Title: Navigating Barcelona Airport Word Count: 693 Summary: "El Prat", Barcelona's international airport, is one of the main gateways into the beautiful country of Spain. It is extremely close to central Barcelona, only fifteen kilometers via a direct route on the C246 freeway in the direction of Castelldefels. No matter what the day or the season, this is a quick and easy run. Many travelers no longer insist on going to Europe in the summer, since so many bargain flights are available all year long. In conjunction with cheaper fli... Keywords: Airport Article Body: "El Prat", Barcelona's international airport, is one of the main gateways into the beautiful country of Spain. It is extremely close to central Barcelona, only fifteen kilometers via a direct route on the C246 freeway in the direction of Castelldefels. No matter what the day or the season, this is a quick and easy run. Many travelers no longer insist on going to Europe in the summer, since so many bargain flights are available all year long. In conjunction with cheaper flights, hotels and resorts in popular tourist areas offer similar bargains. A combination package of airfare, hotel and ground transportation (car rental, train and bus passes, or limousine service) offer savings that are very attractive. Getting around Barcelona and its airport can be very easy. You can choose any number of ways to travel to and from Spain; usually the way you choose is dictated by your budget. Here are some tips to help you get around easily, enjoy your stay, and keep within your budget. There are many types of transportation available, and they are all very convenient to the arrival gates. Some modes of transport may need prior booking, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. The first mode of transport you can choose is to rent a car. Whether your planned stay is short or long in duration, a car is a very good choice. Most short stays tend to be business trips, and in that case, time is usually very valuable. If you rent a car, you can get your car and go directly to your hotel rather than going by a schedule or waiting for someone to pick you up. In addition, if you have to visit clients out of town, you have the ease of a car at your convenience. If you are travelling on vacation, a car rental is also a good choice, especially if you are travelling with family or friends. The expense of a car rental, when divided by a number of people is not so great, and you have the advantage of visiting spots that you may not be able to get to by train or bus. The next kind of transport to consider is a taxi. If you prefer to have someone else do the driving, you can get a taxi and just relax and enjoy your surroundings as you travel the 15 minutes into Barcelona. From Terminals A,B and C, just look for the taxi stands. The taxis at Barcelona airport are a distinctive white with red stripes, so it is easy to spot the taxi stands. The fare to Plaza Catalunya is about EU16, and to Sagrada Familia about EU19. There is a EU.90 surcharge for each piece of luggage. There are special taxis in Barcelona for people with handicaps. If you want more information about taxi service at Barcelona airport, call 932.235.151. Another transportation option to consider is public transportation. Look for the many signs in the airport that direct you to the trains. The train service runs from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You will take the Mataro Line, Sant Station, to Plaza Catalunya or to the Arc de Triomf. Buses leave from the front of Terminals A, B and C. For the trip to Plaza Catalunya, take the Aerobus (A1), This bus runs on the same schedule as the trains. Of course, you always have the option of hiring a private limo service. This may range from a Mercedes, which you may want to treat yourself to if you are on your honeymoon, or some other special trip, or just feel like spoiling yourself, to a thirteen passenger van service for a large group. These types of limos or vans are also available for in city touring or into the countryside. They are available with a bilingual guide, if you like. this kind of a dream trip is only available with a four hour minimum rental. For more information on any of these services, you can visit the information booths conveniently located in the airport lobby. Services such as hotel bookings, transportation and sightseeing services can be easily arranged before you even leave the airport.