Barcelona-El Prat airport is preparing to take a step forward in its intermodal development. The Catalan hub is awaiting the arrival of an express train. Designed by Alstom and operated by FGC Mobilitat, it is due to enter service in late 2026 or early 2027. The first of the ten electric trains was unveiled at the end of October.
The President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, attended the event. He said: " Catalonia's prosperity requires a leading 21st-century airport and a rail network that is also up to the task. Today, these two challenges are coming together with a new step forward ".
These new trains will link the city centre with the two terminals at Barcelona-El Prat airport. Those in charge of the project predict a journey time of just over 20 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes. Construction has already begun on the new line, which will be 22.7 kilometres long. The express train will serve nine stations: Sant Andreu, Sagrera, El Clot, Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, Bellvitge, El Prat, Aéroport T-2 and Aéroport T-1.
Each Coradia Stream train will be equipped with five carriages for a a total capacity of 656 passengers. Manufactured in Barcelona, they have been designed to meet the specific requirements of an airport service. These include ample space for luggage, and wider aisles for easier access. In addition, each train will be equipped with 20 panoramic screens for service information and nine panoramic screens for airport information with flight departure and arrival times.
" A more efficient airport must be well connected to the country's public transport network, i.e. with the metro, bus, suburban trains and, in the near future, with Catalonia Railways. "Salvador Illa points out. " If we add up all the investment we have underway in suburban trains, in the metro network, in Tarragona's TramCamp, the rail connections to the port of Barcelona and the FGC line to the airport, I think we can say that Catalonia is undergoing a major rail transformation. ".
