Barcelona offers visitors good value for money compared to other popular European cities such as London, Paris, Berlin or Rome. Having said that, the city is packed with attractions and with entry fees generally between €10 and €40; the cost can quickly add up.
Luckily, several discount cards and sightseeing passes can help you save money without missing out on anything.
In addition to saving money on entry fees, the discount cards offer savings on a wide range of tours, activities, entertainment, transport, nightlife, shopping and even meals in selected restaurants. They also make life easier by allowing you to group all your tickets plus transport together in one convenient pass.
Each of the passes is slightly different, and which one is best depends on what you plan to see and do and how long you will be staying.
In this post, we take a look at the most popular passes and weigh up the pros and cons of each one. Plus, I’ve included an interactive price comparison calculator to help you work out how much you will save.
The prices shown on this page and the online calculator were last checked and updated on April 13, 2024.
Contents
- Barcelona Card
- Barcelona Card Express
- Barcelona Card Modernista
- Barcelona Family Card
- The Barcelona Pass
- Articket Barcelona
- The Gaudí Bundle
- Go City Barcelona Pass
- Price Comparison Calculator
- Other Barcelona Discounts
- Public Transport Tickets and Passes
- Summary – Which Barcelona Sightseeing Pass is Best?
Barcelona Card
The Barcelona Card is the official sightseeing pass sold by the city’s tourist office. The card offers free entry to twenty-six museums and discounts for forty other attractions and tours. It also includes free unlimited travel by public transport, including the metro and train from the airport.
The 3, 4 or 5-day Barcelona Card offers a total of more than sixty discounts at attractions, museums, tours, shows, activities and nightlife, and some shops.
Which attractions are covered by the Barcelona Card?
Free entry to 26 of Barcelona’s best museums, including:
The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), Picasso Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), CCCB Barcelona, the Chocolate Museum, Barcelona Botanic Gardens, Pedralbes Monastery, Cosmo Caixa Science Museum, Caixa Forum, El Born Cultural Centre, Montjuïc Castle, MOCO Museum Barcelona and the Antoni Tàpies Foundation.
Up to 50% discount at more than 40 of Barcelona’s top tours and attractions, including:
La Pedrera (Casa Milà), Casa Batlló, Colonia Güell, Gaudí Experience, Torre Glòries, Barcelona Wax Museum, Barcelona Maritime Museum, Barcelona Erotic Museum, Palau de la Música Catalana, Palau Güell, Poble Espanyol, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona Bus Turístic, Barcelona Walking Tours, Las Golondrinas, Sailing Experience BCN, IceBarcelona, Big Fun Museum, Barcelona Aquarium, Tibidabo Theme Park, Montjuïc Cable Car, Barcelona Zoo, Tablao Flamenco Cordobés and Tablao Flamenco Patio Andaluz.
Unlimited travel on public transport
The Barcelona Card includes unlimited travel on the metro, TMB buses, trams and commuter trains (RENFE and FGC) within travel zone one for the duration of the card. This includes free airport transfers on the L9 metro, R2 airport train and bus number 46.
What else is included with the Barcelona Card?
The Barcelona Card also includes a free guide and map.
What isn’t covered by the Barcelona Card?
The list of attractions and tours that the Barcelona Card covers is so extensive that I think it’s worth mentioning the attractions that aren’t included.
Most importantly, the Barcelona Card doesn’t include entry to La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell. Tickets for both attractions can be purchased separately or together as the Gaudi Bundle (more information below).
The Aerobús fast shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre is also not covered by the Barcelona Card.
How does the Barcelona Card Work?
The Barcelona Card is a smart card that can be purchased at official Barcelona Turisme tourist offices in the city centre or the airport.
You can save an extra 10% by purchasing your ticket online. Upon arrival, you can pick up the card, guidebook, and map from one of the tourist offices (more information below).
There are three cards available, all of which are valid at the same attractions and for the same discounts, valid for 72, 96 and 120 hours from the first time you use them.
To use the card, you simply show it at the ticket counter when visiting each of the attractions. In the case of the Picasso Museum, in order to skip the line, you should contact the museum in advance. Likewise, you should reserve Barcelona walking tours at least 24 hours in advance.
The duration of the Barcelona Card is timed from the first time you use it. So, for example, if you purchase a 72-hour Barcelona Card and the first time you use it is to catch the train from the airport to the city centre at 7 pm on a Friday evening, the card can be used right up until 7 pm on Monday evening.
Barcelona Card collection points
On arrival in Barcelona, you can pick up your Barcelona Card from official Barcelona tourist offices at the following locations (see map below):
Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (on the right just after you go through customs), Barcelona Airport Terminal 2 (near Botero´s horse statue), Plaça de Catalunya 17, Plaça de Catalunya s/n (kiosk in front of El Corte Inglés), Plaça del Portal del Pau s/n (Columbus monument), Sagrada Familia Tourist Information booth.
Barcelona Card prices
| Duration | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | €55.00 (Online Price €49.50) | €32.00 (Online Price €28.00) |
| 96 hours | €65.00 (Online Price €58.50) | €42.00 (Online Price €37.80) |
| 120 hours | €77.00 (Online Price €69.30) | €47.00 (Online Price €42.30) |
Advantages:
- Valid at a wide range of attractions and activities.
- Includes a free guide, free map and free unlimited travel on public transport.
- Eight pickup points, including Barcelona airport.
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t include La Sagrada Família or Park Güell.
Find out more and purchase your Barcelona Card>>
Barcelona Card Express
Barcelona Card Express is a stripped-down version of the Barcelona card, which is valid for two days. Unlike the Barcelona card, which includes free entry to twenty-six museums, the Barcelona Card Express doesn’t include free entry to any sites, just discounts and unlimited travel on public transport.
If you are only visiting Barcelona for two days and were already thinking about purchasing the Hola Barcelona Travel Card then it might be worth spending a few extra Euros and getting the Barcelona Card Express.
Which attractions are covered by the Barcelona Card Express?
Up to 50% discount at more than sixty of Barcelona’s top tours and attractions, including:
La Pedrera (Casa Milà), Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Colonia Güell, Barcelona Aquarium, Torre Glòries, Montjuic Cable Car, Gaudí Experience, Moco Museum, Barcelona Waxworks Museum, Barcelona Erotic Museum, Barcelona Maritime Museum, Palau de la Música Catalana, Palau Güell, Poble Espanyol, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona Bus Túristic, Barcelona Walking Tours, Las Golondrinas, Big Fun Museum, Ice Barcelona, Tibidabo Theme Park, Barcelona Zoo, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes and Tablao Flamenco Patio Andaluz.
Unlimited travel on public transport
The Barcelona Card Express includes unlimited travel on the metro, TMB buses, trams and commuter trains within travel zone one for 48 hours after the first time you use it. This includes free airport transfer on the L9 metro, R2 airport train and bus number 46.
What else is included with the Barcelona Card Express?
The Barcelona Card also includes a free guide and map.
How does the Barcelona Card Express Work?
The Barcelona Card Express is valid for 48 hours from the first time you use it and can be purchased at official Barcelona Turisme tourist offices in the city centre or at the airport.
You can save an extra 10% by purchasing your ticket online.
To use the card, you present it at the ticket office when visiting the attractions.
Barcelona Card Express collection points
On arrival in Barcelona, you can pick up your Barcelona Card from official Barcelona tourist offices at the following locations (see map below):
Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (on the right just after you go through customs), Barcelona Airport Terminal 2 (near Botero´s horse statue), Plaça de Catalunya 17, Plaça de Catalunya s/n (kiosk in front of El Corte Inglés), Plaça del Portal del Pau s/n (Columbus monument), Sagrada Familia Tourist Information booth.
Barcelona Card Express Prices
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 48 hours | €27.00 (Online Price €24.30) |
Advantages:
- Not much more expensive than a travel pass.
- Valid in a wide range of attractions and activities.
- Free map and free unlimited travel on public transport.
- Eight pickup points, including Barcelona airport.
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t include the Sagrada Família or Park Güell
Find out more and purchase your Barcelona Card Express>>
Barcelona Card Modernista
Barcelona is famous for its flamboyant Modernista architecture, which is the local version of Art Nouveau. Many of the most interesting buildings have been converted into museums and are open to the public. However, with ticket prices that range from €12 to €39, it can be quite expensive if you want to visit them all.
The Barcelona Card Modernista includes free entry to ten of the most famous modernista buildings. If you plan to visit all ten attractions listed below, you will save up to sixty-three Euros when compared to purchasing individual tickets on-site. You can compare prices using the table below.
Which attractions are covered by the Barcelona Card Modernista?
Free entry to the following attractions:
Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera (Casa Milà), Casa Vicens, The National art museum of Catalonia (MNAC), Colònia Güell, Palau de la Música, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site (Recinte Modernista), Torre Bellesguard, Palau Güell
How does the Barcelona Card Modernista work?
The Barcelona Card Modernista is a smart card that can be purchased at official Barcelona Turisme tourist offices and online in advance.
There are three versions of the card available, all of which are valid at the same attractions for 72, 96 and 120 hours from the first time you use them.
To use the card, you simply show it at the ticket counter when visiting each of the attractions.
The duration of the Barcelona Card Modernista is timed in hours from the first time you use it.
Barcelona Card Modernista collection points
On arrival in Barcelona, you can pick up your Barcelona Card Modernista from the official Barcelona Tourist Offices at the following locations (see map below):
Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (on the right just after you go through customs), Barcelona Airport Terminal 2 (near Botero´s horse statue), Plaça de Catalunya 17, Plaça de Catalunya s/n (kiosk in front of El Corte Inglés), Plaça del Portal del Pau s/n (Columbus monument), Sagrada Familia tourist information booth.
Barcelona Card Modernista prices
| Duration | Adult | Child |
| 72 hours | €130 | €40 |
| 96 hours | €140 | €50 |
| 120 hours | €145 | €60 |
Advantages:
- Free entry to ten of Barcelona’s top attractions
- Seven pickup points, including Barcelona airport
Disadvantages:
- Does not include La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell
- Doesn’t cover public transport
Find out more and purchase your Barcelona Card Modernista >>
Barcelona Family Card
The Barcelona Family Card is the only tourist pass that is specifically aimed at families with children or teenagers.
The Barcelona Family Card covers some of the best kid-friendly attractions, including theme parks, boat rides, the aquarium and the CosmoCaixa Science Museum.
Which attractions are covered by the Barcelona Family Card?
Free entry to the following attractions and tours:
Barcelona Aquarium, Tibidabo Amusement Park, Spanish Village, Las Golondrinas (boat tour), Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, the Columbus Monument, Colonia Güell, Barcelona Zoo, CosmoCaixa (science museum), the Chocolate Museum.
How does the Barcelona Family Card work?
The Barcelona Card Family is a smart card that can be purchased at official Barcelona Turisme tourist offices and online in advance.
Three versions of the card are available, all of which are valid at the same attractions and for the same discounts for 72, 96 and 120 hours from the first time you use them.
To use the card, you simply show it at the ticket counter when visiting each of the attractions.
The duration of the Barcelona Family Card is timed in hours from the first time you use it.
Barcelona Family Card collection points
On arrival in Barcelona, you can pick up your Barcelona Family Card from the official Barcelona Tourist Offices at the following locations (see map below):
Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (on the right just after you go through customs), Barcelona Airport Terminal 2 (near Botero´s horse statue), Plaça de Catalunya 17, Plaça de Catalunya s/n (kiosk in front of El Corte Inglés), Plaça del Portal del Pau s/n (Columbus monument), Sagrada Familia tourist information booth.
Barcelona Card Family prices
| Duration | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | €90 | €60 |
| 96 hours | €95 | €65 |
| 120 hours | €100 | €70 |
Advantages:
- All attractions are 100% family-oriented.
- Eight pickup points, including Barcelona airport.
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t include La Sagrada Família or Park Güell.
- Doesn’t include public transport.
Find out more and purchase your Barcelona Family Card >>
Visiting Barcelona with your family? Check out our guide to visiting Barcelona with kids.
Barcelona Pass
The Barcelona Pass includes fast-track (skip the line) entry to the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, as well as unlimited travel on public transport and a 10% discount on the majority of the city’s top attractions.
For short visits, the Barcelona Pass includes all the essentials in one ticket, which you can purchase online before you arrive.
For longer stays, there’s no time limit, so you can see everything at your own pace.
Which attractions are covered by the Barcelona Pass?
The Barcelona Pass includes:
Skip the line entry to the Sagrada Familia plus audio guide.
Skip the line entry to Park Güell, plus audio guide.
Skip the line entry to La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, or the Hop On Hop Off Bus.
Free city tour of Barcelona (Audio guide app)
Coupon code giving 10% discount on more than 50 popular attractions and tours, including:
Camp Nou Stadium tour, Picasso Museum, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Barcelona Aquarium, Salvador Dalí theatre museum, Articket Barcelona (see below), MNAC, Joan Miró Foundation, Casa de les Puntxes, Barcelona Waxworks Museum, Barcelona Aquarium, Barcelona museum of contemporary art (MACBA), Barcelona Zoo, Montjuic Cable Car, Isla Fantasia, Catalan wine tasting, Hola Barcelona transport card, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Port Aventura & Ferrari Land, Isla Fantasia, Museu del Modernisme, Montserrat and Gaudi’s Crypt, Torres wine cellars, Barcelona Gothic Quarter walking tour, Las Golondrinas boat tour, Flamenco shows, Helicopter tours…
How does the Barcelona Pass work?
The Barcelona Pass is 100% digital. During the booking process, you select dates and times for visiting the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
You then receive your tickets via email; there’s no need to print them out; just show them on your phone. This has the advantage that on arrival in Barcelona, you hit the ground running and can head straight to the city centre, with no need to pick anything up.
You also get an audio guide app for your smartphone (remember to bring earphones) and a coupon code for a 10% discount on Barcelona attractions, tickets, and tours purchased from the Tiqets website.
There’s no time limit for using the discount code and no booking fees. This is a bonus if you stay in Barcelona for more than just a few days because you can extend your sightseeing over a longer period.
After booking, you receive a link to the Tiqets website. When booking through this link, there is an extra text field in the shopping cart where you enter the discount coupon code. When you validate the code, the 10% discount is automatically applied to your order.
Barcelona Pass collection points
The Barcelona Pass is 100% digital, meaning that there’s no need to pick anything up upon arrival in Barcelona.
Barcelona Pass prices
| Barcelona Pass | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (30-64 years) | €85.00 |
| Youth (13-29 years) | €82.00 |
| Senior (65 + years) | €68.00 |
| Child (11-12 years) | €64.00 |
| Child (7-10 years) | €26.00 |
| Child (4-6 years) | €17.00 |
| Child (0-3 years) | FREE |
Advantages:
- Includes fast-track entry to the popular Sagrada Familia Basilica and Park Güell (reserve time slot when booking).
- Free travel on public transport, including the metro, bus and train from the airport.
- Discounts on a wide range of attractions, tours, activities, and shows.
- 100% digital.
- No time limit.
Disadvantages
- None
Find out more and purchase your Barcelona Pass>>
Articket Barcelona
Articket Barcelona gives access to six of Barcelona’s top museums, including the Picasso Museum, Miró Foundation and the MNAC. If you visit all six museums, it represents a 50% saving compared with purchasing individual tickets.
Before you purchase the Articket, you should check whether any of the museums offer free entry during any of the days on which you’ll be visiting Barcelona. Read this post for more information.
Which attractions are covered by Articket Barcelona?
Skip the line entry to the permanent and temporary exhibitions at 6 top art museums:
Centre of Contemporary Culture Barcelona (CCCB), Antoni Tàpies Foundation, Joan Miró Foundation, Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC), Picasso Museum, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)
How does Articket Work?
Articket Barcelona (aka the Art Passport) can be purchased at any of the featured museums or online, and you then pick up the pass at the first museum you visit. Each time you visit a museum, the Articket (which looks like a passport) is stamped.
The Art Passport is valid for 12 months and allows you to visit each museum once.
Articket Barcelona collection points
You can pick up your Barcelona Art Passport from the ticket offices at participating museums.
Articket Barcelona prices:
| Articket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €38.00 |
| Child (under 16) | FREE |
Advantages:
- Save up to 50% at 6 of Barcelona’s best art museums.
- Includes fast-track entry to the Picasso Museum.
- Valid for 12 months.
Disadvantages:
- Only covers six museums.
- Doesn’t include public transport.
Find out more and purchase your Articket>>
The Gaudi Bundle
The Gaudi Bundle was conceived as an add-on to the Barcelona Card and Barcelona Card Express but can also be purchased separately or combined with other sightseeing passes.
The pack includes fast-track access to the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, plus an audio guide for both sites and a city tour app.
Which attractions are covered by the Gaudi Bundle?
The Gaudi Bundle includes fast-track (skip the line) access to the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, an audio guide for both sites and a Barcelona city tour app.
How does the Gaudi Bundle Work?
The Gaudi Bundle is 100% digital and works the same way as the Barcelona Pass. After booking, you reserve entry times for the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell and download the audio guide app to your smartphone.
You then show your tickets directly on your phone; no need to print them out or pick anything up.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring earphones with you to listen to the audio guide!
Gaudi Bundle Prices
| Gaudí Bundle | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (30-64 years) | €55.00 |
| Youth (13-29 years) | €52.00 |
| Senior (65 + years) | €43.00 |
| Youth (11-12 years) | €48.00 |
| Child (7-10 years) | €11.00 |
| Child (0-6 years) | FREE |
Advantages:
- Fast-track entry to 2 of Barcelona’s most popular attractions.
- 100% digital.
Disadvantages:
- If you don’t want the audio guides, then it’s cheaper to purchase the tickets separately online.
Find out more and purchase The Gaudi Bundle>>
Go City Barcelona Pass
The Go City Barcelona Pass is available in two formats:
Go City Barcelona All-Inclusive
The All-Inclusive Pass is a 2, 3, 4 or 5-day sightseeing pass aimed at people who want to visit as many attractions as possible.
The All-Inclusive format includes free entry at up to 25 of Barcelona’s must-see sites, a free ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, plus a selection of other popular tours and shows*.
In many ways, it’s similar to the Barcelona Card, except that it’s less museum-oriented and includes more of Barcelona’s top attractions for free.
Unlike the Barcelona Card, the validity of the Go City Barcelona Pass is based on calendar days instead of hours, so to get the best value for money, you should start using it early in the morning on the first day.
Go City Barcelona Explorer
The Explorer Pass includes admission to 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions in a period of up to thirty days. There’s no need to choose the attractions when you purchase the pass, so you can change your plans as you go along.
The pass is aimed at people who only want to see a few of the top sights or who will be staying in Barcelona for more than five days and want to spread their sightseeing out while still benefiting from the discounts offered by a tourist pass.
Which attractions are covered by the Go City Barcelona Pass?
The Go City Barcelona Pass covers more than fifty attractions and tours, including:
La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, La Pedrera, Mirrador Tore Glòries Skydeck, Poble Espanyol, L’Aquarium de Barcelona, Barcelona Bus Turistic, FC Barcelona Imersive Tour, Las Golondrinas (booat cruise), Barcelona Cable Car, Tapas Tasting and Gothic Quarter Tour, Moco Museum Barcelona, Museum of Illusions, Big Fun Museum, Casa Vicens, Barcelona Markets Walking Tour, Life of Picasso Walking Tour, Barcelona Archiecture Tour, Catalan Traditions Walking Tour, La Barceloneta Tapas and Food Tour, Montjuïc Walking Tour, Montserrat Bus Transfer, Andorra and France Tour, Vinyard and Wine Celler Daytrip, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, Barcelona Wax Museum, Barcelona Zoo, Barcelona Dark History Walking Tour, Escape Hunt Barcelona, Women and Revolution in Barcelona, Gaudi’s Crypt and Colonia Güell, Caixa Forum, MACBA contemporary art museum, Estrella Damm Brewery Tours, Casa Amatller, Barcelona Segway Tour, CosmoCaixa Science Museum, Gaudí Experience, Barcelona Jewish Quarter Experience, Girona & Figueres Tour, Best of Barcelona Bike Tour.
What else is included with the Go City Barcelona Pass?
Both formats of the Go City Barcelona Pass include a downloadable guide and map.
What isn’t covered by the Go City Barcelona Pass?
The Go City Barcelona Pass covers most of the city’s top attractions, but it doesn’t include a transport pass.
How does the Go City Barcelona Pass work?
Depending on the format, Go City Barcelona Passes are valid for 2, 3, 5 or 30 consecutive days and are activated the first time to use them.
To use the pass, you show it at the ticket office of each of the attractions.
*Each Go City Barcelona Pass has a maximum purse value based on the duration of the pass. The pass automatically expires once this value is reached.
Go City Barcelona Pass collection points
The Go Barcelona Pass is 100% digital, meaning that there’s no need to pick anything up upon arrival in Barcelona. Instead, you can either use the Go City App on your smartphone or print your pass out at home and bring it with you when you travel.
Go City Barcelona Pass prices
All-Inclusive
| Duration | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Two days | €159 | €109 |
| Three days | €194 | €134 |
| Four days | €224 | €154 |
| Five days | €244 | €179 |
Explorer
| Number of Attractions | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Two attractions | €79 | €54 |
| Three attractions | €109 | €79 |
| Four attractions | €129 | €89 |
| Five attractions | €154 | €104 |
| Six attractions | €179 | €124 |
| Seven attractions | €194 | €134 |
There are often additional discounts available on the Go City website, and it’s worth checking the current prices before making a decision.
Advantages:
- Free entry to up to 30 of Barcelona’s top attractions and tours.
- Free guidebook and map (e-book)
- 100% digital. Nothing to collect upon arrival.
- Covers most of Barcelona’s top attractions, including the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the Camp Nou
Disadvantages:
- Travel pass not included.
Find out more and purchase your Go City Barcelona Pass>>
How to use the price comparison calculator
As mentioned above, before purchasing your sightseeing pass, you should decide which activities and attractions you are interested in.
Don’t be too ambitious when making plans. Everyone has their own pace, but I suggest that you plan to visit no more than four major attractions per day, plus maybe a show or concert in the evening. Even this may be too rushed for some people.
After that, you should check to see whether any of the museums will be free at some point during your stay (see below). Ideally, you should try to come up with a rough itinerary.
Select Standard Price (Adult) from the list above and tick the checkboxes next to the attractions, activities and tours you plan to visit.
At this point, the price shown in the Sum of Selected Items (Euros) field is the price that you will pay if you purchase your tickets from the ticket window at each of the attractions.
To see how much you would save by purchasing your tickets online (from Barcelona Tourism or other websites), select Online Price (Adult).
The options public transport pass 48hrs, 72hrs, 96hrs and 120hrs add the cost of a transport pass to your selection (more information below).
You can then compare what you would pay if you purchase a Barcelona Card, Barcelona Card Express or Barcelona Pass by selecting them from the drop-down list.
The price displayed by the calculator doesn’t include the cost of the sightseeing passes. So, for example, if you are thinking of purchasing a 120-hour Barcelona Card, you should select the 120-hour travel pass plus the attractions and tours that you are interested in and add the Sum of Selected Items (Euros) to the price of the Barcelona Card (as shown in the article above).
Note: I haven’t included the other sightseeing passes reviewed above in the calculator because they are fixed-price tickets, and the price shown at the end of each review can be compared directly with the standard ticket price shown in the calculator.
About the price comparison calculator
The calculator is a work in progress and currently compares the cost of adult tickets at a selection of attractions based on the sights, tours and activities which are covered by the Barcelona card, plus a few popular sites which aren’t included.
If any of the attractions selected aren’t covered by the chosen pass, then the calculator adds the standard ticket price for the attraction (as if you paid for the ticket at the ticket window).
In the future, I plan to expand the range of activities that are included and add child tickets and other sightseeing passes.
I make every effort to ensure that the information on this page is as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible. However, I still recommend that you double-check prices before making a purchase.
If you experience problems, notice errors or have any suggestions as to how I could improve the calculator, please tell me about it by leaving a comment below.
Sightseeing Pass Collection Points in Barcelona
Barcelona Tourist Office, Christopher Columbus Monument, Plaça del Portal del Pau s/n, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
Barcelona Tourist Office, Plaça de Catalunya 17, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
Barcelona El Prat Airport T2, el Prat de Llobregat, Catalunya, Spain
Barcelona El Prat Airport T2, el Prat de Llobregat, Catalunya, Spain
Other Discounts Which Are Available in Barcelona
Student discounts
Students are entitled to discounts at a large number of museums and attractions. However, the discount varies widely; many museums, for example, are free, whereas other attractions offer a discount in the region of 20% to 50%.
In order to qualify, you will need an International Student Identity Card. There’s a full list of available discounts on the ISIC website.
Senior discounts
Seniors (65 years or older) pay a reduced rate at most museums and attractions. Some museums are free for seniors. Check the websites of the places that you are interested in for more information.
In order to qualify, you are required to show a photo ID with your date of birth on it (passport, driving license etc.).
Spanish residents who are over 65 are also entitled to discounted fares on public transport.
Disability discounts
Most museums and many other attractions offer discounts for disabled visitors and, in most cases, for one accompanying person. However, the discount varies and, at some sites, is 100%.
Most attractions’ websites state that you need to show a certificate showing that you have at least 65% disability (this is common in Spain and other European countries). If your home country doesn’t issue similar certificates, you should bring whatever card you would use to claim disability discounts at home, such as a transport pass.
Unemployed discounts
Some museums offer discounts for unemployed people. However, this only applies to Spanish residents who are registered unemployed with the INEM (Instituto Nacional de Empleo).
Free Entry to Barcelona Museums
The following museums can be visited free of charge at certain times.
Antoni Tapies Foundation
Free entry on May 18th and September 24th.
Archaeological Museum (AEC)
Free entry on the last Sunday of every month, April 23rd, May 18, and September 11th.
Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC)
Free on Saturday afternoons from 3 pm, the first Sunday of every month, May 18, September 11th and September 24th.
CCCB
Free on Sunday afternoons from 3 pm, February 12th, May 18, and September 24th.
Museu d’Historia de Catalunya
Free on the first Sunday of the month, April 23rd, May 18, September 11th, and September 24th.
Picasso Museum
Free on Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and the first Sunday of every month, May 18th and September 24th. The museum’s capacity is strictly limited.
Public Transport Tickets and Travel Passes
In addition to discounts or free entry at attractions, many sightseeing passes also include free unlimited public transport or the option of adding a travel pass.
Before making your decision, it’s worth comparing the price with the cost of individual transport tickets.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single metro ticket (EXCEPT the airport metro) | €2.55 |
| Single airport metro ticket | €5.50 |
| Single TMB bus ticket (1 zone – including night bus) | €2.55 |
| Single Tram ticket | €2.55 |
| Single RENFE commuter train ticket for the airport train | €4.60 |
| Single Aerobus (Express airport bus) | €6.75 |
More Information about transport to and from Barcelona airport here>>
Barcelona City Travel Passes
Even if you don’t plan to visit enough attractions to warrant a full-blown sightseeing pass, you can still reduce transport costs and save time by purchasing a travel pass.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers visitors unlimited travel on the metro, TMB buses, trams and commuter trains within travel zone 1, which includes Barcelona and some surrounding towns.
This includes the airport metro and train but not the night bus or Aerobus.
The pass is available for periods of 48, 72, 96 and 120 consecutive hours. The time is counted from the first time you use the ticket, NOT calendar days.
To put it simply, it gives you exactly the same transport options as the Barcelona Card but without the free and discounted entry to attractions, tours, shows, etc…
Purchasing the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
There are two options available when purchasing the Hola Barcelona Travel Card online:
Purchase online from the Barcelona Turisme website and get a 5% discount
- You receive a voucher by email and pick up your travel card at one of the eight official tourist offices in Barcelona (including one at each airport terminal).
- This is a good choice if you plan to take public transport from the airport to your hotel and arrive before the tourist office closes at 8:30 pm.
Purchase your Hola Barcelona Travel Card online from Tiqets
- You receive a voucher with a code, which you can redeem at ticket machines at any metro station, including the stations at both airport terminals.
- This option offers maximum flexibility and is ideal if you plan to take a taxi to your hotel, will be arriving after 8:30 pm or just want to save time and go straight to the train or metro station without stopping off at the tourist office.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card collection points
Hola Barcelona travel passes can be collected at Metro stations and Barcelona Tourism offices at the following locations:
Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (on the right just after you go through customs), Barcelona Airport Terminal 2 (near Botero´s horse statue), Plaça de Catalunya 17, Plaça de Catalunya s/n (kiosk in front of El Corte Inglés), Plaça del Portal del Pau s/n (Columbus monument).
Hola Barcelona Travel Card prices
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 48 hours | €17.50 (Online price from €16.62) |
| 72 hours | €25.50 (Online price from €24.22) |
| 96 hours | €33.30 (Online price from €31.63) |
| 120 hours | €40.80 (Online price from €38.76) |
Advantages:
- Unlimited travel on public transport in Barcelona and some surrounding towns.
- Valid for the Airport Metro and Train
- Up to 10% discount if purchased online in advance
- Can be collected at metro and train stations or Barcelona Tourism offices
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t include the Night Bus or Aerobus
Find out more and purchase your Hola Barcelona Travel Card>>
Other Barcelona Transport Passes
There are several other Barcelona transport passes available. Although they aren’t specifically aimed at tourists, several of them may be of interest to short-term visitors to Barcelona.
Since 2024, the passes below, except the T-día, are only available with T-mobilitat, Barcelona’s new contactless ticketing system.
If you are only visiting for a few days, I recommend you purchase the cardboard version of the pass, which is available at metro and train stations in Barcelona and adds just 50 cents to the cost of the first pass purchased.
T-día
The T-día allows unlimited journeys on the ATM integrated transport system for a period of 24 hours from its first use.
It can be used to travel on the metro, commuter trains (operated by RENFE and FGC), trams, and ATM buses (Not the Aerobus).
The cost of the T-día varies depending on the number of zones you will be travelling in, a one-zone ticket currently costs €10.50.
More information about Barcelona transport zones >>
Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at metro and train stations and at tram stops.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| T-día 1 zone | €11.20 |
| T-día 2 zones | €17.10 |
| T-día 3 zones | €21.50 |
| T-día 4 zones | €24.00 |
| T-día 5 zones | €26.85 |
| T-día 6 zones | €30.05 |
Advantages:
- Unlimited travel on public transport in Barcelona and some surrounding towns (depending on the number of zones purchased).
- Valid for the Airport Metro and Train
Disadvantages:
- Only valid for 24 hours from first use
T-casual
The T-casual is valid for ten journeys and allows you to transfer between different modes of transport within one journey.
For example, if you catch the train from the airport to Passeig de Gràcia train station and then transfer to the metro for the final stage of the journey to your hotel, this will count as one of the ten journeys.
The T-casual can be used on the metro, commuter trains (operated by RENFE and FGC), TMB buses (including the night buses) and trams. There are different versions available that are valid for 1 or more zones. Barcelona, plus some surrounding towns, are all included in zone 1.
If you change from one mode of transport to another, you have to validate the T-casual again but (as long as you don’t double back on yourself and are within the time limit) it doesn’t get stamped again.
T-casuals can be purchased via the T-mobilitat app at metro stations, train stations and tram stops.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| T-casual 1 zone | €12.15 |
| T-casual 2 zones | €23.90 |
| T-casual 3 zones | €32.55 |
| T-casual 4 zones | €41.85 |
| T-casual 5 zones | €48.10 |
| T-casual 6 zones | €51.15 |
Advantages:
- Just €1.22 per journey (zone 1)
- Valid for travel on the metro, commuter trains, trams, and TMB buses within zone 1, including the train from the airport.
Disadvantages:
- Not valid for the Airport Metro or the Aerobus
- Only available with T-mobilitat
T-familiar
The T-familiar is similar to the T-casual apart from two important differences:
The T-familiar is only valid for eight journeys.
The T-familiar is a multi-person card, meaning that two or more people who are travelling together can share one card. You must remember to validate the T-familiar once per person. When shared by a family of four, one T-familiar is valid for two journeys. You all must travel together for the entire journey since ticket inspectors sometimes do on-the-spot checks.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| T-familiar 1 zone | €10.70 |
| T-familiar 2 zones | €20.30 |
| T-familiar 3 zones | €28.80 |
| T-familiar 4 zones | €37.35 |
| T-familiar 5 zones | €42.70 |
| T-familiar 6 zones | €44.85 |
Advantages:
- €1.34 per journey (zone 1)
- Valid for travel on metro, commuter trains, trams, and TMB buses within zone 1, including the train from the airport.
- Can be shared between 2 or more people (validate once per person)
Disadvantages:
- Not valid for the Airport Metro or the Aerobus
- Only available with T-mobilitat
T-usual
The T-usual is valid for thirty consecutive days and allows unlimited travel on the Barcelona metro system, regional trains, trams and buses operated by the TMB.
The T-Casual is unipersonal, and you either have to create an account at the T-mobilitat website or, if you opt for the cardboard version of the T-mobilitat card, introduce your passport number when purchasing.
If you visit Barcelona for three days or more, the T-usual is a good alternative to the Hola Barcelona Travel Pass.
Advantages:
- Unlimited travel on public transport in Barcelona.
- Valid for the Airport Metro and Train
- Valid for thirty consecutive days
Disadvantages:
- Only available with T-mobilitat.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| T-usual 1 zone | €21.35 |
| T-usual 2 zones | €28.75 |
| T-usual 3 zones | €40.35 |
| T-usual 4 zones | €49.40 |
| T-usual 5 zones | €56.65 |
| T-usual 6 zones | €60.70 |
Which Barcelona sightseeing pass or discount card is best?
As I said at the start of this article. Which pass you choose will depend on how long you plan to spend in Barcelona and what you want to do while you are here.
All of the passes listed above can save you money when chosen wisely.
I recommend that you start by deciding which attractions you want to visit and then use the Price Comparison Calculator to compare the sightseeing passes with the cost of buying tickets on the spot or online at the official Barcelona Tourism website.
Depending on your interests, you might even find that you’re better off purchasing individual tickets instead of a discount card.
As always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below…
Thank you so much for this comprehensive information. I am wondering about the BCN Essentials Pass, however, and how it compares to the Barcelona City Pass. I’ve tried to figure it out myself but find doing so daunting. I have used your price comparison chart, but again, don’t see that the BCN Ess. Pass is there to compare.
Hi Nancy,
Do you mean the Barcelona Pass or the Go City Barcelona Pass?
It really depends on which attractions you are interested in seeing, but, off those two, I think that the Go City Barcelona Pass is generally better value at the moment, especially since there is currently a ten percent discount.
I don’t know. There is a pass called the BCN Essentials Pass that is advertised. It may have changed its name to something else! It allows entrance to Park Guell, Sagrada Famlia, and Cassa Batllo as well as Airport transfer and public transport. It may now be the Go City Barcelona Pass????
Hi Nancy,
The Barcelona Essentials Pass still exists, in fact, it’s quite new. I was refering to what you called “The Barcelona City Pass”.
As far as I know, there isn’t a vistors card called the Barcelona City Pass. the nearest names are either the Barcelona Pass or the Go City Barcelona Pass.
Sorry if this seems pedantic, but I don’t to make a recomendation and then find that we were talking about different products.