With its sun-drenched streets and distinct culture, it’s not always necessary to hop into a taxi or hail an Uber when in Barcelona. They’re more expensive, add to already congested roads, and contribute to unwanted fumes.
Whether you’re gliding through historic neighbourhoods on a Segway, strolling past Gaudí’s masterpieces, or cycling along the beachfront, there are plenty of low-emissions options to get you from point A to point B. Why not embrace sustainable travel and keep your carbon footprint light?
From bustling markets like the Mercat de Sant Antoni to the serene paths of Montjuïc, we encourage you to travel responsibly.
We dive into some of the best ways to see this stunning city without compromising on the environment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
By foot
This is as low-emissions as it gets.
Walking in Barcelona is the ultimate eco-friendly way to discover the city. With its narrow streets, charming plazas, and wealth of architectural wonders, every step reveals something unknown. Sure, it can be a bit tiring. But it’s also how you stumble upon the hidden gems that you could miss when using other forms of transport.
Most first-timers like to start in the Gothic Quarter, meandering through medieval streets before arriving at the Barcelona Cathedral. From there, head towards El Born for hip boutiques and lively bars. And don’t miss the chance to walk down Passeig de Gràcia, home to Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
If you’re feeling energetic, walk up to Park Güell for breathtaking views of the city and more of Gaudí’s creations. Or, take a stroll along the beachfront promenade in Barceloneta, perfect for a quick beer and people-watching.
Walking can be exhausting, but it’s undoubtedly the most rewarding. Just be sure to pack your most comfortable pair of shoes to get you through those daily steps.
By Segway
Yeah, it’s what we do at Barcelona Segway.
But it really is a brilliant way to explore the city, adding a touch of fun to your sightseeing. Since segways are electrically powered, it’s also kind to the environment, producing no harmful exhaust fumes.
Moving through the streets, you’ll cover more ground than on foot while still feeling the breeze and soaking up the atmosphere. Imagine cruising down Via Laeitana or along the kilometres of beach walk on a summer day. Segways are fantastic to share the joy of visiting the Catalan capital with friends and/or family.
Plus, with professional guides to show you around and ensure your safety, you can relax and enjoy the ride. Our tours are designed to be both informative and entertaining, with insider tips and fascinating stories.
By bike or eBike
Then you’ve got bicycles – a trend which started in Barcelona long before the last pandemic.
With over 200 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes, you can pedal through the different neighbourhoods with ease and safety. Whether you choose a traditional bicycle or an eBike, you’ll find that cycling offers a perfect blend of exercise and exploration.
EBikes are especially handy for tackling the city’s hills – pretty much anything north of Avinguda Diagonal – where you can be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.
Cycling not only reduces your carbon footprint but also lets you experience the city at your own pace, making spontaneous stops at charming cafes or hidden courtyards. So, hop on one and let Barcelona unfold around you, one pedal stroke at a time.
By metro and train
Barcelona’s underground marvels, the metro and FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), offer another low-emissions way to traverse this city. With over 160 stations scattered across 12 metro and FGC lines, getting from the historic El Raval to the tech hubs of Sant Martí is a breeze.
The metro, managed by TMB, is quite impressive. If you think of strike-ridden France and Italy, you realize that not all Mediterranean nations can boast of the punctuality, reliability, and relative cleanliness of their underground trains. With the metro zipping through tunnels every few minutes, it’s often the go-to option for residents and tourists. Most of the fleet runs on electricity, contributing to a greener Barcelona with every ride.
Simultaneously, there’s the FGC network of both commuter trains and urban lines. It basically extends the reach to the surrounding Catalan region, seamlessly connecting the urban core of Barcelona with the outer suburbs and other picturesque towns. The FGC lines are known for their cleanliness and comfort, making them a favourite among commuters and day-trippers.
By bus
And finally, there’s the bus network. With over 1,000 buses crisscrossing the city on more than 100 lines, getting around has never been easier—or greener.
The commitment to sustainability shines through with a modern, low-emission fleet, including electric and hybrid buses that help keep the city’s air cleaner and fresher. Not only do they cut down on emissions, but they’re also a quieter and smoother ride for folks to enjoy.
The purchase of 88 new electric buses for 2024 underscores the city’s dedication to expanding its climate-friendly fleet. Whether you’re hopping on a local bus to the Gothic Quarter or catching a ride to Camp Nou, you’ll find the buses frequent, reliable (99% of the time!), and an excellent way to soak in the sights without contributing to pollution.
The Aerobús network, whisking travellers from El Prat Airport to the city centre in a jiffy, is one not to miss either. In line with the rest of the system, these blue buses run on low-emission fuels to reduce their carbon footprint. The best part? They operate every 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring you never have to wait long to start your adventure.
You see. There are plenty of budget-friendly, efficient (and low emissions!) alternatives to taxis, Ubers, and the like.
While you’re planning your next vacation to Barcelona, remember to book a Segway tour with us! It’s a low emissions way to see some of the city’s top attractions.
