Visiting a new city is exciting, but figuring out public transport can be a challenge. Constantly buying single tickets, figuring out fare zones, and covering long distances can eat into your travel time. We've got limited time and budget as is and we do not want to spend more!
You don't have to stand in line at a ticket machine every time you want to take the metro.Plus, you don't want to miss out on attractions because the city feels overwhelming to get around.
The Hola BCN Card solves all these problems. This card offers unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport network. With one card, you can move around the city effortlessly and focus on enjoying your trip.
What is the Hola BCN Card?
The Hola BCN Card is a convenient multi-day travel pass that provides unlimited access to Barcelona’s public transport network. It’s designed for travelers who want to explore the city efficiently and hassle-free.
With the Hola Barcelona Card, you can use the metro, buses (TMB), trams, Montjuïc funicular, FGC urban railways (Zone 1), and Rodalies regional trains (Zone 1) as many times as you need within your chosen validity period. The card is available for 2 days (48 hours), 3 days (72 hours), 4 days (96 hours), or 5 days (120 hours), starting from the moment you first activate it.
One of its standout features is that it includes metro travel between Barcelona Airport (T1 and T2) and the city center, saving you the additional cost of an airport metro ticket. However, the card does not cover the Montjuïc Cable Car or night buses (those marked with “N”).
How Much Does the Hola BCN Card Cost in 2025?
The Hola BCN Card has flexible pricing based on the duration of your stay. You can choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days of unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport network.
| Validity Period | Cost (2025) | Cost Per Day | Discounted Price (10% Online Discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Days (48 hours) | €18.0 | €8.8 | €15.8 |
| 3 Days (72 hours) | €25.50 | €8.50 | €22.95 |
| 4 Days (96 hours) | €33.30 | €8.33 | €29.97 |
| 5 Days (120 hours) | €40.80 | €8.16 | €36.72 |
Online Discount
If you purchase the card online, you can enjoy a 10% discount - an even more budget-friendly choice for your trip.
Children Travel Free
Children under the age of 4 can travel for free on Barcelona’s public transport, so there’s no need to purchase a separate pass for them.
Where to Buy BCN Hola Card?
You can buy a BCN Hola Card at any vending machine at the metro or train stations in Barcelona. You can purchase one online from their website or other providers. If you get it online, you’ll get a bar code which you can activate at the said vending machines.
Why Should You Get the Hola Barcelona Card?
The Hola Barcelona Card is perfect for travelers who want a simple, cost-effective way to explore Barcelona. It eliminates the need for single tickets and provides unlimited access to the city’s metro, buses, trams, and more, including airport transfers.
With one card, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about transport costs or figuring out fare zones. It’s convenient, affordable, and ideal for getting around effortlessly.
When is the Hola BCN Card Not Worth It?
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is a fantastic option for most travelers, but it may not be the best fit in certain situations.
If you’re only planning to visit a few attractions or don’t need frequent public transport, single tickets or a T-Casual 10-trip card might be more economical.
For extended visits, weekly or monthly passes could offer better value for unlimited travel.
If your itinerary includes many paid attractions, consider the Barcelona Card or Essentials Pass, which combine unlimited travel with discounts and free entry to top landmarks.
When is the BCN Hola Card Activated?
BCN Hola Card activates when you first validate the card at a metro station or on public transport.
The Hola BCN Card is valid for 48, 72, 96, or 120 consecutive hours, depending on the duration you select when purchasing. The card remains active for the exact number of hours purchased, not calendar days. For example, a 48-hour card activated at 3 PM will be valid until 3 PM two days later.
How to Activate?
For online purchases, redeem your voucher code at any metro station ticket machine. Once activated, you can start enjoying unlimited travel immediately.
Conclusion
Barcelona is a well-connected city and it's easy to explore. For planning your route, apps like Google Maps and the TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) app are excellent tools for navigating the metro, buses, and trams efficiently. While Barcelona is highly walkable—especially areas like the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla—public transport is a safe and convenient option for reaching attractions that are further apart, such as Park Güell and Montjuïc Hill.
To make the most of your trip, plan your tickets in advance to avoid delays and ensure availability. Group attractions that are close together on the same day to minimize travel time and maximize your sightseeing experience. See our itinerary for one day in Barcelona for initial ideas!
Does the Hola Barcelona card include the cable car?
No, the Hola Barcelona card does not include the Montjuïc Cable Car. While it covers most of Barcelona’s public transport and the Montjuïc Funicular, the cable car requires a separate ticket.
What is the difference between the Hola BCN card and the Barcelona card?
The Hola BCN card is solely a transportation pass that provides unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport network for a specified number of days.
The Barcelona card, on the other hand, includes the same unlimited transport access but also offers free or discounted entry to various attractions, museums, and activities across the city, such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
Can I buy a Hola Barcelona card at the airport?
Yes, you can purchase a Hola Barcelona card at Barcelona El Prat Airport. Ticket vending machines are available at the airport metro stations (T1 and T2) where you can buy and activate the card. However, for added convenience and a 10% discount, you can purchase the card online in advance and redeem it at the airport vending machines.
How do I get a refund if I don’t use the card?
If you purchase the Hola Barcelona card online and do not use it, you can request a full refund. Refunds are typically processed back to the payment method used at the time of purchase.
