The reality is that the Barcelona tram network, El Tram, is exceptionally user-friendly: the trams are very comfortable and modern and circulate at high speeds. Not only can you traverse the city conveniently on board, but you also can travel to El Prat airport. Additionally, a tram ride is a great way to become familiar with the city landmarks since trams sometimes reach places that cannot be accessed by metro or bus.
There are six trams routes in Barcelona. Three lines are called Trambaix: the Т1, Т2, and Т3. The other three are TramBesòs: Т4, Т5, and Т6. Trambaix connects the Baix Llobregat district directly with the city, with the final station positioned in Francesc Macia square. The TramBesòs lines connect Badalona and Sant Adria de Besòs with the districts of Barcelona that lie closer to the city center. T4 circulates from Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica directly to Estació de Sant Adria, and T5 runs from Glories to Gorg station in Badalona. T6 also runs to Gorg, but it departs from Estació de Sant Adria.
Trams start circulating at 5:00 am, and the last tram departs at midnight. According to the official schedule, trams circulate four times per hour at midday and two times per hour in the morning and night hours. The average travel time between the stops is 2 minutes.
You can access more detailed information about these routes on www.tram.cat. It is possible to calculate your travel times with this information as well.
How to buy travel passes?
You can buy travel passes and tram tickets in Barcelona at the tram ticket terminals located at all of the tram stops, in all metro stations, and, although it might sound strange, in the Tabacs (the small shops where cigarettes and tobacco accessories are sold). If you need just one ride, it is possible to purchase only one tram ticket. Should you plan to travel more than once, it is more economical to purchase one general pass that is valid for the metro, bus, and tram. The most convenient pass, the T10, costs only 10 euros for Zone 1, which encompasses the central part of the city where all the main sights are found.
The tram cost in Barcelona is 2.20 euros per one-way ride. When riding, you must scan the ticket in a special device inside the tram or in a turnstile at the stop before entering the tram. Turnstiles are found only at three stations: Espronceda, St. Marti de Provençals, and Besòs. Once you pass through the turnstile, you do not need to do anything more.
Another option for tourists is to use the Barcelona Card that allows travelers to move around the city within Zone 1 using any transport means on a free and limitless basis. Accordingly, a 2-day card costs 37 euros, and a 5-day card costs 62 euros. The card is activated during your first ride on any type of transport, similar to the function of the T10 pass. Later, the pass remains valid for 48 hours or more, depending on the pass tariff. The only practical difference between the T10 and Barcelona Card is that several persons can use T10 card at the same time, while the Barcelona Card is restricted to individual users. Remember, it is prohibited to transport animals on the trams in Barcelona. The only exceptions are assistance-dogs and pets in special carrier cages. Food and drinks also are prohibited.
Tranvía azul in Barcelona
In addition to the main tram lines, Barcelona also features a retro-tram in the district of Sarrià that is a real “must” for those who want to experience the authentic atmosphere of XIX-century Barcelona. The blue tram (Tranvía azul, or Tramvia Blau in Catalan) travels only 1276 meters, circulating from the metro station on Tibidabo Avenue to Plaça del Doctor Andreu, next to the funicular of Tibidabo. You can buy your tickets on the tram itself since it functions more as a tourist attraction than as a means of public transport. The fee is 4.20 euros, and the retro-tram circulates every 15-30 minutes. This short journey will surely touch the nostalgic strings of your soul by demonstrating some elements of the bygone Nouveau era, as well as will give you a unique chance to enjoy the gorgeous views from the square. Here, you will admire the entire city; indeed, the best photos of Barcelona were taken in these very locations. To reach the departure point of the Blue tram, take metro line L7 and head to the final station, Avenida Tibidabo. When you emerge from the metro, you will find yourself on Plaça de John F. Kennedy square. This is the home of one of the most touching landmarks in Barcelona—the place from which the tram departs.
Contact INEEDSpain to ensure that you will never be lost in the transport network of this enormous city and its numerous districts. We are always ready to provide you with all the important information and clarify any nuance concerning the Barcelona transport system for you. Also, we are here to offer you a consultation on any issues that might arise, including the operational hours and schedule details of the routes that you might need.