Getting Around Barcelona | A Practical Guide for Residents

Living in Barcelona means enjoying a city that is easy to navigate without owning a car. Whether you are new to the city or have been here for years, Barcelona offers a wide range of transport options that make daily life simple, affordable, and efficient.

From public transport and cycling to electric scooters and taxis, here is everything you need to know about getting around Barcelona.

Public transport in Barcelona

Barcelona’s public transport system is one of the best in Europe and is the main way most residents get around. It includes the metro, buses, trams, and commuter trains, all of which are well integrated and easy to use.

The metro is fast, reliable, and covers most neighbourhoods, making it ideal for commuting and everyday travel. Buses run frequently across the city and often fill in the gaps where the metro does not reach. Trambaix and Trambesòs serve areas outside the metro network and connect seamlessly with other transport options.

For expats living in Barcelona, public transport is affordable, efficient, and available with monthly and multi-journey travel cards, making it a practical choice for daily life.

Cycling around Barcelona

Cycling in Barcelona has become increasingly popular, especially among residents. The city has an extensive network of cycle lanes, and many routes are flat and easy to navigate. This makes cycling a great option for short trips, commuting, or simply getting around neighbourhoods.

Barcelona also offers a public bike-sharing system called Bicing, which is widely used by locals. It is particularly convenient for quick journeys and for those who do not want to own a bike.

With a mild climate and plenty of green spaces, cycling is both a practical and enjoyable way to experience the city.

Shared electric motorcycles

Shared electric motorcycles are everywhere in Barcelona and are a favourite among expats who want flexibility without owning a vehicle. Companies such as Cooltra, Acciona, Cityscoot, Movo, Yego, and Seat MÓ operate electric scooters that can be picked up and parked in designated areas across the city.

Prices vary depending on the provider, but rates usually start at around €0.30 per minute. Most companies offer discounted packages if you buy minutes in advance, making this option more affordable for regular use.

Electric motorcycles are ideal for avoiding traffic, especially during peak hours, and are a fast way to cross the city.

Taxis and driving in Barcelona

Taxis are easy to find in Barcelona and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps. Ride-hailing services such as Cabify and Bolt are also widely used and popular with residents.

While having a car can be useful for weekend trips or travelling outside the city, driving in Barcelona itself can be slow and stressful. Traffic congestion, limited parking, and high parking costs mean that many expats choose not to own a car and rely instead on public transport, taxis, or shared mobility services.

Useful transport resources in Barcelona

If you are living in or moving to Barcelona, these resources are helpful for managing daily transport:

• Barcelona TMB – metro and bus services.

• Barcelona SMOU – cycling, parking, and urban mobility services.

• Barcelona Rodalies – commuter and regional train services.

• Barcelona FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) – suburban rail network.