was totally itinerary-dependent. First of all, let me say that Sitges is outside of Zone One and so is Girona so you won't be able to use the card to get there. For this reason, I'd get the card only for the days you know for sure you're in Barcelona. I think given that you're attraction-focused and all of these are included in the discounts, I'd get the Barcelona Card for three days of big sightseeing in the city... then organize your day trips on the other days. Cheers,
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May 5, 2022 at 11:04 am Team MemberAshHi Richard, Unfortunately the 25% does not apply to the concerts, only the admission for the guided tour visit. Cheers,
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April 21, 2022 at 6:21 pmHi Ash! My husband and I will be taking a cruise out of Barcelona on May 8th. What would be the best way to get from El Prat to Grand Hotel Central?
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April 22, 2022 at 11:02 am Team MemberAshHi Shelley, Unfortunately there will be no direct options as the train station near the hotel doesn't connect directly to the airport. If I were you I'd grab the Aerobus to the terminus stop (Plaça de Catalunya) and then from there walk the 10-12 minutes. If you've got a lot of luggage you could also get an 6-7 euro taxi from there. In all, this would run you about 20 euro as opposed to the 30-35 euro taxi fare and won't even take that much longer. Cheers,
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July 28, 2020 at 3:43 pmHi Ash, my friends and I are arriving to Barcelona soon, so I was wondering which metro/ other transport should we choose to get from the BCN airport to our appartment which is at L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Thanks in advance, I really love reading your blog!
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August 4, 2020 at 12:46 pm Team MemberAshHi Toma, Thanks for your kind words :) Keep in mind l'Hospitalet is a massive city/suburb so without knowing an address it's kind of futile telling you where to head. That said, to get in the area I would grab the airport metro to Collblanc and you'll be in the area closest to Barcelona. But yeah... get me that address and I'll advise further! Ash
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February 19, 2020 at 11:16 amHi, what is the easiest way to get to Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella? We are arriving on a Saturday at around 8 PM.
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January 10, 2020 at 5:43 pmHi Ash, Your website is GOD sent!!!! My husband and I will be traveling to Barcelona Jan 24-28th and am leading towards the Barcelona Card purchase through your website. From the airport what form of transportation should we take to arrive at Hotel Europark? Also, I see the discounts that are offered to many of the famous attraction sites but does that mean I would have to purchase all tickets through the box office not via online through the specific attractions website? Example, I noticed if you go directly through the Casa Battlo website to purchase the tickets for the visit + smart guide price is 25euros. Aren't most box office prices 3-5 euros more than online purchase. Just trying to see if it's worth getting the Barcelona Card vs the Hola Barcelona just for transportation. Thank you in advance for answering all my questions :-)
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January 10, 2020 at 10:27 pm Team MemberAshHi Shantele, Thanks so much for the kind words :) I would grab the Aerobus to the terminus stop at Plaça Catalunya and then from there it's either a 10-15 minute or you can get a cheap and quick taxi from there. As for the Barcelona Card unfortunately to redeem the discounts you'll have to present it at ticket windows. It cannot be used online to book in advance. Of course, this could be benefit as some people don't like getting tied down to specific time slots. Indeed, the Casa Batllo you're paying quite a bit more for buying it at ticket windows... with some of these it takes the value out and I usually recommend buying online first. If you're planning on seeing a ton of the museums on the list it's a great option but otherwise there's no shame just getting the Hola BCN for your transport and booking the attractions individually :) Cheers, Ash
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