Overview
Barcelona's Metro is operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona). The network has 12 lines serving 165 stations across the city. Unlike many European metro systems, Barcelona has invested heavily in accessibility. As of 2025, approximately 156 of 165 stations (about 95%) have elevators from street level to platform. This makes Barcelona one of the most accessible metro systems in Europe.
The newest lines, L9/L10/L11, are fully accessible by design. Older lines (L1 through L5) have been progressively retrofitted with elevators since 1992.
Accessible Lines
L9, L10, and L11 (Fully Accessible)
These are the newest lines, built with accessibility from the start. Every station has elevators, escalators, and platform screen doors. The trains are driverless with level boarding and minimal gaps (under 3 cm). L9 Sud serves the airport (see our Airport guide).
L1 through L5 (Mostly Accessible)
The older lines have been retrofitted over the past three decades. Most stations now have at least one elevator, though a handful remain inaccessible. Trains on these lines have designated wheelchair spaces near the doors, marked in red. The platform-to-train gap is typically 5 to 8 cm, which most wheelchair users can manage independently or with a small push.
Remaining Inaccessible Stations
About 9 stations across the network still lack elevator access. Before traveling, check your destination station on the TMB app or website. If a station is not accessible, the app will suggest the nearest alternative with elevator access.
Key Tourist Stations: Accessibility Status
| Station | Line(s) | Nearby Attractions | Elevator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagrada Familia | L2, L5 | Sagrada Familia basilica | Yes |
| Passeig de Gracia | L2, L3, L4 | Casa Batllo, Casa Mila | Yes |
| Liceu | L3 | La Rambla, Boqueria Market | Yes |
| Jaume I | L4 | Gothic Quarter, Cathedral | Yes |
| Barceloneta | L4 | Barceloneta Beach | Yes |
| Espanya | L1, L3 | Montjuic, MNAC, Fira | Yes |
| Diagonal | L3, L5 | Avinguda Diagonal shopping | Yes |
| Drassanes | L3 | Maritime Museum, Port | Yes |
| Hospital de Sant Pau | L5 | Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site | Yes |
| Parallel | L2, L3 | Cable car to Montjuic | Yes |
Tickets and Fares
| Ticket Type | Price (Zone 1) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket (Bitllet senzill) | 2.55 euros | One journey, any mode |
| T-Casual | 13.00 euros | 10 trips, non-transferable, Zone 1 |
| Hola BCN! (2 days) | 17.50 euros | Unlimited travel for 48 hours |
| Hola BCN! (3 days) | 25.50 euros | Unlimited travel for 72 hours |
| Hola BCN! (5 days) | 37.00 euros | Unlimited travel for 120 hours |
| Airport metro supplement | 5.50 euros | T-Casual not valid at airport |
The T-Casual card is the best value for most visitors. It covers 10 trips on metro, bus, tram, FGC, and RENFE Rodalies within Zone 1. Buy it from ticket machines in any metro station. Machines have accessible interfaces with audio guidance.
Disability Discount
Travelers with a recognized Spanish or Catalan disability card can access reduced fares. Foreign disability cards are not officially recognized for discounts, but you can ask at the TMB information points.
Real-Time Elevator Status
Elevator outages happen. Before you travel, check whether your station's elevator is working:
- TMB App (free): Download the TMB app (available in English). It shows real-time elevator status for every station and suggests accessible alternative routes when an elevator is out of service.
- TMB Website: Visit tmb.cat and check the station page for current elevator status.
- Station Signage: If an elevator is out of service, a notice is typically posted at the station entrance.
Boarding Tips
- Wheelchair spaces: All metro trains have designated wheelchair spaces near the doors, marked with the wheelchair symbol and highlighted in red.
- Platform gap: On older lines (L1 to L5), expect a gap of 5 to 8 cm between the platform and the train. On L9/L10/L11, the gap is minimal (under 3 cm).
- Door timing: Doors stay open for about 4 seconds. If you need more time, press and hold the door-open button next to the door.
- Audio and visual announcements: All trains have audio and visual next-stop announcements in Catalan, Spanish, and English.
Companion Travel
A companion traveling with a person who has a recognized disability card in Catalonia may travel free. Check with TMB customer service for the current policy on companion passes.
Find Your Accessible Hotel
Verified photos, room measurements, and accessibility checklists for wheelchair-accessible hotels.
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