Apart from during the rush hour (0730-0930 and 1800-2030) when it becomes very crowded, the metro (M) is the most efficient means of transport in the city. Metro lines are all identified by a number and a colour; the direction is shown by the name of the line terminus. A single ticket (billet senzill) must be validated in a machine on the platform before boarding and carried at all times to avoid the penalty. The metro runs from Monday to Thursday 0500-2300, Friday and Saturday until 0200 and Sunday 0600-2400. The FGC line is fully integrated with the rest of the TMB-operated metro system and runs daily until 0130.
Buses in the city run from 0530 or 0600 until about 2230. The network is extensive and almost all services run through Placa de Catalunya, Placa Urquinaona or Placa de la Universitat. Single tickets must be clipped in machines on boarding. There are 16 night bus routes running 2300-0400 to some destinations, which require separate tickets. The TombBus is a shopping service that runs between Placa de Catalunya and Placa Pius XII Monday to Friday 0800-2130 and Saturday 0900-2130.
A number of multi-ride tickets (T-10 and T-50/30) and one-day, three-day, five-day and monthly passes are available. In addition, for tourists, there are three-day and five-day Aerobus+Metro+Bus passes which cover all transport in the city including the journey to and from the airport.
For the suburbs and surrounding area there are regional rail lines run by the FGC and RENFE. The RENFE local network is known as Rodalies or Cercanias; the central station in the city is Placa de Catalunya.
A funicular railway trundles up Montjuic from the corner of Carrer Nou de la Rambla and Avinguda Parallel to Avinguda Miramar 1100-2200 daily in summer and 1100-2015 daily in winter. From the amusement park there is a cable car (teleferic) to Montjuic Castle summer daily 1200-2000 and winter Saturday and Sunday 1100-1930.
Taxis
There are 11,000 yellow-and-black registered cabs operating in the city. As well as being hailed on the street, taxis can be booked in advance (tel: (93) 358 1111). Taxi drivers should be tipped 5-10% of the meter fare.
Limousines
A number of companies offer limousine services with multi-lingual drivers. These include Barcelona Limousine Service (tel: (93) 247 0699; fax: (93) 265 1484; bcnlimousine@spain-bcnlimo.com; www.spain-bcnlimo.com) and Limousine Rental (tel: (93) 372 0000; fax (93) 473 6077; e-mail: central@limorent.com; website: www.limorent.com)
Driving in the city
The proximity of the main attractions and the excellent public transport system mean visitors will not need a car to get around the city. This is an advantage, as rush-hour traffic in Barcelona can be particularly overwhelming and parking is tricky in some areas. Cars require a paid ticket to park in the 'blue' zones daily 0800-1400 and 1600-2000. Illegal parking results in the offending vehicle being towed away.
Car Hire
Cars can be hired by drivers from overseas aged 21 years and above on presentation of a passport and a valid driving licence. A valid international insurance policy is also necessary although this can be purchased at the time of hire. In addition to companies at the airport, car hire in Barcelona is provided by Avis, Carrer Casanovas 209 (tel: (93) 209 9533; website: www.avis.com); and Hertz, Carrer Tuset 10 (tel: (93) 217 3248; website: www.hertz.com).
Bicycle Hire
Barcelona has a limited network of bicycle lanes and some bicycle racks. Bicycles can be carried on the public transport system, although there are some peak hour restrictions. Bicycles can be hired at Scenic, Carrer Marina 22 (tel: (93) 221 1666; e-mail: scenic@ctb.es; website: www.scenic.es), Un Coxte Menys, Esparteria 3 (tel: (93) 268 2105) and Biciclot, Sant Joan de Malta 1 (tel: (93) 307 7475).
