Things to do at Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona El Prat Airport, known simply as El Prat Airport is located 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of the centre of Barcelona. It is the second largest and busiest airport in Spain, and the sixth busiest in Europe. In 2019 more than 52 million passengers passed through the airport and that number is growing each year.
Whether you only have an hour to spare before your flight or you are spending at long layover at the airport, Barcelona El Prat has an option for you.
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Things to do at BCN
Spend your airport downtime relaxing away from the crowds at the airport and head to an airport lounge. Get plenty of room to stretch and relax in comfort at any of the four airport lounges available at BCN.
Sanctifly members can use points to access the Canudas Lounge in Terminal 2 and the Pau Casals Lounge in Terminal 1.
Spend your airport downtime relaxing at the Aqua Salon Spa. Treat yourself to a massage or a facial to help melt away that travel stress and leave you feeling fresh and energized as you continue on your journey.
Sanctifly members can use points to get €19 off spa services. You are responsible for paying the remainder of the charge.
Located in Terminal 1, after security in the departure area near Gate A.
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Freshen up with a shower
Freshen up before or after a long flight with a shower. If you are landside and have not yet passed through security shower facilities are available at the Sleep & Fly Hotel in Terminal 1. Showers cost €20 to non-hotel guests and you will be provided with a towel and toiletries. Lockers are also available so you can store your bags safely while you freshen up.
If you have already passed through security and want to freshen up head to the Canudas Lounge in Terminal 2 or Pau Cascals Lounge in Terminal 1 to use the shower facilities. Sanctifly members can use points to access either of these lounges and use their amenities.
Free things to do at BCN
A great way to get away from the chaos of the main terminal is to spend some time in the Prayer Room. Most airports will have multi faith prayer rooms available for traveling passengers. These are open, inviting spaces where guests are encouraged to be quiet and respectful and take some time for reflection. Choose one of our guided meditation videos, which you can find over on the ‘Videos’ tab and use your airport downtime to relax and centre yourself. Open daily from 06:00 – 22:30.
Located in Terminal 1 before security on the 1st floor.
Get some fresh air on the Outdoor Terrace
Head to the outdoor terrace in Terminal 1 at BCN and get out in the fresh air without leaving the airport. The terrace is surrounded by restaurants and cafes and is often used as a smoking patio by traveling passengers. However, the area is quite large so provided it is not too busy you should be able to find a suitable place to sit in the sun and relax.
Once you have passed through security turn right and head for the public courtyard.
Best Eats at BCN
If you are short on time and looking for a fast but healthy meal head to EAT. Located in both terminals, EAT offers fast, fresh, healthy and delicious food. Grab a sandwich or salad and take it with you so you have something healthy for the plane.
Sit down meal: Dehesa Santa Maria
If you have a bit more time and want to go for a sit-down meal head to Dehesa Santa Maria and enjoy some top-quality Iberian dishes made from the freshest products and ingredients. There are three locations at BCN, all of which you can find in Terminal 1.
Luggage storage at BCN
If you are heading out of the airport or you just do not want to carry your luggage around the airport drop it off at the left luggage services. Prices start from €6 for 2 hours per item of luggage and costs €10 for every 24 hours after.
There are left luggage facilities at both terminals in the check-in area. T1 left luggage is open 24 hours and T2 left luggage is open from 06:00 – 22:00
Long Layover at BCN
Go for a run/walk at Llobregat Delta
A fantastic spot close to the airport to go for a walk or a run, surrounded by beautiful scenery and nature. Stroll along the wooden path towards the beach and take in the beautiful natural landscape or hike the unpaved trail, surrounded by trees and get in a good workout before your flight.
Located 3.2 miles from the airport. There are taxi ranks outside both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2(T2) at Barcelona Airport.
Relax on the beach Platja del Prat
Get out of the airport and spend your travel downtime relaxing on the beach right next to the airport. This long stretch of sandy beach is great for walking, running, swimming or relaxing. Unfortunately, there are no shower or locker facilities available. Leave your luggage at the airport before heading to the beach and take a shower at the airport when you return to freshen up. Showers are available at the Sleep&Fly Hotel in Terminal 1. Be aware that this beach is extremely close to the airport and so can be quite noisy.
Platja del Prat is located right behind the airport however it will take a bit more time than expected to get there are you have to circle the airport first. Your best option is to hop in a taxi for the short ride or ask at the information desk in the airport for the best route.
If you have a long layover, why not get out of the airport and head into the city? BCN is only 8.6 miles from downtown Barcelona and is connected with good transport links. Take a tour of the city and see the sights or head to the beach and relax in the Spanish sunshine. Whatever you feel like doing on your layover, Barcelona has an option for you.
Remember to leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security again. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination and during the peak season airport lines and security clearance can be very slow.
Transport Options
Bus: Bus routes to downtown Barcelona and nearby towns are available from both terminals. To plan your route and buy tickets online visit the Aerobus website.
Metro: The L9 (orange) line connects the airport to Barcelona city. To get to the city centre you will need to change to the L1, L5 or L3 line. The line stops at both terminals and a one way fare will cost you €4.50. Monday to Thursday the metro line run from 05:00 – 00:00, Friday they run from 05:00 – 02:00 and they run 24 hours Saturday and Sunday.
Overnight Layover?
If you want the luxuries of a hotel without having to leave the airport head for Sleep & Fly. The hotel offers overnight options as well as day room options if you just need a rest before catching your flight. Day rooms can be booked from 3 – 6 hours from 10:00 – 18:00. There is also a gym available to guests on the premises. Use your airport downtime to get in a workout and then head back to your room for a refreshing shower.
Shower facilities are also available to guests that are not staying at the hotel. Using the showers costs €20. This included use of a towel and toiletries and there are lockers available to store your possessions while you freshen up.
Located in Terminal 1, Floor 1 before security. You will need to leave the transit area to access the hotel.
To discover everything there is to do at Barcelona El Prat Airport download the Sanctifly app today and start exploring!
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