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 your hotel is the city of Barcelona.
But is the Barcelona Card worth it? Let’s take a deeper look.
Where to Buy the Barcelona Card
Already in the know? You can buy this Barcelona tourist discount card via the official Barcelona Tourism Office.
Clicking the button below gets you a special 10% online discount that is not found on location in Barcelona.
The Barcelona Card: Free Entry + Discounts
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.
🙋♂️ Want custom advice from locals on the ground? Ask in our Barcelona Reddit group – we respond to all posts.
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, Barcelona tram, overland rail, and the Montjuic funicular.
- Free Airport Transfer: (metro, train, or bus) from Barcelona airport to city centre.
- Free Skip the Line Admission to 20+ Museums: including the Picasso Museum, Moco Museum, the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, Banksy Museum, the Joan Mirò Foundation, MACBA, MNAC, CCCB, Botanical Gardens, the Chocolate Museum, and more.
- Barcelona Attraction Discounts Up to 40%: La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, Mirador Torre Glories, Wax Museum, Erotica Museum, Maritime Museum, Paradox Museum, the Aquarium, Zoo, Poble Espanyol, Palau de la Musica, and more.
- Tour Discounts: on Barcelona’s best bike tours, walking tours etc.
- City Map: to help you get to the attractions fast.
- Visit Guide: Guide in English to help you understand everything you see.
Still not convinced? Read the full list of 2026 Barcelona Card discounts.
How Much is the Barcelona Card? 2026 Prices
As noted before, ticket window prices are 10% higher so if you’re gonna do it, make sure you buy your Barcelona Cards online.
| Barcelona Card | Adults | Kids |
| 72 Hours (3 days) | €53.10 | €33.30 |
| 96 Hours (4 days) | €62.10 | €41.40 |
| 120 Hours (5 days) | €71.10 | €48.60 |
When booking with the button above you’ll also have free cancellation passes (up to 24 hours before).
The Barcelona Card Essential: Pass Without Transport
The Barcelona Card Essential is essentially (excuse the lack of creativity in my adjectives) the same Barcelona discount pass.
The only difference between this and other Barcelona Card options is there are no public transport included – only discounts for the main Barcelona attractions list above.
| BarcelonaCard Essential | Adults | Kids |
| 72 Hours (3 days) | €29.00 | €15.00 |
| 96 Hours (4 days) | €35.00 | €17.00 |
| 120 Hours (5 days) | €45.00 | €20.00 |
Clicking the button below gets you a 10% discount booking online with Barcelona Tourism Office.
Is the Barcelona Card Worth It?
Let’s take a look at transport first – remembering that single metro and bus tickets cost €2.65.
A conservative average of four trips a day over a 3 day stay costs €10.60 a day x 3 = €31.80.
Factor in return airport transfer for two more trips (remember, there’s free airport transfer) and we’re up to €39.90 for transport without the card.
Now let’s throw in the Picasso Museum.
Your free admission at this must-see museum costs €17.00 – bringing us to €56.90.

How Much Money Does the Barcelona Card Save Me?
As you can see, on a 72 hour Barcelona Card worth €51.30 we’re €5.80 in ‘profit’ visiting only the Picasso Museum – not even using 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 €26.60 in savings very quickly.
Throw in a €7.00 savings at can’t-miss Casa Batlló, 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 €30.00 and €40.00 – that’s a “free” paella dinner with wine tacked onto your trip just for a couple mouse clicks from home.
Where to Pick Up Your Barcelona Card
To claim your smart card, simply show the purchase voucher at tourist information offices spread at/near main Barcelona transport stations – 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 (Metro)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25, Jan 1
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 26 & Jan 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–1 pm
✈️ Airport – Terminal T2 (Metro)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25, Jan 1
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 26 & Jan 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–1 pm
✈️ Airport – Terminal T1 (Main)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–7:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 26 & Jan 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–5 pm
- Jan 1: 10 am–2:30 pm
✈️ Airport – Terminal T2 (Main)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–7:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 26 & Jan 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–5 pm
- Jan 1: 10 am–2:30 pm
🏙️ Plaça de Catalunya (Main office, basement of no. 17)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–8:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 26 & Jan 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–5 pm
🏙️ Plaça de Catalunya Kiosk (in front of El Corte Inglés)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25 & 26
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–2:30 pm
- Jan 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
🏛️ Placa Espanya (Avinguda Maria Cristina)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
- Closed: Dec 25, Jan 1
- Special hours:
- Dec 24, 26 & Jan 5–6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–5 pm
⛪ Sagrada Família Information Booth
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–8 pm
- Closed: Dec 25
- Special hours:
- Dec 24 & Jan 5: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Dec 26, Jan 1 & 6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–2:30 pm
🗺️ Mirador de Colom (The Columbus Statue)
- Regular hours: Daily, 8:30 am–2:30 pm (last admission 1:30 pm)
- Closed: Dec 25, Jan 1
- Special hours:
- Dec 24, 26 & Jan 5–6: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
- Dec 31: 8:30 am–1 pm
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 Casas (-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: Is the Barcelona Card Worth It?
Looking for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell?
It’s obvious: the Barcelona Card does not include the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
That’s why our friends at Tiqets have created the Gaudi Bundle: as an add-on to the Barcelona Card.
It includes:
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Sagrada Familia with an official audio guide
- Skip-the-line entrance to Park Güell
- City audio guide app with over 100 points of interest including routes and secrets of Barcelona
- English audio guide for Park Güell via a downloadable app on your phone
Barcelona Card FAQ
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Can I use the Barcelona Card for the Aerobus?
No, the free public transportation applies to city and public transport services only.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Can I use the Barcelona Card on non-consecutive days?
No, the Barcelona Card must be used on consecutive days.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Can I cancel my Barcelona Card?
Yes, all inquiries however must be made to [email protected].
-
Can I use the Barcelona Card on the Montjuic Funicular?
No.
-
Can I use the Barcelona Card on the Tram Blau?
No.
Buying a Barcelona Card for Free Entry?
Write me with Barcelona Card questions you may have in the comments below.
Also, don’t be afraid to join the Barecelona 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.
Enjoy your Barcelona Card 🙂
-
November 3, 2019 at 1:54 amGood morning thank you for the important information. Can you help me to know how to reach from Barcelona international airport to Montaber Apartments Sagrada Familia Eixample, Barcelona, 08013, Spain. Please
-
November 4, 2019 at 11:44 amHi Leslie, I'd grab the airport train (NOT metro) to El Clot and then from there it's just a 10 minute walk, easy peasy :) Cheers, Ash
-
-
October 10, 2019 at 7:57 pmHi Ash! Super helpful website! I'm traveling with some friends from April 1-9 and was considering getting an Hola BCN card. I see the maximum time for those is 120 hours which isn't quite enough. I wanted to know if it's possible/if it makes sense to just get 2 BCN cards per person to cover the whole 9 day trip? Also if you'd be able to help me figure out the best way to get to our Airbnb which is by the Diagonal Metro stop. Is there a way to take the Metro straight from the airport? Or would we have to take an airport bus to a Metro and then take the Metro to Diagonal? Thanks! Kat
-
October 11, 2019 at 12:47 pmHi Kat, Thanks for the kind words, always glad to help :) There's certainly no shame in getting multiple cards if you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. I would suggest you get the 120 hour one for the first days and then play the rest by ear though. Generally people become more accustomed to the city and get around in a more economical (timewise) fashion. If you feel like you need it, just buy one when you're there... there's no risk of them selling out or the like. For Diagonal you'll need to take the airport overland train (NOT metro) to Passeig de Gracia and then from here it's one metro stop up to Diagonal. Easy peasy and included in the Hola BCN :) Cheers, Ash
-
-
September 25, 2019 at 3:09 pmHi there, We are arriving to BCN at 10 in the am on Friday. I am just curious what is the best way to get time room mate Carla from the airport at that time?
-
September 26, 2019 at 12:00 pmHola Joanna, You can take the Aerobus from either airport terminal to the terminus stop (Plaça Catalunya) and then from here it will be a short 10-15 minute walk. From there, there will also be the option of taking a quick taxi for about €5-7 if you're packing heavy bags or super tired after traveling. Cheers, Ash
-
-
September 24, 2019 at 11:19 amGood Day Ash This is such a helpful site and I am so glad I stumbled on it. My husband and I will be in Barcelona for two days at the end of October before embarking on a cruise ship. My question is: What is the best way of travelling from the airport to and from our hotel, Ramblas Hotel, and getting around to all the sites that we would like to visit while in Barcelona? We are interested in all the Gaudi attractions. Any other suggestions? Much appreciated. Lise (South Africa)
-
September 24, 2019 at 11:52 amHi Lise, I would take the Aerobus to the terminus stop Plaça Catalunya and then from here it'll be a 10-15 minute downhill walk down La Rambla or just a short taxi. There are tons of suggestions and it's hard to say without knowing you... but I'd start taking a look at my list of things to do and go from there. You can get anywhere by metro... don't overthink it, it's super convenient and easy :) Ash
-
-
September 11, 2019 at 1:41 amHi Ash, I don't have a question. My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Barcelona for 7 days in April and my level of excitement (and very ahead of time preparedness :) ) lead me to finding your website a few days ago. I'm on here pretty much every day reading and discovering more and more stuff. I just wanted to say thank you for the time you dedicate in putting together such a wonderfully detailed and informative page and for presenting everything in such an honest way. I've already chosen Gracia as the neighborhood we'll be staying in. Will grab our Barcelona Cards closer to the date and will most likely print most of you lists and suggestions and use it as the awesome travel guide that it is. So just a thank you for all of this work!
-
September 11, 2019 at 11:40 amWow! Thanks so much Ilinca, that is very kind of you. Please let me know if you have any questions, I'd be glad to help :)
-
-
September 5, 2019 at 7:51 pmHi ash I'm arriving in Barcelona on Sunday afternoon... staying at Pol and grace in Gracia..... could you advise on transport.... staying for 3 days.. planning on visiting Sagrada familia and guell parc. Kind regards Gerard
-
September 6, 2019 at 10:34 amHi Gerard, If you're just going to see Park Guell and Sagrada and little else I would recommend just getting a T-10 transport card because it gives you 10 rides for around 10 euro. You'll be quite central and will also have some walking opportunities. If you have any more specific trips though please let me know. Ash
-
-
September 4, 2019 at 11:57 amHi Ash We are arriving at El prat Airport around 10pm on Monday 24th September and we are staying at the Euro hotel Gran via Fira in L'hospialet Llobogret Can you tell me what is the best way to get there from the airport please
-
September 5, 2019 at 11:25 amHi Gary, I would grab the 46 bus and get off a few stops later at Av Granvia - Miguel Hernández. From here it's just a few minutes' walk. Cheers, Ash
-
-
August 23, 2019 at 2:45 amHi Ash, Quick question: me along with my friend will be reaching Barcelona on 23rd Aug 23:00 at El prat airport. I've booked a stay in Rambla de Catalunya. Will be staying in city till 25th evening(2 days). Please suggest us the suitable pass and travel card. (would love to visit Sagrada Familia and Park Guell as well) Thanks, Darsh
-
August 23, 2019 at 8:28 amHi Darshan, If you're just seeing Sagrada and Park Guell and nothing else I would recommend getting the tickets individually and foregoing any passes. I would just focus on getting the Hola BCN for transport as you'll likely be doing a lot of travel trying to fit in stuff over the two days. That said... were there any other attractions you hoped to visit? Let me know and I can say which tourist pass could be better Cheers, Ash
-
August 23, 2019 at 10:41 amHi Ash, Thanks for the inputs. Firstly what would be the best commuting option for us from airport to our stay in Rambla de Catalunya(will be arriving at 23.00 on 23rd of august) Further along with Sagrada and Park Guell have glanced your 3 day itinerary. Based on that planning to cover CASA BATLLÓ, MONTJUIC Cable Car and MAGIC FOUNTAIN at last BARCELONETA Beach(please suggest if this the wrong one). Verge of sunset would love to witness nightlife by hitting Tapas, night bars. And is LA FIESTA MAYOR over? if so any other festivals lined on this weekend? Heard Festa Major de Sants is on! so can you pour in overview on that. Please suggest if this can bettered. TIA Darsh
-
August 24, 2019 at 12:57 pmHola Darsh, To get to Rambla Catalunya from the airport I'd grab the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya and then from here it'll be a short walk depending on how far up the hotel is. The Festa Major de Sants is on right now and I've got more info on my Facebook post. It goes until September 1st. :) Ash
-
-
-
-
August 22, 2019 at 1:39 pmHello: What's the best way to get from Barcelona (BCN) El Prat airport to the following Hotel and address: Hotel SOFIA Barcelona - in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt Plaça de Pius XII, 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Aug 30th, 2019 to Sept 2nd, 2019
-
August 2, 2019 at 6:57 pmHi Ash! Just want to say this is THE MOST helpful travel site I've come across in a while. My family and I will be in Barcelona for 3 days at the end of September. We'll be staying in Vila de Gràcia. Do you know the best way to get there from the airport and then from there to city center? I'm debating if we should just pay more for a taxi then go through the hassle of multiple public transit transfers. We are also planning on doing the following: Camp Nou, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, La Boqueria, Las Ramblas, La Barceloneta, Magic Nights, Magic Fountain and Portel Del Angel. Do you think that's too ambitious? I saw your 3-day itinerary and I'm having trouble lumping them into 3 days cleanly. Any advice you have on how to group them together, or things you would place as lower priority would be super helpful! Thanks again!
-
August 3, 2019 at 6:35 pmHi Juliana, Thanks so much for the kind words, always glad to help :) The best way to get to Gracia is to grab the airport train to Passeig de Gracia and then from here take the green line of the metro up to Fontana. That said, it really depends on exactly where you are in Gracia as it's a fairly large area. If there are 4-5 of you it's probably better to get a taxi because it'll end up being only slightly more expensive than all buying Aerobus/metro tickets. I have included all of the attractions you mentioned in the 3 day itinerary and bunching them in a fairly convenient way... I'm not sure why you think you can't squeeze it in? I would swap Casa Batllo and Casa Vicens on day one so you can see Casa Batllo at night. Then push dinner back a bit. Easy peasy. The rest is easily done as long as you get an early start :) Cheers, Ash
-
