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Last update: 19/06/20
Things are starting to get back to normal in Barcelona and travel will soon start again – but with some key differences.
What exactly are these differences? Well, to find out, you would have to probably google your heart out and look at many websites. Not ideal…So, we decided to create a complete guide to things to do in Barcelona during & after COVID lockdown.
This guide will cover everything you need to know before you visit Barcelona. This includes all the current rules in place that you must follow. Also, we’ll document pretty much everything you can currently do in Barcelona!
We update this guide x2 times a week so remember to check back to get the latest information.
CONTENTS
1.0 CURRENT BARCELONA RULES FOR TRAVELLERS
1.1 Key/General City Rules
1.2 Travelling into Barcelona
1.3 Travelling Around Barcelona using Public Transport
1.3.1 Transport for Barcelona Bus Service
1.3.2 Transport for Barcelona Metro Service
1.4 Hotels & staying overnight in Barcelona
CURRENT BARCELONA RULES FOR TRAVELLERS
Key/General City Rules
Spain is currently in a State of Emergency which was declared on 14th March and it will end on 21st June.
Spain plans to use “surgical” restrictions and improved detection to keep coronavirus under control once the country’s lockdown ends.
Travelling into Barcelona
Q: Can I travel to Barcelona?
A: Spain has lifted its state of emergency, reopening its borders to visitors from most of Europe and allowing British tourists in without having to quarantine.
Arrivals will have their temperature taken at the airport, state if they have had the virus and provide contact details. Spain is opening up again to the rest of the EU and Schengen zone countries outside the EU.
People travelling from Portugal, the restrictions will continue to apply up until 1st July.
Q: What if I don’t live in a European Union and Schengen-area country
A: Restrictions on travellers from outside the European Union and the Schengen free-travel area will be lifted from July 1 providing the countries they depart from have agreements with Spain.
Travelling Around Barcelona using Public Transport
Q: What’s changed with Barcelona’s public transport service since COVID-19?
A: Wearing a mask is compulsory on public transport. Keep safety distance between passengers at all points.
Q: Are there any changes to paying on public transport?
A: You will have to pay using contactless and purchase your tickets before you travel. No exchange of money will be allowed at ticket offices or with the bus driver.
Barcelona Bus Service
Q: What’s changed with Barcelona’s Bus service since COVID-19?
A: Make an orderly queue at bus stops, with a security distance between users. Queue in a straight line without occupying all the pavement. Remember that bus drivers do not sell tickets and they are recommended to have minimum interaction with users. Passengers will enter the buses through the back doors only. Inside the bus, spread out over the entire length of the vehicle to maintain a safe distance from other travellers.
Q: Are Barcelona’s buses running normally during the lockdown?
A: There are only a few cancelled services: Lines 102, 103 and 104 services have been cancelled until further notice.
Q: Can I still buy a ticket?
A: Drivers are protected by screens and selling tickets and exchanging money is no longer possible, as well as customer service. Therefore you need to buy a ticket or a travel card before getting on the bus. You can purchase these at ticket sales machines at the metro stations and online both on the web site and with the TMB App.
Q: How do I know if the bus is busy before leaving to grab it?
A: A new information system has been implemented that allows checking the estimated train and bus occupancy data in real-time.
Barcelona Metro Service (H4)
Q: What’s changed with Barcelona’s Tram service since COVID-19?
A: Make an orderly queue at the entrance and exit of stations. In the metro stations, follow the signs on the floor. When walking through the station corridors, please walk on the right-hand side. On escalators and conveyor belts, stay in a single line and do not overtake those in front of you. Do not fill up the lifts. Spread out along the platform to keep separated from other passengers. Spread out along the metro, keeping a maximum distance.
Q: Are Barcelona’s metro running normally?
A: The fixed timetable of the metro network is from 5 in the morning until 12 midnight, Monday to Sunday.
Q: How do I know if the metro is busy before leaving to grab it?
A: A new information system has been implemented that allows checking the estimated train and bus occupancy data in real-time.
Accommodation in Barcelona
Q: Are there any changes to hotels, short-term let apartments (Airbnb) and hostels?
A: Holidaymakers hoping to travel to Spain this summer will notice some big changes to hotels, short-term let apartments & hostels. A series of mandatory measures have been drawn up by the authorities and authorised by the Madrid government ahead of a possible reopening this summer. Hotels, short-term let apartments & hostels are complying with government regulations to ensure they remain safe for travellers. Businesses providing holiday accommodation (including hotels, hostels, B&Bs, campsites, caravan parks, boarding houses, and short term lets) are to remain closed for leisure-related stays.
Some safety measures include:
– Safe distance between staff and guests must be guaranteed.
– There will be limits on the number of people allowed in reception at any one time and screens between staff and guests erected if distancing cannot be maintained.
– Card payments will be encouraged.
– Floor markings introduced to raise awareness of social distancing measures.
And more.
Here at Safestay for example, we are implementing some key changes to our 3 Barcelona Hostels – Safestay Barcelona Passeig de Grácia, Safestay Barcelona Gothic and Safestay Barcelona Sea
Rigorous deep cleaning is being carried out during lockdown within our hostels and hotels by our trained teams. We have reinforced the frequency of cleaning which involves the housekeeping team disinfecting rooms, common spaces & private areas of the hostel, and particularly shared-use objects and areas (lobby, elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, room cards, etc).
Q: How is Safestay protecting guests?
A: On top of rigorous & frequent deep cleaning, we’ve introduced a contact-free check-in service via WhatsApp. When you next make a booking at Safestay you will be sent a confirmation via Email and also WhatsApp. Our WhatsApp service will allow you to check-in online before you arrive. This will make it very quick to check-in and collect your key, whilst maintaining social distancing.
Also, there are no mixed dorms. We’ve changed our room configurations to make sure, when you book, you are booking a whole room. We are currently not providing single beds in mixed dormitory rooms until we know it’s safe to do so.
