Barcelona Airport

meeshmonster

I'm wondering if anyone has departed the Barcelona Airport by bicycle south west towards Parc Natural de Garraf? Or if there's a train departing the Airport to the south that allows bicycles. I do not want to enter Barcelona if I can avoid it. Also will be traveling north into France from here in early April. I will be with my wife and our bikes will be fully loaded. Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

cerutticolumn

I'm not sure, but I think you might have a hard time exiting the airport by bike. The train (north only, but to go South you can change at Bellvitge to go south) leaves from Terminal 2 only. From T1 there is a bus service to the station, but I'm not sure if you could put your bikes on it.

cerutticolumn

Almost forgot: here's a link to the local train map
http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/planos/barcelona.png

On these trains you are allowed to take your bike, although maybe better to avoid rush hours.
As you can see, some trains take you north of the city. St. Celoni, for example is a good place to explore the mountains of Montseny. From there it's quite easy to continue on to France.

meeshmonster

Thanks for the reply as well as the information. Are you saying that I could take a train direct from the airport to St.Celoni? Or would I be transferring in Barcelona? As you seem very familiar with this area is there a route you recommend to France? Also, would think most of Spain to have more rain in April or May? Thanks again!

navrig2

Whatever you do keep your whits about you?

The airport and connecting transport links are rife with pickpockets and bag snatchers.

Both opportune and organised and they are brash and slick. I've seen them first hand.

Keep you panniers secured to the bike and the pockets locked down. Keep your valuables close to your chest not in a daysac on your back. They will try to take stuff out of the rear pannier as you push the bike along.

Can't emphasise this enough.

Once you are well away from the area you will be fine but.... keep your eyes open.

meeshmonster

Thanks for the reminder. Seems pretty prevalent in most large metros. Never hurts to be reminded. Thanks.

cerutticolumn

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19651920#p19651920]meeshmonster[/url] wrote:

Thanks for the reply as well as the information. Are you saying that I could take a train direct from the airport to St.Celoni? Or would I be transferring in Barcelona? As you seem very familiar with this area is there a route you recommend to France? Also, would think most of Spain to have more rain in April or May? Thanks again!

Yes, there is a train to St. Celoni from the airport. No need to change in Barcelona.
Here's a route to France:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9291224

It would be pretty demanding, but a really beautiful route. If you want more suggestions, just ask.

bronco016

Hi
Having ridden into the middle of Barcelona a few years ago I would definiteley advise against it.

I was at the airport a few weeks ago and I agree that riding a bike from the airport would be tricky. Lots of very busy and confusing roads around. I think public transport from the airport is the way to go