London to Barcelona: Flights, Trains & More

1. London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) to Barcelona (BCN)About 2h 15m. British Airways and Vueling fly from Heathrow, and easyJet and Vueling fly from Gatwick, with many flights a day. Check current schedules.
2. Barcelona Airport to the city centreThe Aerobús runs every 5–20 minutes from both terminals to Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes. From Terminal 2, the R2 Nord train reaches Sants in about 20 minutes and Passeig de Gràcia in about 27.

Return fares are typically £60–£200 depending on dates and airline. School holidays and long weekends cost the most.

1. London Stansted (STN) or Luton (LTN) to Barcelona (BCN)About 2h 15m. Ryanair flies from Stansted several times a day. easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air fly from Luton. Check current schedules.
2. Barcelona Airport to the city centreThese airlines usually use Terminal 2, so you can take the R2 Nord train (about €5.50) or the Aerobús. The L9 Sud metro also serves both terminals but needs a special Airport ticket (about €5.90) and a change for the centre.

Fares can start around £20–£50 one way if you book early, but add the cost of bags and getting to Stansted or Luton.

1. Eurostar: London St Pancras to Paris Gare du NordAbout 2h 20m. Arrive at St Pancras 75 minutes before departure for check-in and passport control.
2. Cross Paris to Gare de LyonTake the RER D (one stop, a few minutes) or the metro. Allow at least an hour between trains, more at busy times.
3. TGV INOUI: Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona SantsAbout 6h 30m–6h 45m on the direct SNCF train, which usually runs once a day. Advance fares can start around €40–€50. Check the timetable for your date.

With only one direct train a day, many people spend a night in Paris on the way. If there are no direct seats left, you can also go via Lyon or Marseille with a change.

1. FlixBus: London to BarcelonaFrom about 24 hours, crossing the Channel and France overnight, usually with at least one change. Fares start from around €85–€90 one way.
2. Into the centreCoaches usually arrive at Barcelona Nord bus station, which is next to the Arc de Triomf metro and Rodalies station. Check your ticket for the exact stop.

The coach is rarely much cheaper than an early-booked budget flight, so compare both before you book.

1. Folkestone to Calais on Le Shuttle35 minutes under the Channel, and you stay with your car. Allow time for check-in and border checks.
2. Calais to BarcelonaAbout 1,300 km, roughly 13 hours of driving, via Paris or Reims, Lyon and Montpellier. French and Spanish motorways have tolls.

Most people break the drive with a night in France. Parking in central Barcelona is expensive, so choose a hotel with parking or use a car park on the edge of the city.