The Tour de France arrives in Barcelona from July 2nd to 5th for the historic "Gran Départ". Discover the best vantage points to watch the race, traffic closures, and how to get around. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
The world's most important cycling competition is making history: the Grand Start (Gran Départ) of the Tour de France will take place in Barcelona! For three days, the city will be the global epicenter of sports. To enjoy this spectacle without getting stuck, knowing where to stand and how the traffic closures will affect you is key.
Surface transport will experience historic restrictions, meaning the Barcelona Metro network will be your only fast alternative. Move directly and unlimitedly beneath the race closures with your Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
These are the best locations to watch the Tour de France in Barcelona:
1. Plaça de la Sagrada Família (In front of the Passion Facade)
You will see the official team presentation up close, along with the competition's star riders, who will parade on a monumental stage set against the backdrop of Gaudí's temple.
How to get there:
Metro: Sagrada Família - L5 (remember that L2 will be closed starting from 1:00 PM).
Bus: 19, 33, 34, and V21 (subject to closures and detours depending on the schedule).
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Sagrada Família stop (Blue Route).
2. Passeig de Gràcia (Between Carrer d'Aragó and Carrer de València)
A wide, straight point right in the heart of L'Eixample—ideal for watching the cyclists speed past one by one during the individual time trial, beautifully framed between Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
How to get there:
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, and L4) or Diagonal (L3 and L5).
Bus: 7, 22, 24, V15, and V17.
3. Avinguda de l'Estadi (In front of the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium))
You will see the intense effort and struggle of the cyclists during the mountain sprint—one of the most demanding points of the road race stage where the peloton could fracture due to Montjuïc's tough ramps.
How to get there:
Metro: Espanya (L1 and L3) or Paral·lel (L2 and L3) to connect with the Montjuïc Funicular, which is included in your Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
TMB Transport Plan and Service Disruptions
Moving around the surface during the Gran Départ will be practically impossible by car or bus. Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) will deploy a special operation focused underground to guarantee mobility:
- Metro Reinforcements: The service will be synced with the race from noon until evening, offering up to 40% more trains compared to the usual weekend service (especially on L1 and L5).
- Closures at Sagrada Família Station: On presentation day, starting from 1:00 PM, L2 trains will NOT stop at this station because the exit will be closed for the event. L5 will remain operational, but the Provença-Marina ticket hall will be closed.
- Buses Cancelled and Detoured: More than 40 bus lines will be affected. During the time trial, key lines such as H10, H12, H14, H16, or 150 will be completely out of service, and the rest will be significantly detoured.
Experience the Tour at Your Own Pace
Plan your trip like a true professional. Move underground with your Hola Barcelona Travel Card. to bypass restrictions and become a part of a global cycling event. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
