Starting September 1, Catalonia launched four new intercity bus routes and expanded existing lines to improve transport connections between universities, major cities, and Barcelona. The regional government has allocated 17 million euros for this purpose, allowing not only an increase in the number of trips but also enhanced comfort for passengers.
Last year, more than 80 million people used intercity bus transport in Catalonia, an increase of 17% compared to 2019. The growth in passenger numbers is linked to the active development of public transport and investments in infrastructure.
Among the new routes is a line connecting Hostalric (Girona) with the University of Vic (UVic). Designed for students, it will operate year-round on weekdays, offering three trips in each direction. Two new lines have also been launched between the Baix Penedès area and Barcelona: the El Vendrell (Tarragona) — Barcelona route, with four daily trips including a stop on Diagonal, as well as a Calafell (Tarragona) — Barcelona line passing through Segur de Calafell, Cunit, and Cubelles, also with four weekday trips entering via Gran Via.
Starting September 12, the Pont de Suert — Tremp (Lleida) route will begin operating, making it easier for students from the Pallars Jussà and Alta Ribagorça regions to travel. During the academic period, there will be four trips in each direction.
In addition to new routes, the frequency of service has been increased on several express and regular lines. In the Barcelona metropolitan area, service has been expanded on the following routes: Vilafranca del Penedès — Barcelona, Igualada — Barcelona, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia — Barcelona, Esparreguera — Barcelona, and Sant Llorenç d’Hortons — Gelida — Barcelona. Additional departures have also been added on the Esparreguera — Martorell, Mataró — UAB, Igualada — Martorell — UAB, and Mataró — Granollers — Sabadell routes.
In the province of Lleida, express lines Alfarràs — Lleida, Alcarràs — Lleida, and Almacelles — Lleida have been strengthened, as well as the routes Castellans — Lleida and Aitona — Soses — Lleida. Additional services have been introduced both on school days and Saturdays.
In Girona, starting October 6, the number of trips on the direct Olot — Barcelona line via the Bracons tunnel will double. This route will now be independent from the Olot — Vic line and will supplement existing routes via Santa Coloma de Farners and Banyoles.
In September, improvements are also planned for the routes connecting the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) with Ripollet, Badia, and Barberà, as well as on the express line Barcelona — Cerdanyola — UAB.
According to the regional government, intercity buses remain one of the fastest-growing means of transport in Catalonia. In the first half of 2025, the upward trend in passenger numbers continues, highlighting residents’ growing interest in public transportation.
The growth is especially noticeable on the Exprés.cat express routes, where the number of users increased by almost 39% from 2019 to 2024. The Clic.cat service—on-demand intercity transportation—showed an even more significant increase, with passenger traffic rising by 93% since 2022.
The increased demand for intercity transportation is also linked to residents moving from Barcelona to suburbs and more distant municipalities due to high housing prices. Many are forced to commute to the capital daily for work, putting additional strain on the transport system.
Local authorities in the suburbs have repeatedly emphasized the need to develop transport infrastructure to cope with the influx of new residents and provide convenient commuting conditions.
