The construction of a new railway line in Barcelona is nearing completion, which will, for the first time, directly connect the center of the Catalan capital with both terminals of El Prat airport. After years of anticipation and multiple delays, the launch of the high-speed train is scheduled for the end of 2026, with the first passengers expected to use the new route as early as the beginning of 2027.
Work on this infrastructure began back in 2015, but due to delays and complications, completion of the project has been postponed several times. Now, it has been announced that all major stages are close to completion, and in the coming months, final trials of the trains on specially constructed track sections will begin.
The new line will allow travelers to reach Barcelona’s city center from the airport in just 19 minutes. The train will stop at nine stations, including key locations such as Sant Andreu, Sagrera, El Clot, Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, Bellvitge, El Prat, as well as both terminals of the airport — T1 and T2. This will be the first time that a city train goes directly to Terminal 1, which is especially important for travelers on long-haul flights.
Trains are scheduled to run every 15 minutes, and the total travel time between Paseo de Gracia and Terminal 1 will not exceed 20 minutes. To operate the new line, FGC is already preparing 10 modern electric trains, each designed for 656 passengers and equipped with 202 seats. Inside the carriages, there will be 20 panoramic screens displaying route information and another 9 showing up-to-date airport flight data.
The project stands out not only for its speed and convenience but also for its accessibility: all trains will be fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, and boarding will be step-free. To operate the route, 70 new drivers will be hired, and the total investment in rolling stock and service will amount to almost 180 million euros.
The launch of the new line is expected to significantly simplify life for residents and visitors of Barcelona, as well as increase the city’s appeal for tourists and business travelers. Catalan authorities are confident that El Prat airport will receive a modern transport connection that meets 21st-century European standards.
