Finding Your Way From The Barcelona Cruise Port Into The City
IS IT EASY TO GET FROM THE BARCELONA CRUISE TERMINAL INTO TOWN?
Every year more than 2 million people use the Barcelona cruise port. Traveling by cruise it’s a great way to visit different cities and countries in a short period of time, without the hassle of packing and unpacking each time you arrive to a new destination.
However, planning your touring can be tricky, as it’s harder to figure out how far will the pier be from the city, and you need to organize your visit well in order to take the most out of the few hours that you’ll be in town.
Here is how to get in and out of the Barcelona cruise ship port:
1
Walking, not a good idea
The port of Barcelona is basically divided in two piers. While passengers from small ships such as Windstar and Aida stop at the WTC Barcelona Cruise Terminal that is only 5min. walk from the Statue of Columbus, where la Rambla begins, most large cruises stop in the Moll Adossat terminals and from there you need to cross the Porta d’Europa, the longest port bridge in Europe.
I don’t recommend trying to walk it, as it’ll take you some good 30 min. to get to la Rambla (under the hot Barcelona sun and with no shade to stop under… Trust me, I’ve done it and won’t repeat it again!). Anyway, after crossing the bridge you can walk up la Rambla and see the Gothic Quarter. You might even reach Passeig de Gràcia where the Gaudi apartments are, but you’ll need strong legs to do that!
2
Subway
There is no subway station in the pier: you’ll have to get in town to use it. The closest subway station is called Drassanes, in the L3 line (green). It’ll ride you all along la Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, and if you are ready for a walk uphill, the Vallcarca station it’s a 20min. walk to the Park Güell.
3
Bus
Some cruises arrange shuttle buses that save you the walk across the bridge: you often have to pay for this service, and wait until it comes. There are also public buses connecting the cruise ship port with the city. they are cheap but not very reliable as their schedule isn’t very regular (That’s why I don’t use them when I need to greet my clients at the pier!). They drop you near the statue of Columbus.
4
Taxi
5
Private driver
A private shore excursion is the easiest way to exit the Barcelona Cruise Port, and you will also take the most out of your short time in the city. Certainly it is more expensive if you are only two people, but if you are traveling with some more friends or family, the price becomes quite reasonable compared to joining one of the group tours offered by the ship.
Small groups move faster than large tours, so you’ll get see more things in the same amount of time!. Plus the itinerary can be customized to match your interests.
AND BONUS! Need to go from the Barcelona Cruise Port to Airport?
6
Barcelona Cruise Terminal to Airport
And a taxi from Barcelona cruise port to airport can easily cost you over €30. In most cases, cruiselines organize shuttles to the airport, but you might also want to consider booking a private transfer or even a city tour ending at the airport if you haven’t visited Barcelona yet and you have some time available for touring before your flight departs.
How are you planning to get into town from the Barcelona cruise port?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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