Using metro, buses and Rodalies (commuter rail) in Barcelona

Terms used

• Rodalies — Rodalies is the commuter rail network serving Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia.
• T-usual — The T-usual is a personal monthly card with unlimited travel in the zones you choose.
• T-casual — The T-casual is a card with 10 trips for occasional travellers.
• NIE — The NIE is the identification number Spain gives to foreigners.

Key rules

• Zones: Barcelona has 6 fare zones, and the price of your pass depends on how many you cross.
• Regular travel: If you travel most days, the T-usual is the pass to look at.
• Occasional travel: If you ride rarely, the 10-trip T-casual avoids a monthly commitment.
• Rodalies: Check live service information before every Rodalies trip because delays and works are common.
• Prices: Fares are revised every year, so confirm the current price before you buy.

Fares, card details and the Rodalies transfer change often, so confirm current prices and rules with the ATM or the operator before you buy.

Start with your zone

Barcelona's public transport runs on 6 concentric fare zones. Zone 1 covers Barcelona city and some neighbouring towns. Passes cost more the more zones they cover. If you live and work inside zone 1, you need a zone 1 pass. If you commute from a town further out, count the zones you cross and buy a pass for that number.

One pass works across metro, buses, trams and Rodalies within your zones. Prices are revised every year, so check the current figures before you buy.

Pick the right pass

The decision box below compares the options. In short:

• T-usual: a personal monthly card with unlimited travel. Best if you travel most days.
• T-casual: a card with 10 trips. Best if you ride only now and then.
• T-jove: unlimited travel for 90 days, for people under 30.
• T-mes: a monthly unlimited pass.
• T-verda: for people who give up a polluting car.

If you are unsure, start with the T-casual for your first weeks. Switch to the T-usual once you know your routine.

Get your card

You can get a personal T-usual card at Rodalies, FGC or TMB customer service points, through the Barcelona transport apps, or at some ticket machines. Many points issue it on the spot. Some send it by post. Costs and details vary by operator, so ask at the point you use.

As a foreigner you can use your NIE or passport as ID. The documents box below lists what to bring. A new system called T-Mobilitat is being rolled out across the area, so the card format may change.

Rodalies: plan for delays

Rodalies is the commuter rail network. In recent years it has had repeated delays, speed restrictions and disruption from large works on several lines. Do not rely on it alone for an urgent trip, such as an appointment or a flight.

Before you travel, check the Rodalies de Catalunya website, app or X account, and the Renfe and Adif notices. Control of Rodalies is being transferred to a Catalan-run company, so how it runs may change. Keep the metro or a bus as your backup route.

Choosing between options

Which Barcelona pass should you buy?

• T-usual: You travel often. It is a personal monthly pass with unlimited travel.

• T-casual: You travel only now and then. It is a card with 10 trips.

• T-jove: You are under 30. It gives unlimited travel for 90 days.

• T-verda: You give up a polluting car.

Count how many trips you make in a month and how many of the 6 fare zones you cross. Zone 1 covers Barcelona city and neighbouring towns, and prices rise with the number of zones. Choose unlimited travel if you ride often, and the 10-trip card if you ride rarely.

Documents you need

• A valid ID: your DNI, NIE or passport, shown at the point where you request the personal T-usual card.

• A photo of yourself, needed for the personal T-usual card.

Frequently asked questions

Which ID do I need to get a personal T-usual card as a foreigner?

You can use a DNI, NIE or passport to get a personal T-usual card, and you also need a photo. Many service points issue the card on the spot, or it can come by post.

Where do I check for Rodalies delays and works?

Check Rodalies de Catalunya's website, app and X account for delays and works, plus notices from Renfe and Adif. Delays, speed restrictions and works on several lines have been recurring, so look before you travel.

Is the T-usual card being replaced by a new system?

Yes, the new T-Mobilitat system is being rolled out across the Barcelona area. Ask at a customer service point which card they issue to you today.