How to Get Around Barcelona Without a Car: Public Transport Guide

Discover how to get around Barcelona without a car using metro, bus, NitBus, tram, train, funicular, and Barcelona Bus Turístic.  Hola Barcelona takes you there!
 

21/09/2026
Barcelona without car

Every September 22nd, World Car-Free Day reminds us that Barcelona can easily be discovered without getting behind the wheel. The city features an extensive public transport network to reach all main neighborhoods and tourist attractions comfortably.

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card allows unlimited trips for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours and includes the metro, bus, NitBus, tram, FGC, and Rodalies de Catalunya trains within Zone 1, as well as the Montjuïc Funicular.

Below, we have prepared a handy quick guide to public transport in Barcelona. Save it for your next visit!

Metro: The Fastest Way to Get Around Barcelona

The Barcelona metro connects all major points in the city. For instance, Line L3 is practical for reaching La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, or Passeig de Gràcia, while L4 takes you to Barceloneta and the beaches.

Line L9 Sud connects the airport with the city, and theHola Barcelona Travel Card includes a round trip between the airport and the city center.

Image of a clean, modern Barcelona metro train arriving at an underground station platform

Bus and NitBus: Barcelona at Street Level

TMB buses are a great option to move around while taking in the city views, featuring countless stops and horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines crossing the city. At night, the NitBus extends nocturnal transit options—also included in the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
 

Image of a red and white TMB urban bus traveling through a Barcelona avenue.

FGC and Rodalies: Connecting Different Areas

FGC and Rodalies de Catalunya trains complement the metro network and allow you to reach various points across Barcelona. While you can travel across Catalonia on these trains, only trips within Zone 1 are included in the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

Tram: Another Way to Move Around

The tram is especially useful along specific sections of Avinguda Diagonal and other areas served by the Trambaix and Trambesòs networks. It is also included in the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
 

Image of a modern green and white tram gliding down a tree-lined avenue in Barcelona.

Barcelona Bus Turístic: Discover the Essentials

The Barcelona Bus Turístic  features two routes—Red and Blue—and connects some of Barcelona's main attractions, such as Sagrada Família, Montjuïc, Passeig de Gràcia, and Tibidabo. Thanks to its Hop-On Hop-Off system, you can board and disembark as often as you like and switch lines with a single ticket.
(Note: Barcelona Bus Turístic is not part of the standard public transport network).

Image of an open-top red double-decker Barcelona Bus Turístic carrying passengers on a sunny day.

Montjuïc Cable Car: Enjoy the Best Panoramic Views

Riding up Montjuïc mountain on the Montjuïc Cable Car is the ideal way to soar over the pine trees and admire unforgettable views of the city and the sea, especially at sunset.

While the Montjuïc Cable Car requires its own specific ticket, the preceding funicular ride up to the base station is included directly in your Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

(Note: Montjuïc Cable Car is not part of the standard public transport network).

What is the Best Transport to Get Around Barcelona?

For most journeys, the metro and bus are the most practical choices. The tram, FGC, and Rodalies complement the network, while the Barcelona Bus Turístic is ideal for discovering the city's key highlights.

If you want to combine different modes of transport, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card lets you travel unlimitedly for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. Plus, buying online comes with a 10% discount.

Leave the car behind and explore Barcelona at your own pace. Hola Barcelona takes you there!