Buses

The numerous bus services operated by TMB in Barcelona form a reliable and easily accessible network of transportation during your time here in the city. Buses are integrated with the FGC, Tram and Metro services in terms of multi-use tickets, thus allowing you to make your respective connections around the city.

Buses make for the perfect mode of ‘above ground’ transport around Barcelona as they are affordable and plentiful, as well as offering views of the city which you would otherwise be unable to see on the ‘underground’ transport services!

Using Barcelona’s Buses:

You will notice many bus stops around the city and at first this can seem a little daunting, yet if you remember a few key things, it is possible to navigate the system like a pro within your first few hours here!

Firstly, take note of the numbers which will be displayed upon the side (usually at the top) of a bus stop. These are the route numbers of buses which service a particular stop. If you already know which bus route you need, proceed inside of the stop to see a timetable of its services and also the route map which will be taken. If you need to work out which bus is appropriate for you, head to the glass panels on the outside (rear) of a bus stop for a large map displaying all of the bus routes and stops across the city. By doing this, you can identify the correct stop you need.

This is of course shotgun journey planning (the best kind), yet for those of you who would like to plan ahead. The Official TMB Website can give you a wonderful helping hand to plan your journey via Bus, Metro or both!

Most of the bus services in Barcelona operate between 05:00 and 00:00. Outside of these times it may be possible to use the ‘Nítbus’ (Night Bus) service across selected routes. Find out the first and last bus service times on your particular route.

Find out about Bus tickets and how to use them.

Things to remember:

When a bus is approaching the stop you are at, you can identify it via the large orange numbers on the front (top). Hold out your hand to stop the bus.
Board a bus using the front doors. Unless you are buying a ‘Bítllet Senzíll’ (Single Journey Ticket), insert your T-10 (or other ticket) into the top of one of the machines near the front of the bus. This will then return your ticket and charge you for your journey.
Bus drivers in Barcelona do not generally wait for persons to be seated before proceeding with a journey. Make sure you find a hand-rail and hold on to it.
You can identify the next stop of a bus via the scrolling screen at the front of a bus. When you want the bus to stop, press one of the red ‘call’ buttons.
You may not exit a bus using the front doors, these are for entry only. Leave the bus using the doors further down the vehicle.
Keep your eyes open! Using buses gives you a great opportunity to spot some things you might later like to visit!

Take a look at other transport methods in Barcelona;