Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a cheap Barcelona travel pass that gave you unlimited transport?
That way we’d avoid the single ticket pitfalls of fumbling for change, worrying about time validity, and mumbling through some basic 9th grade Spanish.
It’d also be nice if this tourist travel pass had the potential to save us money.
That brings us to the Hola Barcelona Card (formerly the Hola BCN).
Why Get an Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Having an all-inclusive transport card with unlimited rides makes your holiday run like a clock.
Tourists have been buying Hola Barcelona Card (previously the Hola BCN Travel Card) for years because:
- You get unlimited public transport on the metro, bus, tram, and funicular.
- There’s return Barcelona airport transport via airport train, metro, or bus 46.
- There’s easy pickup at Barcelona Turisme kiosks.
- It eliminates stress of constantly buying tickets.
- It’s cheap.
Remember: if you have any questions about Barcelona transport options like how to get to any of the city’s top attractions from your holiday apartment just write me in the comments below.
What Does this Barcelona Tourist Travel Pass Include?
Your super-handy Barcelona travel card will include unlimited journeys in zone one on:
- Overland trains (including the R2 from El Prat Airport to central Barcelona).
- The metro (all lines including the L9 from Barcelona airport, a €9.00 value).
- All TMB buses.
- Tram.
- The Montjuic Funicular (careful! This is not the Montjuic Teleferic).
Some of you might be asking what exactly is zone one?
The simple answer is it’s the entire city centre and all suburban areas. Unlike bigger cities like New York and London the area of zone one is the entire reach of the metro system.
This encompasses basically all main tourist attractions in Barcelona.
Hola Barcelona Travel Pass Prices 2023
Strike through prices are offline prices so it’s best to book online with the 5% discount.
The price of a single ticket in Barcelona has increased to €2.40 in 2023 so your break even point on the 48 hour pass is 3 uses a day – a virtual guarantee when visiting the city.
Here are the multi day ticket prices:
- 48 hours:
€16.40€15.58 (online). - 72 hours:
€23.80€22.61 (online). - 96 hours:
€31.00€29.45 (online). - 120 hours:
€38.20€36.29 (online).
These prices apply to everybody (including students, 65+ etc.) – only children under 4 ride free.
As you can see, buying this Barcelona transport pass online means you’ll spend just around €7.00 a day for unlimited travel on public transport plus your connection from the airport to Barcelona city centre.
Keep in mind that return metro service from Barcelona airport alone costs €10.30!
Tack on the Aerobus for the Ultimate Tourist Transport Pass
Looking to throw in the best airport transport on top?
Thanks to Tiqets you now have the option to package a one way or return ticket on the Aerobus (up to a €13.20 value) with the Hola Barcelona Card – you can book the Barcelona Transport Pass clicking the button below:
Where Can I Buy an Hola BCN Travel Pass?
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is available via Barcelona Turisme, the official tourism board of the city.
Here you’ll earn me a small commission (at no extra cost to you) to cover server costs and the effort/time I put in… if you want to help please click the button below:
It is very much appreciated! 🙂
Where to Pick up Your Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Once you’ve got your voucher code sent to your email you can pick up your Barcelona city travel pass at any of the following Tourist Information points:
- Airport: Terminals T1 + T2: Daily from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. January 6th and December 26th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed: New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
- Plaça de Catalunya: Plaça de Catalunya 17. Daily from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm. January 1st from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. January 6th and December 26th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed: Christmas Day.
- City Hall: Carrer de la Ciutat 2. Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed: New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
- Sants Station: Plaça Països Catalans. Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (high season till 8:00 pm). Closed: New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
- Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument): Plaça Portal de la Pau. Daily from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. January 6th and December 26th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed: New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
- Plaça Espanya: Daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (high season from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm). January 6th and December 26th from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Closed: New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
- Sagrada Familia: Daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm (high season till 8:00 pm). January 6th and December 26th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed: New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
Travel Pass Validity & Restrictions
Your Hola Barcelona Travel Card becomes live the first time you use it.
This means if you have a 72 hour tourist travel card and take your first public transport trip at noon on January 1st, you’ll have until noon on January 4th to ride as many journeys as you want.
Night Buses and the Hola Barcelona Card
Unfortunately the Hola Barcelona Card is not valid for night buses since they are operated by a private company.
To use night buses you can pay the bus driver €2.40 for a single ticket using cash.
Keep in mind that from Sunday to Thursday the metro closes between 00:00 and 05:00 and between 02:00 and 05:00 on Friday.
On Saturday night (to be clear, the night between Saturday and Sunday) the metro is open all night!
If you’re looking for a big club night make it Saturday unless you’re rich enough for a taxi.
Why Not Another Discount Card?
The Barcelona Card
The good thing about this discount Barcelona travel pass is that it costs much less than its sister the Barcelona Card, which is more aimed at people looking to get lots of Barcelona attraction tickets in addition to getting unlimited transport.
If I’ve confused you a little make sure to check out my page comparing the two tourist travel cards.
The Barcelona Pass
The popular Barcelona Pass is a great option because it gets you into mega-attractions La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, and a one or two day pass on the Bus Turistic.
You’ll also get 10% off your Hola Barcelona Card plus 10% discounts on virtually anything you can do in Barcelona from flamenco to Camp Nou.
Deciding Which Barcelona Travel Pass to Get
If you’re sure you want to see a lot of attractions you may be better off going for the Barcelona Card or the Barcelona Pass – but as far as a straight up travel card goes the Hola Barcelona Travel Card is the cheapest and most efficient.
Still a bit confused about which discount pass to get? Make sure you write me in the comments below with a list of things you’d like to see and a budget and I’ll do my best to help out 🙂
Hola Barcelona Travel Card Zones
If you’re staying a bit outside the city centre here’s a list of nearby municipalities included in zone one:
Sant Adriá del Besos, Badalona, Montgat, Montcada i Reixac, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despì, l’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cornellá de Llobregat, Sant Boi de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat e Castelldefels.
All of these communities can be reached by train using the Hola Barcelona Card.
Related: How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?
Hola Barcelona Travel Pass FAQ
Is the validity of the card for days or hours?
Again, the validity is for hours. If you activate a 72 hour card at 6 pm on Friday you’ll have until 6 pm on Monday to take advantage of your unlimited tourist travel card.
Why do some websites say that it’s days and not hours?
Because the change from days to hours was very recent and they probably haven’t updated the information 😉
Can I get a refund on my Hola Barcelona Card?
Yes. To cancel your travel card get in touch with [email protected]
I lost my Hola Barcelona Card, can I get a replacement?
Unfortunately this is not possible so be careful!
Is the Hola Barcelona Card interpersonal?
No, trips are only permitted to the holder of the card.
Can I use my Hola Barcelona Card to get to Girona/Montserrat/Sitges?
No, this Barcelona travel pass is only valid for zone one of the Barcelona transport network.
Is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card really worth it?
If you’re planning on visiting the main tourist attractions and don’t have the money to get around by taxi, then yes!
I’m a student/retiree, can I get any transport discounts in Barcelona?
No, only children under 4 travel free on public transport in Barcelona.
Does the validity kick in from the time I pick it up or the time I first use it on transport?
The clock starts ticking on this Barcelona travel pass from the time you first use it.
I’ll be in Barcelona for six days, are there Hola Barcelona Card cards for more than 120 hours?
No, in these cases you’ll need to combine cards (e.g. 48h + 96h)
Do I have to book my Hola Barcelona Travel Card way in advance?
In general there are no rules for booking your Barcelona travel card but obviously the sooner the better in case you incur any unexpected issues along the way.
Is the Hola Barcelona Card valid for the Aerobus?
No, though bus 46 departs from the same area at both the airport and Plaça Catalunya. You’ll also be able to grab the airport train or metro.
Ready to Get Your Hola Barcelona Travel Card?
If the Hola Barcelona Card isn’t the best Barcelona travel pass then what is?
Remember, you can drop me a line below about anything regarding visiting Barcelona and I’ll respond ASAP with something so good you won’t even know what to do 😉
Also don’t be afraid to join the Hola Barcelona Travel Card discussion by liking the Barcelona Hacks Facebook page then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions and chat with 10,000+ Barcelona travelers.
Enjoy your Barcelona tourist travel pass 🙂
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December 15, 2021 at 5:14 amIf my airplane arrives at 10pm how do i pick it up at the airport? it says the collection closes at 830 pm
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December 23, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Team MemberAshHi Ullas, Thanks for writing :) First of all, apologies for the delay. We had a server change and so any updates we made, including comments, were not updating during the change. Unfortunately, if you're arriving this late there will be no place to redeem the code. You'll have to do it from one of the Tourisme Info points the next day. There was briefly the opportunity to pick them up at metro stations but this has been discontinued during COVID times... hopefully to return soon! Cheers,
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October 17, 2021 at 12:06 amHello! Can you use this card for discounts/free entry at museums/parks?
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October 17, 2021 at 12:35 pm Team MemberAshHi Joli, Unfortunately being a transport only pass it is not redeemable for discounts/entry at museums/parks etc. For discounts it's best to try the Barcelona Card or Online City Pass. Cheers,
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December 2, 2020 at 1:13 pmHi there, I’m wondering with each card does that grant me entry/travel straight away or do I go to a ticket office and show the card to purchase tickets/travel cards. thanks :)
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December 3, 2020 at 6:47 pm Team MemberAshHi Izzabella, After buying the pass you'll be given a code which you can use to redeem it at any metro ticket machine (or at the Barcelona Turisme window at the airport) and you're good to go. All the instructions are above ;) Cheers,
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February 19, 2020 at 2:14 amHi Ash, I am traveling with my two sons aged 2 and 6. Do I need to purchase Hola BCN cards for them as well? Or is there any free transport for children of a certain age? Thanks, Andrea
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February 5, 2020 at 7:52 pmHi...I'm planning to visit Barcelona for 5 days starting February 13, 2020. We will be arriving in the morning around 7:30am. We are staying at an Airbnb in Carrer Diputacio in Barcelona. Can you let us know what mode of transportation will be best? We were thinking of taking the Aerobus.
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February 6, 2020 at 10:11 am Team MemberAshHola Mary, Calle Diputacio is a massive street that stretches on for a while... can you give me a cross street or even full address? In general though the Aerobus should be the best bet. Cheers, Ash
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February 5, 2020 at 3:41 pmHi Ash, Thanks for all the helpful information on your blog! I’m so excited for our upcoming visit to Barcelona on February 21-24. We will be staying at the Sheraton Four Points on the diagonal and have a few questions: 1) what is our best and fastest public transportation from El Prat Airport at 11 am? I am confused what the difference is between train, subway, metro? 2) thinking we should get the Hola Barcelona Card and was wondering if my hotel is conveniently located to Park Guell, Picasso Museum, Las Ramblas, Boqueria Market - (I know it’s near Sagrada Famalia) as these are all on our list. The cost of the 3 day card would get us round trip from the airport too! Thanks for your help! Michelle
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February 6, 2020 at 10:04 am Team MemberAshHola Michelle, You're very welcome :) I would grab the airport train to El Clot Arago station and from here it's just a 10 minute walk. The metro and subway are the same thing but they won't get you anywhere close. Just take the train which will be easily distinguished in the signs as you walk through the airport. Your hotel isn't convenient for any of the attractions except for Sagrada and this is all the more reason to get the Hola Barcelona Card as you'll be doing quite a bit of travel on public transport. The good thing is the aforementioned airport train is included with the pass so you'll be good to go! Ash
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February 5, 2020 at 5:49 amHi Ash, Thank you so much for all the information. I'm planning a trip to Spain this year in May and I'm currently searching for all details on how to get around. I plan on staying in Barcelona for two nights and the places I want to visit for sure are: Camp Nou and La Sagrada Familia. I already got tickets for both places :) I will be staying at a hotel near the airport. But I'm debating whether the Hola card is worth it for those two days I will be there? is it easy to get around?
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February 1, 2020 at 1:30 amHi I am visiting Barcelona in 2nd week of February this year.We are planning to stay at easy sleep eixample. Which is the best option to travel from airport to our place??
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February 1, 2020 at 3:39 pm Team MemberAshHi Jaya, I'd take the Aerobus to the terminus station and then from there walk upt o Passeig de Gracia metro, grab the purple line, and get off at Monumental. From here it's a short walk. Cheers, Ash
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February 4, 2020 at 3:28 amThanks a million I am travelling from UK. Would you be able to tell me which is the best option for mobile internet connectivity in Spain ?
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February 4, 2020 at 4:16 pm Team MemberAshHi Jaya, I'd simply just get a basic Lyca sim card once you've arrived (you can get them at the airport or at any mobile shop in the city). For €10.00 you'll get the data needed for a standard holiday. Cheers, Ash
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January 24, 2020 at 11:25 amHi There, I will be visiting Barcelona from the 2nd March until the 5 March as a solo traveller. I will be staying in the Les Corts area. I would like to visit the main tourist attractions in the few day I have such as Sagrada Familia,Park Güell,Parc de Montjuïc & Font Magica,Gothic quarter of Barcelona,Boqueria Market,La Rambla, Gothic quarter, La Barceloneta and maybe any others you can suggest are must sees. I am worried that I won't be able to figure out the bus and metro sysytem as we have nothing like that here in South Africa. I also considered the hop on hop off bus to get me around to the main sites, but it seems quite costly and then I would have to pay entrance fees too. What do you suggest would be the best for me and the less stressful, cost is a factor too and I would need to get back to the airport on my departure day. Thank you.
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January 20, 2020 at 7:17 pmdoes hola barcelona card works from Barcelona central to Casteldefels ? If yes, which route is that ? Thanks
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January 21, 2020 at 2:20 am Team MemberAshHola Manish, Yes, Castelldefels is in Zone 1 of the TMB network so it is covered! Trains leave from Sants Estacio in Barcelona. Enjoy :) Ash
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