In this first edition of Lap Packing I look at the flying from a UK airport (Leeds and Bradford International) to Barcelona and then using the wheelchair accessible airport bus (Aerobus) to get to the city centre. From there we have a quick roll past the Cathedral of Barcelona to Barcelonetta, stop for a quick coffee and then onto an adapted apartment near the beach.

In the second part of Lap Packing Barcelona I look at how to get from Plaza Universidad to Sagrada Familia using the Metro which is adapted for wheelchair users and also has facilities for blind and deaf people. From there we take a wander through Barcelona to a small neighbourhood called Gracia before returning to Placa Cataluña, Las Ramblas and Place del Rei, via Paseo de Gracia, on the way to the harlem Jazz Club.

Jordi Marcer the owner of Transporte Adaptado speaks English and offers a reliable, friendly and accessible service for people with disabilities.

Airport transfers typically cost 60€ each way from the airport to the centre of Barcelona or the port and vice versa.

Jordi also offers day and half-day excursions in and around the city.

Contact:

Jordi Marcer
Transporte Adaptado
Tel: +34 627 381 294
Email: info@transporteadaptado.es
Website

The metro is the quickest way to get around Barcelona. However, not all of the metro stations have lifts although access is improving year on year. Currently, only the Purple Line (L3) is totally accessible for wheelchair users.

There may also be a step onto the train (varying in size depending on the station) which may require some assistance when boarding. The metro becomes overcrowded and harder to manage during peak periods and these times are probably best avoided.

The main consideration when using the metro is to plan the journey in advance to avoid ending up at a station without a lift. Also make sure that the lift is on the correct line, as several lines may intersect at the same station and not all of them may be accessible.

A list of stations which are accessible with lifts is available from all metro stations or the TMB website.

Transports Metropolitans Barcelona (TMB) operate most of the bus and metro routes in the city and they have a section on their website called “Transport for Everyone.”

TMB have lots of fantastic resources for everyone that wants to travel in and around Barcelona on public transport. Here are a few:

Journey Planner The clever bit about TMB’s Journey Planner is that on the right hand side under preferences, in the first drop down menu, you can select that you have “limited mobility” and the route planner will show you the accessible way to get from A – B. This hasn’t been tried and tested by AccessibleBarcelona, please contact us if you give it a go!

Mobile Phone Applications TMB have various different applications and downloads for mobile phones and PDAs that could come in handy during your city break.

Tourist Routes The TMB Tourist Routes page gives you a few ideas on what to see in Barcelona and also gives you information on the transport links you need to get to them.

TMB Maps This gives you all the maps for all the bus and metro routes in the city. You can also download a PDF file of the Metro map.

The Aerobus runs from both Airport Terminals to Barcelona city centre and has an electric ramp that extends from the middle doors of the bus. There are sometimes mechanical issues with the ramps so you should be prepared to wait for a bus with functioning facilities. Having said this, I frequently use the Aerobus as a wheelchair user and have had very few problems.

The website Barcelona Tourist Guide have some very useful information about the Aerobus including prices and timetables for both terminals.

Su Taxi Adaptado (meaning: Your Adapated Taxi) is a relatively new group of taxi drivers in Barcelona offering accessible airport transfers and other services.

I’ve never used them either personally or for clients, but they may be a good alternative to Taxi Amic. It’s also unclear as to how much they cost or if they speak English but I’m working on finding out the answers!

They also offer adapted vehicles for small groups and for excursions in and around Barcelona.

Contact:

Su Taxi Adaptado
Federico Angulo
Tel:+34 93 586 3336
Mobile: +34 607 643 578
Email: sutaxiadaptado@hotmail.com
Website (in Spanish)

Taxi Amic are the main taxi company for wheelchair users in Barcelona. Although their webpage is available in English they don’t actually seem to speak it! If you decide to use Taxi Amic to get from Barcelona Airport to the city it is advisable to contact them several days in advance and reconfirm 24 hours before arrival. They may ask you to send a fax confirming the service.

The taxi driver will not be able to meet you in the airport terminal so you should arrange a meeting point outside when reserving. Normally a transfer with Taxi Amic will cost in the region of 30 – 40€ but you will be charged a waiting time should your flight be delayed for any reason.

Contact:

Taxi Amic

Tel: +34 93 420 80 88
Fax: +34 93 224 04 82
Email: info@taxi-amic-adaptat.com
Website