Travels

Getting to Barcelona — Airport

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)
about 15–17 km southwest of the city center.

Airport → City Center / Conference Area

Once you land at BCN, here are the best ways to reach the city or your hotel:

Train – From Terminal 2 (T2) there are regular RENFE trains into central Barcelona (Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, etc.).
Metro – Metro Line L9 Sud connects both terminals with the city’s metro system.
Aerobus – Airport express bus service to central stops like Plaça Catalunya — frequent, lots of luggage space.
Taxi – 20–30 min journey to central Barcelona; official taxis are black and yellow.
Tip: Barcelona metro & train systems are integrated; a travel pass can save money over single tickets.

Visa & Entry Requirements

S. citizens (and many other non-EU nationals) can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business (conference attendance).
If you need visa to enter Spain, please contact your nearest embassies.
Passport validity: Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (ideally 6+ months beyond departure).
ETIAS Authorization: Starting in 2025-26, travelers from visa-exempt countries (including the U.S.) will need an ETIAS travel authorization. This is not a visa but a required pre-travel approval for short stays.

At Border Control

You may be asked for:
Return/onward ticket
Proof of accommodation
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (rarely checked, but recommended to have documentation).

Local Transportation in Barcelona

Public Transit
Barcelona has an extensive metro, bus, tram, and commuter rail network under unified fares.
Options from the airport include:
Metro Line L9 Sud to the city
Trains from T2 to Sants / Paseo de Gracia
Aerobus express shuttle to central hubs
City buses (TMB) as a cheaper alternative.
Travel Cards: Consider Hola Barcelona Travel Card (valid for 2–5 days) for unlimited travel on metro/bus/tram.
Public transport is safe and efficient, but always watch your pockets in busy metro stations.
Consider multi-day travel passes for convenience.

Top Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

Iconic Must-Sees
Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s famous basilica
Park Güell – Colorful designed park with great views
Gothic Quarter – Historic streets and medieval buildings
La Rambla – Bustling pedestrian street
Barceloneta Beach – Urban beach by the Mediterranean

Accommodations

Closest to EUSS / Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

Hotel Catalonia Castellnou – Comfortable boutique-style hotel within walking distance.
Leevin Barcelona – Budget-friendly and well-reviewed option in the local neighborhood.
Tres Torres Atiram Hotels Barcelona – Stylish mid-range hotel near transit and cafes.
Hotel Silken Sant Gervasi – Good value, popular choice in Sant Gervasi.
Pol & Grace Hotel – Highly reviewed, boutique feel with strong guest ratings.
Wilson Boutique Hotel – Modern hotel close to Avinguda Diagonal.

Nearby Areas (short metro/taxi ride)

Hilton Barcelona – Well-known upscale option on Avinguda Diagonal.
AC Hotel Victoria Suites – Stylish choice near Les Corts.
Hotel NH Collection Barcelona Constanza – Larger hotel with great amenities.
Hotel NH Barcelona Les Corts – Solid midrange choice.
Hotel NH Barcelona Stadium – Good reviews and convenient transport links.

Other Popular Central Options (A bit farther but easy to reach by metro ~15–25 min)

U232 Hotel – Great budget choice in Eixample.
Hotel Barcelona Universal – In lively Ciutat Vella, near transport.
Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel, Barcelona Sagrada Familia – Upscale near Sagrada Familia.
Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona (Torre Macaya) – Premium boutique style in Sarrià-area.

Tip: EUSS is in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhood of Barcelona, a residential and pleasant area with good transit links into the city center. The nearby Reina Elisenda and Sarrià train/metro stations make it easy to reach central Barcelona and other districts.