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Trying to catch a FC Barcelona game after arrival - Logistics/Time?

We are in Barcelona last Sunday of September - which happens to have an FC Barcelona home game. Need some advice for those who have attended or are more familiar with logistics: We arrive at BCN 5:30pm. The game starts at 8pm.

We travel light - will only have carry-ons on our backs. Need to get through immigration, but no need to wait to claim other luggages. Hubby and I are in mid 40s, fairly good shape, always walk a lot when we travel and take public transit.

1.) Can we or should we try to make this game if we plan to:
*Take the terminal bus from BCN T1 to T2, then
*
R2 train to Passeig de Gracia (<5 minutes from our hotel).

*Drop-off luggage at hotel,
*
Walk to the Diagonal stop to take Metro L5 to Collblan stop for the stadium?

(My estimate is the above takes around 2-2.5 hours total? Also checked the TMB/renfe sites for travel times, etc. Is that a reasonable estimate? Did not consider the airport bus that goes to Placa Catalunya, because there could be "road traffic"...)

2.) This is a rare opportunity, being able to catch a game there. So, if we try to make it and arrive late (after 8/8:30pm) - is this a "faux pas" to the attendees? We would not want to be the "ugly tourists" or if this is disrespectful to the regular fans. So, we'd rather not attempt it if the overall advice is just "let it go"... Or is it worth it to go even if we arrive late and get to watch 1/2 of the game, etc..

I realize we could be jet-lagged, too. Too stressful?! I hear the atmosphere there can be quite exciting, so not sure if it's worth it anyway?! We are new futbol/soccer fans after watching the World Cup. The flights were booked in Spring. If I'd known, I would have booked a flight a day earlier... So, just want to see if we can work with what I have. Thanks!!!
--Lucy

Posted by
9110 posts

Like most major stadiums in this day and age it is unlikely that you will be allowed to bring any sort of luggage or bags inside the stadium. I believe there are lockers at sants train station which is fairly close to Nou Camp.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks very much, Bill & Michael! You've definitely provided some ideas and food-for-thought...

Yes, Bill - it's the Bilbao Athletic game on Sept. 30th. We use a "back-pack" type made by Osprey as our carry-on - similar to what Rick Steves uses. Plus a personal item each. We are used to running with it, so just not sure how fast it takes to get out of BCN once arrived. Hotel is at corner of Career d'Arago/Passeig de Gracias, so very close to the stop at PdG. But, sounds like it still takes too much time to detour that way before the game. Thanks for the honest answer or going straight or not at all.

Since "Bags & Go" has some good reviews at TripAdvisor, I checked it out. But, at BCN it strangely only picks up until 17:00...

True - forgot about the security checks at stadium nowadays.... Checked the website, and it said the limit is "500g" for large bags. That's around 16-17 lbs.? - can't remember how much my carry-on usually weighs =P Then again, don't want to risk bringing them and then can't get in, etc..

Mulling over Michael's suggestion of luggage lockers at Sants station - is that close enough to the stadium so that it won't cost too much time?!

Will think about it some more... Or maybe just take it easy and have a good excuse to return to Barcelona in the near future =)

Posted by
33847 posts

I haven't looked at the website but

Checked the website, and it said the limit is "500g" for large bags. That's around 16-17 lbs.?

500 grams is just over a pound. 453 grams is a pound. 7260 grams (7.26 kilograms) is 16 pounds.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks, Nigel - you are totally right! Was converting 30g = 1 oz. but my brain kept thinking 1 lb.! But for sure, we won't risk bring the carry-ons to the stadium if we decide to head there first.

Posted by
24 posts

One other thing to keep an eye on is that match times and dates are fluid. TV, other competitions such as Champions League dates can influence the schedule. La Liga has changed times very close to the day of. So it is good keep checking once this season begins.
We will be in Barcelona mid October during the international break so i'm not going to see a match except on TV.
Hope the game works out for you.
Mark

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks for the tips, Mark! Still can't make up our mind just yet, but will keep an eye out on the tickets availability and schedule as time is closer, then probably decide toward the end.