Getting Around in Barcelona: A Student's Guide for 2025
So, you're coming to study in Barcelona - good choice! You're going to love it here. Between classes, study sessions, meeting friends, and maybe catching some sun at the beach, you'll need to know how to get around. Here's what I've learned about public transport in Barcelona, including the latest changes to the T-mobilitat system and some tips I wish someone had told me when I first arrived.
Let's Talk About T-mobilitat
The transport system got an update last year. Everything now runs on T-mobilitat - no more paper tickets.
Getting started is pretty straightforward: download the TMB App (it's on Android and iOS) or get a physical T-mobilitat card. Put in your details, pick your ticket type, and you're good to go. They've added some new fare options too, which gives you more choices for how you want to travel depending on whether you use it a lot or not.
Getting Student-Ready with T-jove and More
If you're a student, get the T-jove ticket. They've made it better - now anyone under 30 can use it (it used to be 25), and you get a 50% discount. The T-jove currently costs €44 for three months of unlimited travel (the discount is extended through at least June 2025).
Here's the best part: since July 2025, T-jove now covers up to 7 zones instead of just 6! This means you can explore even more of Catalonia, including trips to places like Berguedà, Ripollès, and Solsonès - perfect for joining our hiking and exploration trips!
There's also a T-student pass just for full-time students. Depending on how much you travel, it might work out cheaper than T-jove, so check both options.
Finding Your Way Around the Metro
Once you've got your T-mobilitat sorted, getting around is simple. Need to see Park Güell? Jump on the L3 metro line. Want to hit the beach? L4 takes you straight to Barceloneta. The renovated Boqueria Market is right by Liceu metro station for example. The metro's clean, safe, and easy to use - just remember to keep an eye on your belongings.
Getting around at Night
One thing to note about Barcelona is that it still loves to stay up late - which is fantastic news for you night owls. The city's night bus service, or "Nit Bus," continues to run throughout the night, making it super convenient for late-night outings. But here's some exciting news: the Metro now runs until 2 AM on Thursdays, in addition to Fridays and Saturdays. Plus, there's new late-night metro service on festival nights and during major events. Your nocturnal adventures just got a whole lot easier!
What About Bicing?
The city's bike-sharing system has gotten seriously impressive! Bicing now has 8,000 bikes across the city, with 5,000 of them being electric (and they represent 8 out of 10 trips). They've added 30 new stations recently and are planning 74 more by 2026.
The app shows you where to find available bikes in real time, and with over 164,000 subscribers making around 1.5 million trips each month, it's become Europe's second-largest public bike system. Annual memberships start at just €35, though you'll need to commit to a yearly subscription - think about whether that makes sense for your stay length.
Taxi, Please!
No Uber here, but we've got solid options. FreeNow (now part of Lyft) is generally the most reliable - fewer canceled rides and faster service. Cabify offers a slightly more premium experience with private cars where you can choose your car category. Both apps work well for getting around, though FreeNow tends to have more available drivers during peak hours.
The AMB Taxi app has fixed rates for airport runs, which takes the guesswork out of pricing. And if you need an accessible taxi, FreeNow offers vehicles adapted for disabled visitors (€15 fee).
Getting To and From the Airport
If you're flying in or out of Barcelona, you've got several options. Right now, the L9 Sud metro line connects both airport terminals to the city in about 30 minutes (€5.70 one-way, trains every 7 minutes). The R2 Nord train runs every 30 minutes from Terminal 2 and takes 20-25 minutes to reach central Barcelona.
Exciting news: by the end of 2025, new FGC commuter trains will start connecting Passeig de Gràcia to Terminal 1 in less than 20 minutes, running every 15 minutes. There's also a new R-Aeropuerto line expected to launch with a 19-minute journey time. By 2026, the Rodalies train will extend from T2 to T1, making it even easier to catch flights from either terminal.
Day Trips Outside the City
Exploring Catalonia is easier than ever. Your T-jove now works for trips to even more places - not just Sitges and Montserrat, but also areas like Berguedà, Ripollès, and Solsonès with the new 7-zone coverage. For longer trips to Girona or Tarragona, check the Renfe app for their "Mini" fares - they're usually cheaper. We organize group trips using these discounts sometimes, so watch out for those.
Beyond the Tourist Areas
Some of the best parts of Barcelona are away from the main spots. Take the metro to El Raval or Poble Sec - they've got their own thing going on. The new L10 line goes to Nou Barris, and the T4 tram takes you to Poblenou - both worth checking out.
Sometimes I just pick a random metro stop and see what's there. You'd be surprised what you find.
Getting Around at Night
The late metro and night buses make it easy to get home after going out. Most clubs are near metro stops or night bus routes. If you want to join us for nights out, check our events page - we usually meet up before heading to clubs together.
Nightlife in Barcelona
And here's something else that makes Barcelona even more exciting - you can easily go to the best nightclubs of Barcelona and enjoy a great night! With the metro running late on weekends and reliable night buses, getting to and from the city's hottest venues is super easy. Check out our events for free entries to the best clubs and parties! Plus, if you need tips on the best party spots or want to join our legendary club nights, just keep an eye on our events page - we've always got something fun planned!
Make the Most of Your Time in Barcelona
Barcelona's pretty easy to get around once you know how it works. Whether you're heading to class, meeting friends, or exploring the city, you've got options. Get your transport sorted early and you'll save yourself a lot of hassle. Welcome to Barcelona - you're going to like it here!