Barcelona, with a population of 5.6 million, is the second-largest city in Spain and certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Unfortunately, due to high port fees, ships usually dock in the port of Barcelona for only half a day. As a result, visitors often only get a brief impression of the city. However, Barcelona has a lot to offer its guests. The most famous attractions include the promenade Las Ramblas and the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which was designed by Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi and his works are present throughout Barcelona.
The Port
The cruise port is located very centrally in the city, and the cruise ships dock at terminals A-E. In front of each terminal, you will find taxis as well as stops for the port buses. Terminal E was opened in 2018 and is not yet marked on this map. It is located behind Terminal D. Since then, ships from the Carnival Group, including Aida ships, have docked at this terminal. Terminal D is also a project of Carnival Corporation and handles the Costa ships. You can find more information about the terminals here. Smaller cruise ships can dock at the World Trade Center, from where it is even a short walk to the city.
Own arrival at the port
Although Barcelona Airport is very close to the city, there is no direct connection to the port. The most convenient way to get from the airport to the cruise terminal is definitely by taxi, which costs around €40.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can take the blue Aerobus from the airport. The fare is €6, and you can purchase your ticket at the ticket machine, at the bus stop, from the driver, or online. The bus will take you in about 40 minutes to the Plaça Espanya stop, where you can transfer to the Metro. From there, you can ride three stations to Drassanes. Here, the blue port buses stop, which will take you to the harbor. A single ride costs €3. Make sure to check in advance at which terminal your ship is located, as the buses serve all terminals.
If you have some time to spend in Barcelona before your return flight, there are two options for storing your luggage.
- Bags and Go allows you to drop off your luggage at the airport, with costs starting at €9.90 per trip and per piece of luggage.
- Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Plaça de Catalunya, where you can store your luggage at Carrer Estruc 36. The blue airport bus also departs from here.