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Transport in Barcelona: Internship experiences
An internship in Barcelona offers a great chance to explore one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Whether you plan to soak up the culture, laze on the beach or enjoy the buzzing nightlife, the Barcelona transport system is more than adequate to satisfy your needs.
The metro is by far the cheapest and most efficient way to travel around Barcelona. It is very simple to use and is similar to the London Underground, with the lines clearly marked in different colours. While it can be a bit daunting at first with the crowds and the heat, common sense and an awareness of tourist advice (found on the internet) ensure you will reach your destination in no time. The T10 card offers the most value for money at 7.20 euros, as it allows 10 journeys including buses (as long as the journey has not taken over 1hr15m). However if you plan to be frequently getting on and off the metro for activities such as sightseeing, the T Dia card is the best choice as it allows unlimited journeys for just 5.30 euros. Although for those staying in Barcelona for over a fortnight the T50 might be more appropriate, as similar to the T10 it offers fifty trips in thirty day all for just 29.80 euros. While there are two underground systems running in Barcelona, the metro and the FCG, most visitors will only use the metro zona one, as this services the main city centre.
When travelling at night in the city centre one should always take suitable precautions, however many people will be happy to know that at weekend all metro lines are open from 5am until 2am. Alternatively there is also a night bus service, of which many routes go through the main station of Placa Catalunya situated at the top of La Rambla. Although users should be aware many day passes will not work on this bus, and so a single ticket of 1.30 euros must be purchased. As with most city centres Taxis are readily available, and easily spotted with their distinctive yellow and black colours. Prices are reasonable with the charge of around one euro per kilometre at night, which is reduced throughout the day. Like all taxis there is a preset rate of around 1.80 euros, however in addition most taxis start the meter upon travelling to pick you up, although this will never go above 3 euros.
Alternative forms of transport include car or moped hire, however this is not recommended unless frequently travelling outside the city centre due to congestion and lack of parking spaces. In addition the city roads can seem busy and rather unforgiving, so unless you are an extremely competent driver, the metro or bus seems a much safer form of travel.
Another enjoyable way to see the cities’ sights is by bicycle, although again taking precautions when on the busy Barcelona streets. A quirky new program offered is Bicing, which upon purchase of a card online, a bike can be borrowed for up to two hours, at just 30 cents per half an hour. While this might not be the quickest way, cycle lanes and rides along the promenade offer a whole new way to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
Tourists are also offered the Barcelona card which provides travel around the city via the metro, and offers discounts on entry into many tourist spots. However the card runs for between two and five consecutive days, and on reflection can seem rather expensive. While the card may be suitable for a weekend break the limitations do not offer the best value for those studying abroad or doing an internship.
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