Public Transportation in Barcelona Guide For Students

How the Metro Works

The Barcelona Metro is the most efficient and student-friendly way to travel, covering almost every neighborhood.

  • Operating Hours:

    • Monday–Thursday: 5 AM – midnight

    • Friday: 5 AM – 2 AM

    • Saturday: 24-hour service

    • Sunday & Holidays: 5 AM – midnight

  • Trains arrive every 2–5 minutes during peak hours and every 5–10 minutes at night.

  • Metro stations are marked with a red “M” sign.

Barcelona’s metro has 8 main lines. Here are the most important ones for students:

  • L1 (Red Line) – Connects key spots like Plaça Catalunya, Arc de Triomf, and Universitat.

  • L3 (Green Line) – Perfect for nightlife, with stops near Passeig de Gràcia, Poble Sec, and Drassanes (Las Ramblas).

  • L4 (Yellow Line) – Best for beach trips (stops at Barceloneta and Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica).

  • L5 (Blue Line) – Passes through Sants Estació (Barcelona’s main train station).

Best Metro Passes for Students

*Most travelers will only need Section 1 as pictured above*

  • T-Casual - For Occasional Travelers

    Price: €12.55

    Validity: 10 Rides

  • T-Usual - Regular Metro/ Bus Users

    Price: €22

    Validity: Unlimited Rides for 30 days

  • T-Jove (Recommended) - Students Staying in Barcelona

    Price: €44

    Validity: Unlimited Rides for 90 days

Where to Buy:

  • Metro Stations (Ticket Machines)

  • TMB App

Barcelona’s public transportation system is one of the best in Europe—affordable, reliable, and easy to use. Whether you’re commuting to class, heading to the beach, or exploring the city’s nightlife, the metro, buses, trams, and alternative transport options make getting around simple.

This guide covers everything you need to know, including ticket prices, the best student transport passes, essential routes, and safety tips.