We will be arriving at the Barcelona airport on Sept. 11th. I just found out that this is a national holiday. We planned on taking the airport bus to Placa de Catalunya and then walking the few blocks to our hotel. Does anyone know if the airport bus schedule will be limited that day? Is transportation to the city from the airport an issue on that day? Also, I read somewhere that it is not advisable to take the airport bus to Placa de Catalunya for safety reasons i.e. you are a prime target for pickpockets. Would we be better off taking the train from the airport? Thanks.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
I suspect that any public transport service from an airport to a city centre may have theft problems. Just be ready to keep your hands in your pockets, or get a cab.
Posted by
Cayuga, Canada
124 posts
I took the airport bus to Placa de Catalunya this past July and I felt safe since I had only a small amount of cash in my Pac-safe Pouch, from which I paid the bus driver. I had put my passport and larger amount of Euros in my "RS Hidden Pocket" back in the washroom at the airport once I cleared immigration and customs.
When I got onto the bus, I was able to put my rolling carryon bag on the rack and sit with my tote bag where I could see the suitcase at all times.
If you go online to Barcelona airport transportation, you can check the schedule. They usually run every 15-30 minutes and drop off right near Las Ramblas on the Placa.
Posted by
OP
Reno, NV, USA
2547 posts
Thanks. We always use money belts, slashproof backpacks, etc.
Posted by
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
324 posts
According to the website: (http://www.emt-amb.com/links/DetalleLinea.asp?pagLinea=lineas/aero.asp&CodLinea=%27A1%27&idioma=) the bus to terminal 1 will be running as usual on the 11th, the bus to terminal 2 will have a slightly more limited schedule, but will still be functional, as well.
Personally, I always take the train rather than the bus. In theory, this way I avoid the risk of having my transportation caught in a traffic jam, but the reality is that trains can also run late. 6 of one, half dozen of the other...
Pickpockets are as much of a risk in BCN as in any other city of similar size. Use the standard precautions, and you won't have any problem.
It should be noted that, as much as many Catalans might wish the contrary, 9/11 is not a national holiday, rather a regional holiday.