Tips For Making the Most of Public Transport in Barcelona

Published on: 17th July, 2009

Tips For Making the Most of Public Transport in Barcelona  | read this item

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Barcelona is located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, sandwiched comfortably between the Besòs and Llobregat rivers. Nearly 5 million people live in the overall Barcelona metropolitan area. There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Barcelona that you need to know all your transportation options so that you don’t miss anything. Here is a brief rundown on each.

The Metro

There are six metro lines: L1 through L5, and L11. All are color coded so you can easily tell them apart. Barcelona also has three commuter lines, L6, L7, and L8, and a funicular connecting the city to Montjuïc. The metro is an efficient way to get around. Single use tickets and multiuse tickets are available, and children under age five ride for free.

Buses

For those who prefer to get around above ground, the buses in Barcelona run 24 hours a day, with over 80 lines and easy to recognize bus stops marked with red signs. Single use tickets cost ?1.35, and drivers prefer exact change. If you plan to use the buses many times, then a Tourist and Leisure card – for 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days – is much more economical.

Bike Rental

Barcelona has plenty of bike enthusiasts, along with a network of cycle lanes designated “los carriles bici” and marked with white lines. The city has 120 to 140 km of cycling paths, part of which runs along the beach front. There are many bicycle shops in Barcelona that will rent you a bicycle, and some of them will even deliver to your hotel.

Taxis

Barcelona’s taxis are black and yellow, and when they are vacant a green light on the roof or in the front window will be illuminated. Taxis are metered at the rate of ?0.82 per kilometer, with a minimum fare of ?1.80. At night and on Saturdays and holidays, the rates rise to ?1.04 per kilometer with a minimum fare of ?1.90.

Tourist Buses

These are buses you can hop on and off at any stop. There are two main lines, the Red, covering the northern part of Barcelona, where you’ll see the Sagrada Familia and the Modern Art Museum, and the Blue, covering Montjuïc, the Olympic Stadium, the Zoo, and many other sites you’ll want to explore.

Car Rental

Just as with any large city, the major car hire firms have offices in Barcelona or the airport. Booking in advance will get you a better rate than booking when you arrive. Rental cars with automatic transmission are significantly more expensive than those with a manual transmission. If you require an automatic, you are advised to book well in advance.

With so much to see in Barcelona, knowing your transportation options and preferences in advance will help you make the most of your time there. While the metro is inexpensive and easy to use, you should definitely travel above ground so you can take in the amazing architectural features of this city. The Gothic Quarter has buildings dating back to the Roman settlement of Barcelona, and you must not miss the Sagrada Familia, the astonishing creation of Antoni Gaudi. Under construction since 1882, this world famous building is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

For more Barcelona travel tips from the Barcelona metro to where to eat and drink see Barcelona Travelogue. Published by a longterm resident it is full of insight that will make all the difference to your stay.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tips-for-making-the-most-of-public-transport-in-barcelona-1046611.html

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