The Hola Barcelona travel card is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get around the city using public transport. Whether you’re in Barcelona for two days or five, this unlimited travel pass gives you access to the entire metro, bus, tram, and FGC network within Zone 1, including the airport metro line.
But is it actually worth it?
Insider tip: The best way to make the most out of your time is to combine your Hola Barcelona travel card with a tourist card such as the Barcelona Pass (my favorite).
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, this guide will walk you through exactly what the Hola Barcelona Card includes, how to use it, where to get it, and whether it really saves you money compared to other options. We’ll even compare it to other city passes and share local tips to get the most out of it.
Quick verdict: is the Hola Barcelona travel card worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it if:
- You plan to use public transport often (3+ rides/day).
- You’re staying 2+ days and want easy airport-to-city access.
- You prefer a simple, all-in-one mobile ticket without needing to top up.
Skip it if:
- You’ll mostly walk and stay in the city center.
- You’ve already bought another pass that includes transportation.
- You’re only planning 1-2 metro rides total.
In most cases, the Hola Barcelona travel card offers great value and convenience, especially for first-time visitors, short city breaks, or anyone who wants to explore beyond the tourist core.
What’s included in the Hola Barcelona travel card?
The Hola BCN travel card gives you unlimited rides on most public transport options in Barcelona – all within the Zone 1 area, which covers nearly all tourist attractions and neighborhoods you’ll want to explore.
You can either:
- Download the card directly to your phone (if bought online), or
- Print the pass at home and scan the QR code on entry
No need to pick anything up at the airport or city center, though in-person machines are available if you prefer.
Here’s exactly what the Hola BCN card includes:
Unlimited travel on:
- Metro. including both L9 Sud airport lines to/from El Prat Airport (T1 and T2).
- Bus. All daytime TMB buses (except night buses),
- Tram. All tram lines (Trambaix, Trambesòs).
- FGC trains. Catalan commuter trains within Zone 1 (including Montjuïc funicular).
- RENFE suburban trains. Rodalies trains in Zone 1 (e.g. between Sants and Passeig de Gràcia).
Valid durations (choose at purchase)
The pass is valid for 48, 72, 96 or 120 consecutive hours.
The time starts counting from the first use (not when you buy it) and runs consecutively: for example, a 72-hour card used at 15:00 on Monday is valid until 14:59 on Thursday.
Insider tip: You don’t have to use it right away – you can activate it whenever you’re ready by scanning it on your first ride.
What’s NOT included:
- Aerobus. The blue airport shuttle that runs above ground.
- Night buses. NitBus lines, starting with “N”.
- Taxis, Ubers, or cable cars (e.g. Telefèric de Montjuïc).
- Zone 2+ transport (e.g. outside the main Barcelona metro zone).
Insider tip: If you’re just arriving and plan to use the Aerobus, consider combining the Hola Barcelona card with a separate Aerobus ticket, or using the Metro instead – it’s already included in your card.
How much does the Hola Barcelona card cost?
As I said before, the Hola Barcelona travel card comes in four flexible durations: 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours of unlimited travel on public transport. Prices are based on how long you need the card, so the longer your stay, the better the daily value.
2025 prices (official rates)
| Duration | Adult price (2025) | Cost per day (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 48 hours | 18.10€ | 9.05€/day |
| 72 hours | 26.30€ | 8.77€/day |
| 96 hours | 34.40€ | 8.60€/day |
| 120 hours | 42.10€ | 8.42€/day |
Insider tips:
- Children under 4 ride for free and don’t need a Hola Barcelona card.
- The longer the pass, the better the cost-per-day. If you’re staying 4-5 days, you’re only paying around 8.42€/day for unlimited travel: that’s less than 4 Metro tickets.
Price comparison: Hola Card vs. individual tickets
Each single ticket (TMB metro or bus) costs 2.65€ in 2025.
Let’s say you ride the metro 4 times a day for 3 days:
- 4 rides/day × 3 days = 12 rides
- 12 single tickets = 31.80€
- 72h Hola Barcelona Card = 26.30€
You save 5.50€, and don’t have to stand in line or buy tickets each time.
How & where to buy the Hola Barcelona travel card
Buying your Hola Barcelona travel card is super easy. It’s best to buy it online in advance to save time, avoid queues, and activate it digitally.
Here are your options:
Option 1: Buy the Hola Barcelona card online (recommended)
The fastest and most convenient way to get the card is to purchase it directly online.
- You get a QR code by email. No paper ticket needed.
- Just scan the code at the entrance to Metro, bus, or tram.
- You can store it in your phone or print it at home.
- Activate it the moment you use it for the first ride.
Where to buy it:
- Official Hola Barcelona site. However, I don’t recommend it: the site is clunky, the payment platform frozens often and, in general, the user experience is poor.
- My trusted platform is always Tiqets, which offers the same prices, never has a payment problem and is much more intuitive.
Insider tip: Buying online gives you peace of mind, especially in high season. It also avoids the risk of machine errors or language confusion.
Where to collect the card:
You don’t need to collect anything. The digital card you receive by email works just like a printed ticket: simply scan it at any Metro turnstile or bus reader to start your pass.
Option 2: Buy at the airport or Metro station
Yes, you can buy the Hola Barcelona card at the airport or most Metro stations using a ticket machine. However:
- Machines may have long lines, especially at El Prat Airport (T1 and T2).
- Not all machines support every language or take all cards.
- You’ll need to activate the card manually at the machine.
If you like having a paper version or didn’t buy it in advance, this is still a good fallback.
Heads-up: You must select your duration carefully. Once printed, cards can’t be changed or refunded.
Can you use the card from the airport?
Absolutely. The Hola Barcelona card includes the airport metro line (L9 Sud) from both terminals, T1 and T2, so you can start using it as soon as you land.
Just make sure you’ve already downloaded or printed your QR code if you’re arriving without internet access (which I don’t recommend!).
How to use the Hola Barcelona travel card
It’s super simple.
The Hola Barcelona travel card is valid unlimitedly once your purchase it. It means that you can purchase the card online well in advance of your trip and keep the confirmation for as long as you want.
Your pass becomes active the first time you use it, not when you purchase it.
- Tap the QR code at a Metro turnstile, bus reader, or tram machine.
- This starts the clock: the hours start counting from that moment.
- From then on, you can travel as much as you want until your time runs out.
Insider tip: If your flight arrives late at night, wait to activate the pass the next morning so you don’t lose a full travel day.
Each time you board or enter a station, scan the QR code (digital or printed) and you’re good to go! No need to top it up, no limit on how many rides you take.
Is the Hola Barcelona travel card Worth It?
Let’s get to the point: is the Hola Barcelona travel card actually worth the money?
In most cases, yes, especially if you’re planning to use public transport frequently or want a stress-free way to move around Barcelona. But it depends on your itinerary, your travel style, and how much you’re planning to explore.
It’s worth it if…
- You’ll use public transport 3+ times a day. With each ride costing 2.65€, you break even quickly.
- You’re staying outside the Gothic Quarter or walking less. Perfect if your accommodation is not central, or you don’t want to walk 10 km (6.2 mi) a day.
- You’re arriving at or departing from El Prat Airport. The airport Metro is included, saving you an extra 5.50€ per trip.
- You want to avoid the hassle of individual tickets. No ticket machines, no top-ups, no counting zones or transfers: just scan and go.
- You’re visiting Barcelona for 2-5 days and plan to sightsee extensively. Especially if you’re seeing places like Park Güell, Montjuïc, Camp Nou, or explore off the beaten path.
Skip it if…
- You’re staying in the city center and mostly walking. If your entire plan is Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter and La Barceloneta (beach), you may not use enough rides to justify it.
- You already have another pass with transport included. For example, the Barcelona Card includes unlimited public transport too.
- You’ll only use the metro once or twice. In that case, it’s cheaper to buy individual tickets or a T-Casual card.
- You’re using the Aerobus instead of the Metro from the airport. The Hola Barcelona Card doesn’t cover the Aerobus.
TL;DR: who will benefit most?
| Situation | Hola Barcelona card worth it? |
|---|---|
| First-time visitor, 2-5 days | Yes |
| Using metro 3+ times a day | Yes |
| Staying in Eixample, Gràcia, or Poblenou | Yes |
| Walking everywhere, 1-2 rides total | Probably not |
| Already have another transport pass | Not needed |
Tips to get the most out of your Hola BCN travel card
The Hola BCN card is already a great deal, but a few insider tips can help you stretch your euros even further, avoid common mistakes, and travel like a local.
Tip #1: Activate it strategically
The countdown starts the moment you scan your card for the first time, not when you buy it.
Insider tip: If you arrive in the evening, wait to activate the card until the next morning. That way, you get full days of use and avoid wasting valuable hours.
Tip #2: Use it from the airport
The card includes the Metro from El Prat Airport (L9 Sud), a feature many travelers overlook.
Instead of buying a separate airport ticket or hopping on the Aerobus (which isn’t included), just scan your Hola card at the turnstile and head into town.
Tip #3: Save the QR code in multiple places
After purchase, save your digital QR code in several spots:
- Your phone’s wallet or photos.
- A cloud backup (e.g. iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox).
- Print it, just in case.
This ensures you’re covered if your battery dies or you lose signal.
Tip #4: Plan your rides efficiently
Plan sightseeing around Metro clusters or bus routes. For example:
- Do Park Güell and Sagrada Família on the same day (both need Metro rides).
- Use the bus to Montjuïc or tram to Diagonal Mar instead of a taxi.
- Combine Metro + FGC train for funicular access to Montjuïc.
Tip #5: Pair it with a city pass for maximum value
If you’re buying a city pass, double check if it includes transport.
For example:
- The Barcelona Card does include transport, while
- The Barcelona Pass don’t. However, it includes optional add-ons like the Hola Card & Aerobus that cover all local transport, including your airport transfer.
Tip #6: Know what’s NOT Included
The Hola Card covers most public transit, but not:
- Aerobus (the blue shuttle bus to/from airport).
- NitBus (night bus routes, labeled “N”).
- Taxis, funiculars, or cable cars.
- Zones beyond Zone 1 (e.g. day trips outside Barcelona).
If you’re going to places like Montserrat or Sitges, you’ll need separate train tickets.
Tip #7: Don’t confuse it with the Barcelona Card
- The Hola Barcelona Card is only for transport.
- The Barcelona Card includes transport + discounts at museums, shops, and attractions.
Make sure you know which one you’re buying so you don’t miss out on the benefits you actually want.
FAQs about the Hola Barcelona travel card
Still unsure if the Hola Barcelona travel card is right for your trip? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions, all based on real concerns from travelers just like you.
Can I buy the Hola BCN card at the airport?
Yes, you can!
There are TMB ticket machines at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of El Prat Airport. However, there may be long lines, and not all machines support every card type or language.
Insider tip: Buy your Hola Barcelona card online to save time and avoid machine issues. You’ll receive a digital ticket you can scan right away.
Can I use the Hola Barcelona card for the airport Metro?
Yes! The Metro ride from and to the airport (L9 Sud) is included, unlike with single tickets, where you’d normally pay a separate airport surcharge.
Can I use the Hola BCN travel card on buses?
Absolutely. It covers all regular TMB buses in Zone 1, including those that run to popular attractions and neighborhoods. Just scan the QR code when boarding.
However, it does not cover night buses (NitBus lines) or private airport buses like the Aerobus.
Does the card work for Renfe or FGC trains?
Yes, but only within Zone 1.
You can use the card on:
– FGC commuter trains (e.g., to Montjuïc funicular)
– RENFE Rodalies (local trains within Barcelona)
Trips outside Zone 1 (e.g. to Sitges or Montserrat) require a separate ticket.
Is the Hola Barcelona travel card refundable?
No. Once the pass has been purchased and the QR code delivered, it cannot be refunded or exchanged, even if unused.
Be sure to double-check your dates, duration, and travel plans before buying.
Can I use the pass on non-consecutive days?
No, the pass runs on consecutive hours from first activation.
For example, a 72-hour pass activated Monday at 14:00 will expire on Thursday at 13:59.
You can’t pause or split the time across separate travel days.
Can I share the Hola Barcelona card?
No, each pass is valid for one person only.
It’s tied to a single QR code, and you’ll need one card per traveler.
Is it better than buying individual tickets?
Usually, yes, especially if:
– You’ll take 3+ rides per day.
– You plan to visit places outside the city center.
– You want to include the Metro ride from the airport.
It’s also much easier than buying multiple single tickets or figuring out the zones.
Conclusion: should you get the Hola Barcelona travel card?
If you’re planning to explore Barcelona using public transport, and especially if your itinerary includes more than 2 rides per day, airport transfers, or Zone 1 day-to-day sightseeing, then the Hola Barcelona travel card is absolutely worth it.
It’s one of the easiest ways to:
- Move around stress-free.
- Avoid Metro ticket machines.
- Save money on single fares.
- Get straight into the city from the airport.
- Focus on your trip, not the transport.
Final recommendation
If you’re:
- Visiting for 2-5 days.
- Wanting to avoid walking everywhere.
- Planning to see attractions spread out around the city.
- Staying outside the Gothic Quarter, or just prefer not to overthink transport.
… then the Hola BCN card is a smart buy.
On the other hand, if you’re:
- Staying central and only taking 1 or 2 rides.
- Using other cards that include transport (like the Barcelona Card).
- Planning lots of day trips outside Zone 1.
… you might be better off with single tickets or another travel pass.
Want to skip the lines and hit the ground running?
Buy your Hola Barcelona travel card online now and enjoy unlimited rides the moment you arrive.
Do you need more information on Barcelona?
This article is part of a complete guide about Barcelona where you can read all the information you need to plan your trip to this popular destination in Spain.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. When to visit Barcelona
2. How many days in Barcelona do you need?
3. How to get to Barcelona
4. How to move around Barcelona
5. Ultimate guide to Barcelona hotels: my top picks
6. What to eat in Barcelona
7. What to do in Barcelona
8. First timer’s guide to the Sagrada Familia Church
9. How to buy your tickets to Sagrada Familia
10. 6 tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia
11. My top 3 Sagrada Familia tours
12. How to buy your Park Güell tickets
13. How to buy your FC Barcelona tickets the easy way
14. How to get to Camp Nou
15. Best day trips from Barcelona
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All the content included in the travel guide is based on practical and organized Barcelona information. Every single self-guided walks has been personally tested to make sure that you can do it on your own. And the best part is that you can download it, and start reading immediately with one click.
