Barcelona-El Prat airport terminals T1 and T2: a practical guide

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, roughly 4 km apart and linked by a free shuttle bus. If you have booked a chauffeur, the driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall of your terminal with a sign showing your name, once you have collected your luggage.

Autolux is based at this airport and runs transfers from it every day. This guide covers what visitors usually want to know before landing in Barcelona or heading back to catch a flight.

T1 and T2: how they differ

Terminal 1 (T1)

T1 is the larger, newer terminal. Most traditional airlines and members of the major alliances use it, as do Vueling and Iberia, and almost all long-haul flights leave from here.

Terminal 2 (T2)

T2 is the older building and is split into three sections: T2A, T2B and T2C. It mainly handles low-cost airlines. Some, such as easyJet, use T2C.

Airline allocations can change. Always check the terminal on your boarding pass or on your airline's website before you travel.

Distance and connection between terminals

The two terminals are about 4 km apart by road. Walking between them is not a realistic option.

• Shuttle bus: a free bus runs frequently between T1 and T2. The ride takes approx. 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Allow time: if you need to change terminal, allow at least 20-30 minutes for waiting, the ride and reaching the area you need.
• Common mistake: going to the wrong terminal. If it happens to you, the shuttle bus is the quickest fix.

How to get out of the terminal on arrival

The route is similar in both terminals:

1. Leave the aircraft and follow the signs for the exit and baggage reclaim.
2. If you are arriving from outside the Schengen area, you will go through passport control before the carousels.
3. Collect your bags from the carousel shown on the screens.
4. Walk through the exit doors into the public arrivals hall.

In the arrivals hall you will find people waiting for passengers, car rental desks and access to public transport.

Where your chauffeur meets you

When you book an airport transfer with Autolux, the driver waits for you in the arrivals hall of your terminal, at the passenger exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, the driver takes care of your luggage and walks you to the vehicle.

Our drivers wear a suit and tie, are discreet and speak more than one language. Customer service is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.

Tips for a smooth pickup

• Give your flight number and terminal when you book. That way the driver knows exactly which arrival to wait for and in which hall.
• Keep your phone on when you land. If you are travelling from abroad, check that roaming is enabled.
• Let us know about delays on the ground, such as lost luggage or a long queue at passport control. You can call us on +34 93 818 23 36.
• Mention special luggage when booking (sports equipment, child seats, oversized cases) so we can confirm the right vehicle.
• Travelling as a group? Book a Top-Van, a minivan for up to 8 passengers.

Getting to the airport

For departures, the trip from central Barcelona to El Prat is about 15 km and usually takes approx. 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Coming from the Penedès wine region or the coast takes longer. See the Barcelona airport route for a reference.

Tell us your departure terminal and we will drop you directly at the correct departures area.

In short

Check your terminal, give us your flight number and keep your phone at hand. With that, your driver will find you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and a fixed price already confirmed.

Landing in Barcelona soon? Book your transfer and we will be waiting at your terminal.