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METRO :: AROUND TOWN Click the image above to access or download the PDF published by TMB for the full map of its services in Barcelona. [Image credit: © TMB] Intro & Lines: Barcelona's Metro is one of the more efficient and reliable underground train systems in Europe, and is in a state of near constant expansion. It's current formulation includes 6 lines, numbered L1 through L5 and L11, with two new Metro lines under construction, and three regional rail lines (FCC) which function as L6, L7 and L8. Lines rarely close for construction, and trains are fairly regular, rarely more than 4 minutes between during weekdays. It also now integrates neighboring cities like L'Hospitalet, Esplugues de Llobregat, Bellvitge, Santa Coloma de Gramanet and Sant Andreu into the central Barcelona transit system. Fares & Tickets: For any stay less than one month, the best option is the T-10, the 10-trip-ticket, which gives you 10 journeys on Metro, FCC (Regional Rails), Buses, Trams and other transport, within Barcelona's "Zone 1", which includes all of the city and several surrounding towns and smaller cities, for just over 6€. You can buy 7 of these before you would need the excellent value of the monthly T-Mes pass.

TRAINS :: REGIONAL & NATIONAL Renfe Grandes Líneas Trains to destinations throughout Spain, and to Europe. Scheduling varies according to line, trains depart from Estació de Sants and Estació de França. Renfe Rodalíes / Cercanías Trains to destinations throughout Spain, and to Europe. Scheduling varies according to line, trains depart from Estació de Sants, Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça Catalunya and Clot stations. Ferrocarriles Catalanes FCC Regional Rails Trains to destinations throughout Spain, and to Europe. Scheduling varies according to line, trains depart from Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça Catalunya and Provença stations.

AIRPORTS :: NEAR & FAR Prat de Llobregat Barcelona's main airport, only half an hour from the city by car or by train. TMB public transport passes, like the T-10 will get you there at no extra charge, as the airport is within Barcelona's 'Zone 1'. Girona Low-cost air-carriers serve a number of routes into Girona airport, in the province north of Barcelona. Buses for Girona airport, labeled 'Barcelona Bus' leave from Estació del Nord, Barcelona's main bus terminal. Reus Low-cost air-carriers serve a number of routes into small, but rapidly expanding Reus airport, in Tarragona province south of Barcelona. A new terminal makes Reus a more efficient airport; allow 90 minutes to get there by regional buses, managed by Hispano Igualadina, leaving from Estació de Sants, in Barcelona.

TAXIS & CAR HIRE Black & Yellow Cabs Barcelona's standard city cab is a small sedan with characteristic black and yellow coloring. The doors a bright sunflower yellow and the main body of the vehicle black, with some minor variations on this theme. Taxis are required to follow certain regulations, including permitting only the first cab in a queue at a taxi rank to pick up passengers and never taking more than four passengers per car. Fares: They must also use the standard metered fare (taxímetro), the rates for which should be posted on the inside of the window, door or on the back of the front seats, and travelers should be wary of any driver offering fixed rates, which are likely to be highly inflated. Extras: Also, beware that the convenience of call-ahead services can be offset by a number of add-on fees: there may be a 3€-plus fee for setting the time, then higher rates depending on time of day, a 0.90€ per-bag fee for using the trunk (even if you lift the bags yourself) and standard fees for any time a driver waits for you outside the pick up location. A flat airport drop-off surcharge may also be added, regardless of distance, baggage or time-of-day.

KEY WEB LINKS Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona TMB is Barcelona's transit authority and the agency which oversees the functioning of its network of underground Metro and Rail lines, overground Trams, Funiculars, Buses and other transport options. :: www.TMB.net