Test runs have begun on the R-Aeroport railway to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Barcelona Secreta reports. The planned service would give airport passengers a direct train to both terminals, with departures every 15 minutes, but it is not yet open to passengers.

FGC, Catalonia’s public railway operator, and train manufacturer Alstom previously said the service would start between late 2026 and early 2027, according to Barcelona Secreta. The report gives no exact opening date, so passengers should continue to use existing airport connections and check FGC and Rodalies, Catalonia’s commuter rail network, before travelling.

FGC’s service information says its subsidiary FGC Mobilitat will operate the line between central Barcelona and terminals T1 and T2. It plans to use 10 new trains.

Two new stations and a metro connection

The 5.2km railway branches off the existing Barcelona-Vilanova line and includes 4.3km underground, according to Spain’s transport ministry. It is a railway service, not an extension of the metro.

In a statement on 13th January 2026, the ministry said the double-track route would reach T1 via a station at T2, where passengers would be able to change to metro line L9. Barcelona Secreta reports that both new stations will be accessible without barriers.

The plans include:

  • A train every 15 minutes to each terminal, according to FGC’s service information and Barcelona Secreta.
  • Ten new trains, manufactured by Alstom, according to Barcelona Secreta.
  • Two underground stations, one at T1 and one at T2.
  • A connection to metro line L9 at T2.

Barcelona Secreta reports that the planned frequency is twice that of the current airport train service. The ministry estimates that the journey between T1 and Barcelona Sants station will take about 20 minutes.

The ministry said the project forms part of Transformem Rodalies, a plan for the Rodalies rail network. It put the overall investment in the airport access project at more than €400 million and estimated that more than seven million passengers a year would use the infrastructure.

Existing T2 station will close

The current Rodalies station at T2, which has operated since 1975, will close when the new underground tracks take over the service, Barcelona Secreta reports. No closing date has been given.

Fares and the definitive timetable for R-Aeroport have not yet been detailed, according to the report. FGC has also announced 42 train-driver positions for the future line.

What it means for you

  • When: The service will start between late 2026 and early 2027, but no exact date has been confirmed.
  • Where: The R-Aeroport line will connect Barcelona city centre with terminals T1 and T2 at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
  • What to do: Continue using current airport connections and consult the official channels of FGC and Rodalies before each trip.

Sources: Barcelona Secreta, transparencia.fgc.cat, Descarga nuestra APP.