The Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) is mode of underground transport separate to the Barcelona Metro. Although the FGC does share links with the Metro services in numerous stations, it services more residential and commuter zones than Barcelona’s Metro system. On top of its services in Barcelona city, The FGC also operates several Mountain Railways and Funicular lines in wider Catalunya.

Download a copy of the Barcelona FGC Map here.

Take a look at FGC services in wider Catalunya.

The Barcelona FGC Train system is fully wheelchair accessible as well as prompt, reliable and easy to use. FGC stations can be identified via their large orange signs which will also display that particular station’s name. These signs are different from the red ‘M’ signs which indicate a Metro station.

Multi-use integrated tickets can be used on the FGC network. This is to say that tickets like the T-10 are permitted for use on FGC Journeys.

Operating Times:

On weekdays the FGC system is in operation from 05:00 until around 00:00 depending on your particular route. Trains on the FGC network adhere to a timetable which you can refer to when planning your journey.

Arriving at an FGC Station:

When you reach one of the numerous FGC Stations in the city, you will of course require a ticket. There are numerous options for this which should be explored depending on your length of stay and intended amount of usage. To buy a ticket you will need to approach one of the large, yellow touch-screen machines armed with a credit/debit card or cash. Just a small point, beware of using large bills when paying for a ticket! The machines will only dispense coinage as change. Many a ‘newbie’ are left with a ton of €1 coins upon paying with a €50 note!

Which ticket should I buy?

As mentioned, there are a few options for you here and all of them are available from the Metro’s automatic vending machines… Take a look at our Barcelona Transport System Tickets page.

Using the Barcelona FGC Network:

Ensure you have worked out a route on the wall-maps provided (or take a free leaflet map which are available at most stations) and head towards the electric barriers. Insert your respective ticket into the slot and ‘open-sesame!’ You are now ready to travel. Each line has trains which run in opposite directions and you need to ensure you head to the correct platform. The stops corresponding to your train’s direction are displayed on the wall en-route to the platform. When the train approaches it will come to a stop and it is important to remember that it is your job to open the doors via either a button or handle. The doors do not automatically open and likewise, this is the same when the train comes to a stop at your destination station.

Things to remember:

KEEP YOUR TICKET EVEN IF HAS RUN OUT OF JOURNEYS! Some Stations require ticket validation when you are EXITING a station. If you cannot provide a valid ticket to an inspector or machine you may be subject to a whopping €50 fine!
Keep away from the edges when you are on the platforms.
Keep an eye on the ‘light-up’ route maps which are above the train doors. They indicate when you should be getting ready to leave the train.
Move your wallets and purses to an inside pocket and keep your bag/camera in front of you when travelling on busy trains. The FGC is safe, clean and reliable, yet it does come with a pickpocket every now and then. Do not give them an opportunity.
Swerve the vending machines located on the platforms! They do offer some good comfort food and sugar rushes, yet at ridiculous prices. Save your money for a shop elsewhere!

Plan a journey on the FGC System.

Take a look at more Barcelona Transport options;