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British Airways, Iberia and easyJet offer direct flights from the UK to Barcelona. From the US, Delta fly direct from the east coast, but flights from the west coast usually involve one stopover. Qantas flies from Australia and New Zealand to Barcelona via a series of stopovers.

Prat de Llobregat airport’s two adjoining terminals are 12 km (7 miles) south of the city centre.

One of the most convenient ways from the airport to the city centre is by Aerobús, which depart every 12 minutes and make various stops, terminating at Plaça de Catalunya. RENFE trains leave the airport every 30 minutes, stopping at Estació de Sants, Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf and El Clot-Aragó, which all link up with the metro. A taxi from the airport into the city centre costs €18 to €20.

Trains run throughout Spain and the rest of Europe from Estació de Sants and Estació de França. Both stations have lockers, ATMs and bureaux de change. RENFE is Spain’s national train company.

Eurolines serves Barcelona from numerous European cities, including Rome, Paris, London and Prague. Linebús connects with London and Milan, among other European destinations. Buses usually operate from Barcelona’s main bus station, Estació del Nord, and also from Estació de Sants.

Barcelona is well linked to the rest of Europe and Spain by a number of autopistes (toll highways) and toll-free roads. The tolled AP7 runs between Barcelona and the border of France.

The city is amply connected to the rest of Spain by train, bus and plane. Iberia flies to and from many domestic destinations and offers a shuttle service between Madrid and Barcelona with up to 30 flights a day. Spanair and Air Europa serve Barcelona from the rest of Spain. RENFE and several bus companies link Barcelona to most of Spain’s major cities.

Book long before your departure date to cut costs. If you’re flexible and open to stopovers, you’re likely to find better deals. The internet is great for cheap fares (try www.travelocity.com or www.cheaptickets.com). Many airlines offer special discounts if you purchase online.

Citizens from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand need a valid passport. For non-EU citizens, a visa is required if you intend to stay in Spain for longer than three months. If you’re taking any kind of medication, bring your prescription.

If you’re in search of sun, visit Barcelona during the blazing months of July or August. To avoid the crowds, however, the best time is before or after the peak summer months, in May or October.