Residents and visitors of Barcelona can expect a significant change in 2026: the cost of public transportation will increase. The new fares will affect both single tickets and passes used by most passengers. The hike is driven by the need to maintain infrastructure, account for rising inflation, and continue support measures for certain groups of citizens.
The average increase will be 3.5%. However, the changes will vary depending on the type of pass and city zone. Authorities pledge to maintain the discounts introduced in 2022 on the most popular passes to soften the impact on regular commuters.
New fares
Starting in 2026, a single ticket for the metro or bus in Barcelona will rise to €2.90—almost 10% more than in 2025. This sharp jump will be especially noticeable for occasional riders. The T-Usual pass, which allows unlimited travel within the first fare zone for a month, will cost €22.80—80 cents more than before. For residents of outlying areas in the seventh zone, the price will climb to €67.65.
The T-Jove youth pass, designed for passengers under 30 and valid for three months, will cost €45.50, which is €1.50 higher than last year. The price of the T-Casual— a 10-trip ticket—will also change: it will now cost €13 in the first zone, up by 45 cents.
Maintaining discounts
Despite the fare increase, authorities have decided not to cancel the 50% discount on main transit passes. This applies to T-Usual, T-Jove, and T-70/90, as well as their special versions for large and single-parent families. These support measures were introduced in 2022 amid rising energy prices and will remain in effect at least until the end of 2026.
Around 250 million euros will be allocated to continue the discount program. Funding will be split between the national government, the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the municipalities within the Barcelona metropolitan area. This means that, for most regular commuters, public transport will remain affordable despite the overall fare hike.
Unified ticket
In 2026, Spain will introduce a new unified public transport ticket, allowing travel on commuter trains, intercity buses, and medium-distance trains. The ticket will cost 60 euros, or 30 euros for passengers under 26. However, it will not be valid for the Barcelona metro and city buses.
The plan is for the new ticket to be available alongside existing passes during the first half of the year. In the second half, it will be integrated into the T-Mobilitat system, making it easier for passengers accustomed to digital services.
Transition to digital tickets
In 2025, Barcelona began phasing out paper tickets in favor of digital ones. Now, single-use tickets can only be purchased electronically, and the familiar plastic cards are gradually becoming a thing of the past. This is part of a major program to modernize the city’s transport system.
Switching to digital tickets will speed up boarding, reduce costs, and make travel more convenient for passengers. Authorities assure that the new technologies will not affect fares and will only improve the service.
Financial burden
The fare increases are explained by the need to offset rising costs for maintaining the transport network and inflation. In recent years, city and regional authorities have invested significant resources in infrastructure development, fleet renewal, and the introduction of new technologies.
The preservation of discounts became possible thanks to joint efforts at various levels of government. However, despite this support, the price increase may be significant for some passenger groups—especially those who use public transport infrequently and are not eligible for benefits.
