Search Flights from Barcelona to San Francisco

Capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most important cities in terms of tourism and commerce. Barcelona is the 7^th most populated city in the European Union and is home to Spain’s second busiest airport. Serving 40 million passengers annually, Barcelona Airport is one of the major factors that contributes to the city’s tourism economy. The airport is easily accessible from the city, which has undergone significant transformations since the 1900’s.  

Rail

You can easily get to the airport using the rail system from the Old City, Barceloneta, or Sagrada Familia, which is one of the city’s most important monuments. By transferring to the Barcelona Sants Station, which is 7 stops from Catalunya Square, and 5 stops from Sagrada Familia, you can get on the 30-minute long train to the airport. Barcelona has been using metro and railway networks for urban transportation since the 1920’s. There is a transfer point located between each rail line. Thus, you can get from locations outside of the city and within the city to the airport without having to deal with above ground traffic.

Airport Buses

Catalunya Square, a few minutes walking distance from the districts of Ciutat Vella, Barceloneta and El Raval, is the departure point for the Aerobus buses that provide transportation to the airport. The bus lines A1 and A2 provide transportation to the airport during the day; the trip takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. At night the N16 and N17 bus lines provide transportation to the airport.

These buses operate between 5 am and 12:30 am. During peak hours these buses run every 5 minutes. The fare for these buses is cheaper than taking a taxi.

Taxi

Another convenient mode of transportation to the get to Barcelona Airport, which is located 12 km from central Barcelona, is by taxi.

However, transportation from central locations in the city, especially if you’re traveling alone, can be quite expensive.

Personal Car

Driving from the city center or coastal areas to Barcelona Airport takes around 20 minutes. To get to the airport all you have to do is follow the wide and long avenue Gran Via De Les Corts Catalanes. Once you pass the bridge over Llobregat River you will enter the Castelldefels area and the road will continue to the airport access road. The airport is divided into 2 buildings; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The airport stands out for its passenger capacity and parking capacity. The airport contains indoor and outdoor parking lots and has a total car park capacity of 19,000 vehicles.

Airport Information

Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those coming from Northern Europe. Barcelona Airport, also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, offers a total of 42 restaurants, cafes, and pubs to ensure passengers have a pleasant time while at the airport.

Barcelona Airport also offers tax-free shopping services at the Duty Free shops. The airport also features free wireless internet connection and has an area dedicated to exhibitions and performances.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Francisco California, 21 km from the city center. The airport is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California and one of the first major airports to have an automated baggage system in place.  

San Francisco International Airport is an important hub for United Airlines and Virgin America. There are a variety of transportation alternatives available to get to the city center from the airport. You can get to various parts of the city from San Francisco International Airport by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to the city center from San Francisco International Airport. The first is the BART, a rapid-rail system. The BART station is located in the international terminal at the airport. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between the airport and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to the city center from SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between SFO and San Francisco and San Jose.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to the city center from SFO is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from the airport to downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. Taxis are readily available at each terminal at the airport and depart from the taxi zones located on the arrivals/baggage claim level. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between San Francisco International Airport and the city center. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Francisco International Airport and San Mateo and various parts of San Francisco. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 stop at the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the city center. There are many rental car companies that have offices at the airport. Renting a car is also a great way to get around the city during your trip. The AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the Rental Car Center from the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who are traveling with their bike or who want to leave their bike at the airport. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes.