Flights to Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and one of Europe's great city breaks, where Gaudí's buildings, medieval lanes and city beaches all fit into a single day. The food is superb, the nights run late and the Mediterranean is never far away. Flights to Barcelona from Singapore land at El Prat, the city's main airport on the coast south-west of the centre, and the airport's transport links make it quick to start exploring.

About Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Location

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) sits in the municipality of El Prat de Llobregat, between the Llobregat river delta and the sea. It is roughly a dozen kilometres from Plaça de Catalunya, the central square, so the ride into town is short by European standards.

Terminals

BCN has two terminals, T1 and T2, which sit on opposite sides of the airfield. They are linked by a free shuttle bus, so check which terminal your flight uses before you set off, especially when your return flight is early in the morning. Long-haul services generally operate from T1, the larger and newer building.

Getting to and from Barcelona Airport

The Aerobús express coach runs from both terminals to Plaça de Catalunya, stopping at Plaça d'Espanya on the way. Metro line L9 Sud also serves both terminals, and a suburban Rodalies train from T2 connects with the city's main rail stations. Official taxis queue outside arrivals and are metered.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Barcelona

Whether a nonstop option from Changi is on sale depends on airline schedules at the time, and many trips to Barcelona connect through a Middle Eastern, European or Asian hub. Switch on the direct-flight filter when you search to see whether a nonstop service runs on your dates, then compare it with one-stop itineraries that may offer better timings or fares. If you are flying business class to Barcelona, compare the cabin on each leg, since the connecting flight within Europe is often a different product from the long-haul sector. Barcelona is also a handy entry point for open-jaw trips that return from Madrid, Lisbon or Rome.

When to Fly to Barcelona

Barcelona has a mild Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and humid, with crowded beaches in July and August when much of Europe is on holiday. Spring and early autumn are many travellers' favourite seasons, bringing warm sunshine without the peak crowds. Winters are cool rather than cold and good for museums and food.

From Singapore, fares and demand usually rise during the June and December school holidays. September brings La Mercè, the city's biggest street festival, and the run-up to Christmas fills the markets. Use the fare chart on this page to see how prices typically move month to month, and try shifting departure by a day or two to compare.

Popular Places in Barcelona

Sagrada Família

Gaudí's basilica has been under construction for well over a century, and its forest-like interior and stained glass are unforgettable. Book a timed entry in advance, as slots sell out, particularly in summer.

Park Güell

Set on a hillside above Gràcia, this park combines mosaic terraces, twisting pathways and wide views over the city to the sea. Entry is by timed ticket, so book ahead and allow a couple of hours to explore the terraces and woodland paths.

Gothic Quarter and El Born

Narrow medieval streets wind around the cathedral and Roman remains in the Barri Gòtic. Across Via Laietana, El Born adds the soaring Santa Maria del Mar church, boutiques and tapas bars.

La Rambla and La Boqueria

The famous boulevard runs from Plaça de Catalunya down towards the port. Halfway along, the Boqueria market is a colourful stop for fruit juices, cured ham and seafood counters. Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds.

Montjuïc and Barceloneta

Montjuïc hill holds gardens, the castle, the Olympic ring and the Joan Miró Foundation, reachable by cable car. Down by the water, Barceloneta beach is the city's classic spot for a swim and a seafront lunch.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Eixample, with its grid of elegant avenues and modernist façades, is central and well connected by metro. The Gothic Quarter and El Born put you among the sights and nightlife, though streets can be noisy. Gràcia has a village feel with small squares and local cafés. For the sea, Barceloneta and Poblenou are the natural choices, and Poblenou is calmer and more residential.

Food to Try in Barcelona

Pa amb Tomàquet

Toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil and salt. It accompanies almost every Catalan meal and is best with a slice of cured ham.

Arròs Negre and Paella

Rice dishes are a seaside staple. Arròs negre is cooked with squid ink and served with aioli, while seafood paella is best enjoyed at lunchtime near the beach.

Patatas Bravas

Fried potato cubes topped with a spicy sauce and often aioli. You will find it on almost every tapas menu in the city, and every bar has its own take on the sauce.

Fideuà

A Catalan cousin of paella made with short noodles instead of rice, cooked in seafood stock until the top turns crisp.

Crema Catalana

A chilled custard flavoured with lemon and cinnamon, finished with a caramelised sugar crust cracked open with a spoon.

Gaudí, tapas and Mediterranean sunsets are waiting. Compare flights to Barcelona on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates, and pay with your preferred local payment method.