Barcelona Airport Rail: Alstom, FGC Streamline Travel in Spain

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Introduction

Alstom and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) have unveiled the first of ten new electric trains for the express link between central Barcelona and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). The new service, operated by FGC Mobilitat, is scheduled to launch between late 2026 and early 2027, with an estimated journey time of just over 20 minutes.

Project Overview

The presentation of the initial train took place in Barcelona. Attendees included the President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa; the Catalan Minister for Territory, Sílvia Paneque i Sureda; the President of FGC, Carles Ruiz Novella; and the President of Alstom Spain and Portugal, Leopoldo Maestu Miedes. The new line will connect the city center with both airport terminals, operating every 15 minutes along a 22.7-kilometer route with nine stations: Sant Andreu, Sagrera, El Clot, Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, Bellvitge, El Prat, Airport T-2, and Airport T-1.

Train Features

The new Coradia Stream trains are specifically designed for airport travel, featuring ample luggage space and wider corridors. Each five-car train will have ten doors on each side, offering a total of 202 seats (197 fixed, seven folding, and two for passengers with reduced mobility) and a maximum capacity of 656 passengers. The trains will include audible door signals and colored lighting indicators, with green lights for door opening and red for closing. Passenger information will be displayed on 20 panoramic screens across the train (four per car), supplemented by nine additional screens showing airport flight information. Each train will feature 12 exterior LED screens: two front-facing and ten on the sides.

Accessibility and Design

The trains will provide step-free access from the platform and automatic ramps at doors near the reduced mobility area. They will include two designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, an adapted toilet with an electric door, and two multifunctional spaces for items such as bicycles or luggage trolleys. The trains were developed using eco-design principles, including the responsible selection of raw materials, energy-efficient traction systems, and high recyclability.

Maintenance and Infrastructure

Construction of a new maintenance depot at Alstom’s Santa Perpètua de Mogoda site began in April. Spanning 3,500 square meters, the depot will include two maintenance tracks, auxiliary workshops, a warehouse, staff facilities, and project offices. The facility will have a rail connection to the Adif railway network. The maintenance complex spans a total area of 12 hectares and includes the construction of new road access, a track yard, segregated factory access routes, and an auxiliary services workshop. Additional facilities will include a third auxiliary track with wheel-turning equipment, a train washing tunnel, and a traction substation. Completion of the depot is expected by spring 2026.

Conclusion

The project, a collaboration between Alstom and FGC, will offer a frequent and reliable connection between Barcelona and its airport terminals. The service is expected to reduce car traffic and support long-term growth in passenger volumes. The new airport link is set to transform travel between Barcelona and its international gateway.

Company Summary

Alstom: A global leader in the railway industry, providing a wide range of products and services, including rolling stock, infrastructure, and signaling solutions.

Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC): The Catalan regional railway operator.

FGC Mobilitat: The operator of the new service.

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Barcelona’s main airport.

Adif: Spain’s railway infrastructure manager.

Technology

Coradia Stream: The new train platform from Alstom.

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