Catalonia's capital is a huge city and a major population center in Europe, meaning it will be important to know some of the main ways remote workers get around Barcelona. With so many things to see across town, it's always possible for most remote workers to see the city affordable and efficient way - Barcelona has a modern and well-equipped public transport system in the tradition of most major European cities. Here you will find the metro, a vast network of city buses and a tram network operating touristic and community lines. Indeed, One of the greatest things about Barcelona’s public transport is certainly its cleanliness and safety - much more comfortable than the subway systems of London and Paris, Barcelona’s metro feels more manageable and less daunting. If you want to find out what the best public transport option is for you in the city, read our remote workers’ Guide to Barcelona’s Public Transport below.
The first thing you will need before diving into Barcelona’s public transport network is the correct ticket. The city has a very simple ticketing system and, while prices are not as affordable as perhaps many other cities popular with remote workers, fares are still very much in line with major western European cities. A single ticket for any of the city’s public transport option has a cost of 2.4EUR and can be purchased at any station ticket office in Barcelona. For remote workers who plan to stay in the city for longer however, the 10-journey T-card will be the best option - it provides 10 journeys at discounted prices of just 11.53EUR (1 zone) and 22.4EUR (2 zones). Other options available include the “Hola BCN” Card which provides unlimited usage on the city’s public transport network and prices depend on the number of days you purchase it for (up to 5). Most remote workers get around Barcelona by getting the T-card as it's the most cost-efficient option for long-term visitors.
Barcelona’s Metro is certainly the city’s most important public transport option, carrying over half a billion people every year on its 12 lines. The system is old but feels increasingly modern - the first trains were installed in the late-19th century but newer carriages and lines have been installed in the past 5 years. The Metro is open from 5am until midnight on weekdays but works around the clock on Saturdays, making it convenient for late-night party-goers to get home. In general, the Metro is a safe, clean, accessible and fast way for remote workers to get around Barcelona.
Run by the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) company, the city's buses are a hugely convenient way for remote workers to get around Barcelona and particularly for getting to Metro stations in residential areas. The network is huge, with over 110 bus lines reaching practically every part of the city. You should make sure to board the bus using front gates and leave using the back doors. Always validate your ticket on board. Night buses (Nit Bus) operate regularly into and out of Plaça de Catalunya. Tickets are 2.4EUR for a single ride, but you can also ride with your T-Card or “Hola BCN” ticket.
While remote workers get around Barcelona easily with the metro and buses, there are also the city’s tram lines. Reaching the steeper parts of the city, Barcelona’s six tram lines offer a different way of reaching residential and commercial areas away from the main areas served by the metro. Recommended for remote workers and visitors looking for an enjoyable experience will be the Tramvia Blue line, maintained for tourists, which uses an older tram car and makes the climb up to El Tibidado, providing great views of the city below. You can ride with you T-Card.
For more information about living in Barcelona as a remote worker, check out our complete Barcelona guide.