There’s something special about starting a journey at sea, and few places make a more memorable departure point than Barcelona. With the city’s skyline, the glistening Mediterranean, and the iconic Montjuïc hill as a backdrop, sailing away from this vibrant city is a travel experience in itself. Traveling in the city was easy; we loved to use the metro, which was cheap and easy to navigate.
When traveling internationally, I would always recommend arriving in your port city at least a day in advance! We came in a day early and took the metro from the Airport to a few blocks away from our hotel.
Getting to the Port
Barcelona’s cruise terminals are located along the city’s waterfront at Port Vell and the newer terminals near Moll Adossat. Most large cruise ships depart from Moll Adossat, which is about a 10–15 minute drive from the city center.
- By Taxi or Ride Share: The easiest option, especially if you have luggage. From Plaça Catalunya or La Rambla, expect to pay around €15–20.
- Pro Tip: We are a family of 5 most places we had to take two taxis. Some ride share options do offer big enough cars for all of us but not with our luggage. Just be prepared if you are a larger family!
- By Shuttle Bus: Cruise lines often run their own shuttles, or you can use the official “Cruise Bus” that departs from the Columbus Monument at the end of La Rambla and drops passengers directly at the terminals.
Checking In
Cruise terminals in Barcelona are modern, efficient, and well-staffed. Be sure to keep your travel documents handy—passport, boarding pass, and any required health or customs forms. Be sure to download the cruise app before boarding.
The Sail Away Experience
One of the highlights of leaving Barcelona is the sail away itself. As the ship slowly pulls out of the harbor, you’ll get sweeping views of:
- The Columbus Monument at the end of La Rambla.
- Montjuïc Hill, topped by its castle and gardens.
- Barcelona’s beaches stretching out along the coast.
- And of course, the sparkling Mediterranean horizon ahead.
If your ship departs in the late afternoon or evening, try to grab a spot on the deck for sunset—it’s truly unforgettable watching the city glow in golden light as you set off on your journey.
Last-Minute Tips Before Departure
- Have Euros handy: While most places accept cards, taxis and small cafés around the port may prefer cash.
- Don’t rush: Barcelona traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time to reach the port.
- Soak it in: Whether it’s your first cruise or your tenth, leaving from Barcelona is worth pausing to enjoy—camera in hand.
Final thoughts
We enjoyed leaving and arriving at the Port of Barcelona. Several cruise lines were coming in and out of port daily, making it one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. Barcelona was such an amazing experiance I hope one day to return. Don’t miss some of the best sites in the city! Check out what else we did while we were there here!
