Quick answer: Just one airport is actually in Barcelona: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, 13 km south of the city center. Two other airports get marketed as ‘Barcelona’ by budget airlines — Girona-Costa Brava (about 100 km north) and Reus (about 120 km south) — but neither is close to the city, and a transfer from either takes well over an hour.
The Real Barcelona Airport: El Prat
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (airport code BCN) sits 13 km south of the city center. A taxi or transfer from here takes 25–35 minutes.
The Two That Are Not Actually in Barcelona
| Airport | Code | Distance from Barcelona | Typical transfer time |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Prat | BCN | 13 km | 25–35 min |
| Girona-Costa Brava | GRO | ~100 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Reus | REU | ~120 km | 1.5–2 hours |
Check Your Airport Code Before You Book
Some budget airlines sell tickets to Girona or Reus under a ‘Barcelona’ label. Check the airport code on your ticket — BCN, GRO, or REU — before assuming a quick transfer into the city, and book your pickup for the airport you are actually landing at.
FAQ
No — about 100 km north, roughly a 1.5–2 hour transfer, despite budget airlines marketing it as a Barcelona option.
BCN — that is El Prat. GRO (Girona) and REU (Reus) are separate airports over 100 km away.
Yes, but budget accordingly — it is a 1.5–2 hour ride, not a quick airport transfer, so pre-booking a fixed price is worth it over a metered fare for that distance.