Weather

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and hot summers. If it's sun you're after, the best months to go are May, June and September. The heat is at its harshest in July and August, with highs sometimes reaching the mid-30°s C (90°F).

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)

Transport

Plane

If you're flying to Barcelona, the airport is 12km (7.5mi) southwest of the city centre. It's a fairly busy airport and receives many direct flights from North America and Europe. Barcelona's airport is 12km (7.5mi) southwest of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat. The city is a big international and domestic destination, with direct flights from North America and many European cities. Departure tax is factored into ticket prices.

Train

Alternatively you can catch an international train to Barcelona. Buses are a cheaper, less comfortable way of getting there or for something a little different, you can get to Barcelona via ferry from the Balearic Islands and Italy. You can take domestic and international trains to Barcelona. The main train station is Estació Sants, 2.5km (1.6mi) west of La Rambla. Direct overnight trains from Paris, Geneva, Lisbon and Milan arrive here, as do services from various French cities and across Spain.

Main ways to travel in the city

Metro (Subway or Underground)

Barcelona has a clean, punctual, air-conditioned metro system that will take you to most of the major sites. The metro is especially useful in the summer when it can be quite hot to walk everywhere.

Downloadable Map

Barcelona Taxis

Taxis are an affordable alternative to public transport. A 15 mins journey will only cost about 7 Euros. Licensed Taxis have to charge you the amount displayed on the meter. However if you are carrying extra luggage there may be a small surcharge. Rates will be displayed inside the cab.

Tipping for taxi's is customary and is about 5 to 10% of the Taxi fare. Official Barcelona Taxis are yellow and black and a green illuminated light on the top of the Taxi indicates that it's available for hire.

If you're attempting to get around in the very heart of the city a taxi may not be the best choice. Most of the city centre is pedestrianized and the roads that go through the centre can be quite small and congested. In such circumstances you have two main options, the Barcelona transport system (metro and buses) or walking.

Taxis for the handicapped.

If you are interested in reserving a taxi that is suitable for disabled people or people with limited mobility call this number for cabs suitable for the disabled or handicapped.

Barcelona Handicapped adapted Taxi's

Tel. 0034 93 322 2222

Tel. 0034 93 3070707
Tel. 0034 93 420 8088

Barcelona Spain Transport - Buses

There's also a clean and efficient bus service that serves Barcelona centre. To get more information on this service visit any tourist information centre for further details. Or visit the official TMB website for more information:

• http://www.tmb.net/en_US/home.jsp

Walking

Surprisingly Barcelona’s transport is not necessarily the best way to get around! Why.... because the city centre is not as big as you may think.

The metro is excellent and you won't have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train. However if you choose to walk you'll be surprised to discover that many sites in the city are a lot closer than you think.

Walking also gives you the added benefit of taking in the breathtaking architecture. Pick up a street map and try getting around the city by foot for a while. You'll be surprised how quick and easy it is.