BCN-Spot1
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June 18, 2013
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July 31, 2013Barcelona El Prat Spotting Guide
at - last modified on April 29, 2019
Barcelona El Prat! With 50,1 million passengers in 2018, BCN is the second biggest airport in Spain and always worth a visit! The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and airlines from all over the world serving El Prat. Due to its warm climate and the Mediterranean Sea just next to the city, charter traffic is one of the main constituents of BCN.
Low cost flights are a main pillar with frequently flights from Ryanair, Easyjet, Vueling or Norwegian. Ural, RoyalFlight or Nordwind coming from Russia. Other foreign carriers like Air Transat, Aerolineas Argentinas, Avianca, Norwegian, TAM and PIA are regular visitors. Especially the variety of carriers makes Barcelona very attractive just as the great weather and the beautiful city center. And if you need a break you can easily jump into the mediterranean sea which is next to the airport.
The airport is very spotter friendly with 3 official spotting platforms and there are absoluetly no security issues by visiting the other spots.
To get a detailed 24h schedule just visit the airports official website. There you find all flights/airlines as well as the aircraft type to be used.
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Achim Walther, Gary Culpan and Óskar Berenguer (local spotter) / last update January 2019)
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| Airport Information | Runways | 07L/25R | 07R/25L | 02/20 |
| 3.352 m (10.997 ft) | 2.660 m (8.727 ft) | 2.528 (8.293 ft) | ||
| Terminals | Terminal 1 (new) | Terminal 2 (old) | ||
| Vueling, Iberia, carriers belonging to an Airline Alliance | most russian carriers, Easyjet, Ryanair, Charter Airlines | |||
| Spotting Information | Ladder | Not needed | ||
| Car/Public Transport | Recommended as they switch the runways pretty often. By public transport there is a bus service from El Prat Station with line PR3 to spots 1,2, 6 & 7 in the summer (June-September). There is no regular service to any of these spots during winter! But to spot 2, Tanatori, its possible that the bus runs there on demand. Please ask the driver in advance to avoid any issues. Otherwise you have to exit one station before and walk to this spot. From Terminal 1 and 2 take the metro L9S to the city and exit at El Prat Station to get into Bus PR3. If you are good on foot you can take the same metro line and exit at Cèntric Station and walk to spots 1 & 2 for approximate 30-45 minutes.   | |||
| Restrooms | At almost all spotting locations are public restrooms. | |||
| Drinks/Food | There are no facilities next to the outer spots. Take everything with you to the locations. Plenty of restaurants are in El Prat if you wanna make a break. | |||
| Hotels | Cheap hotels are next to Sant Boi, a 10 min car ride to the airport | |||
| Season | We suggest Juni – September as this is the high season for the charter traffic | |||
| Runway Usage | General Infos | During the day there are no arrivals on RWY 07R/25L whilst 07L/25R is in use for all arrivals and a few heavy departures. In order to change from PREFERENTIAL config to NON PREFERENTIAL the tail wind component needs to exceed 10kts. (That applies to almost every airport in Spain) | ||
| 07L/25R | Daytime configuration between 0700 and 2300 LT: PREFERENTIAL: During West configuration 25R is the runway for arrival . NON PREFERENTIAL: During East configuration 07L is the runway for arrival . Departures from this runway occur when the length of 25L/07R is not enough (almost all heavies).Night time configuration between 2300 and 0700 LT: this runway is not in use | |||
| 07R/25L | Daytime configuration between 0700 and 2300 LT: PREFERENTIAL: During West configuration 25L is the runway for departures. NON PREFERENTIAL: During East configuration 07R is the runway for departures.Night time configuration between 2300 and 0700 LT: PREFERENTIAL: During North configuration 07R is the runway for departures. NON PREFERENTIAL: During West configuration 25L is the runway for arrivals and departures. | |||
| 02/20 | Not in use during the Day. Only during nigh time configuration between 2300 and 0700 LT: PREFERENTIAL: During North configuration 20 is the runway for arrivals. RWY20 is not in use! | |||
 | Spot #1 – Observation Platform – 25R Departures&Arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Barcelona’s viewing platform is located at the road to the ‘Platja de El Prat’ at the threshold of RWY 25R. If you use a car just follow the signs to the beach where the road ends. You won’t miss the platform as you can see it from the road which leads along the airport perimeter. Park your car at the cemetery and walk to this spot. Don´t use the sandy lot under the approaching path. By public transpot take bus PR3 (see description under “car” above) to the ‘Platja de El Prat’ and exit at the ‘Tanatori’ (spot #2) |
| WHAT | You are on the top of a platform (appr. 3 meters high) and have a great view of the threshold of 25R as well as airports Terminal 2.You can shot easily over the fence for 25R departures, which are not very common and only used by heavy weight aircraft. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the summer are between 07:00 and 14:00. In winter all day long. |
| MISC. | There is no sun protection on the top of the platform but some trees and a bench will spend you some shadow. A small public restroom is installed next to the platform. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-200 mm (you are pretty close to the runway!) |
The deck itsself from the bottom:
View from the top of the deck:
 | Spot #2 – Cemetery – 25R Arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This one is pretty close to spot #1 and is next to some kind of cemetery/sanatorium called “Tanatori”. Easy accesable from the airport and the city of El Prat. Parking is for free and there are enough lots. By public transpot take the same busPR3 (see description under “car” above) that brings you to spot #1 or to the beach. |
| WHAT | This spot is perfect when the light has turned and you can switch easily over from spot #1. But you will see the approaches only and no other airport action. |
| TIME | Light conditions are prefect from 16:00 until sunset in summer. Not suitable in the winter. |
| MISC. | There is enough shadow and some benches too. A small public restromm is installed across the cemetery in a small park. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-200 mm |
 | Spot #3 – Terminal 1 – 07L Arrivals&Departures, Taxiway |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There is a balcony at the end of the depature level at Terminal 1, Concourse A. If you arrive by car, just follow the signs to Terminal 1 Parking and drive to Buidling F, which is the closest to Concourse A. Exit level 0 (arrival) to the left inside the parking garage and walk for a few meters to the escalator which will bring you up to the departure level. Exit the doors and you will already see the balcony at the end of the sidewalk. |
| WHAT | Its a great place if you don’t have a car and runway 07L is in use for arrivals, which is not unusual. Another advantage of this spot is that all planes that park at the old Terminal 2 will use a taxiway behind the 07L threshold as the are not allowed to cross the runway directly (tagged on the map). Heat haze can be a problem for the arrival shots. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the summer are between 07:00 and 14:00. In winter all day long. |
| MISC. | There is absolutly no shadow and no seating. A small snack bar and a toilet on the arrival level are just next to the escalator. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300 mm |
 | Spot #4 – Cargo – 07L Arrivals, Taxiways, Cargo Ramp |
|---|---|
| WHERE | A flat area of ground near the cargo terminal (FedEx) next to the connection road between T1 and T2. You can park your car nearby. By public transtport use the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 and walk to the cargo aera. |
| WHAT | This spot is great in the afternoon when 07L is in use for arrivals. The landing shots from here are a little distant but good results can be obtained with 300mm zoom. Photographs of cargo aircraft parked up can be taken and aircraft taxiing past from Terminal 2 to take off on 07R can be photographed through the fence. It does get a little hazy in the summer though. |
| TIME | Light conditions are prefect from 16:00 until sunset in summer. Not suitable in the winter. |
| MISC. | There is absolutly no shadow and no seating. Bring the stuff with you! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-400 mm |
 | Spot #5 – Terminal 1 – 25L Departures, 07R Arrivals&Departures |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot is almost the same as spot #3. You will stand at the end of the Terminal on a very tiny balcony. Just use the concourse C Depature level instead of A to reach this place. |
| WHAT | You see the 25L Depatures rotating (lighter planes are already too high) as well as the line up for 07R. 07R arrivals are not very common. To get on a higher level, try to find a place on the top levels of the parking garage especially for the departures. |
| TIME | Light conditions are prefect from 16:00 until sunset in summer. Not suitable in the winter. |
| MISC. | There is absolutly no shadow and no seating. A small snack bar and a toilet on the arrival level are just next to the escalator. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | XXX |
 | Spot #6 – Tunnel/Beach – 25L Departures&Arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | To reach this place follow the road to the ‘Platja El Prat’ like you do to reach spot #1. Always follow this route until you pass the 07R/25L tunnel. After you passed a roundabout take the first exit and park your car on the side of this road but not to close to the crash gate. Otherwise use the beach parking wher. Now walk back to the roundabout and follow the footpath. Don’t use the sidewalk that leads to the tunnel! There is a small flat area with some benches where you can stay. By public transport use the bus PR3 (see description under “car” above) and exit at ‘Platja del Prats – La Pineda’ and walk back the road for a few hundred meters till the roundabout. |
| WHAT | This place is perfect for the 25L Depatures as well as for close up pictures of aircraft entering the runway from the taxiway. You can climb up a small wall to be a little bit higher and avoid parts of the tunnel on your pictures. 25L Arrivals are possible too but this direction is not really common. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the summer from sunrise till 14:00. In winter all day long. Be aware of heat haze here! |
| MISC. | The are some benches to relax and some trees for shadow. Even a public restroom is installed at the beach. In summer there are some beach bars with snacks and drinks available. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A319 = 120mm |
 | Spot #7 – Beach Viewing Tower West – 25L Departures |
|---|---|
| WHERE | From spot#6 just contiune on the road to the ‘Platja El Prat’. Once you arrived at the beach, keep right on the road parallel to the ocean until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road a few minutes later. You will see the viewing platform when you enter the lot. By public transport use the bus PR3 (see description under “car” above) and exit at the final destination ‘Platja del Prats – Mirador’. |
| WHAT | There is an official viewing tower and from the higher level you can easily spot the 25L departures. Very heavy aircraft could be still too low at this position and its possible that you have some trees in your picture. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the summer are between 07:00 and 14:00. In winter all day long. |
| MISC. | The are some benches to relax and some trees for shadow. Even a public restroom is installed. In summer there are some beach bars with snacks and drinks available. The platform is limited for approximate 10 people on the top. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | at least 300mm |
 | Spot #8 – Iberia Hangar – 25R arrivals/departures, 20 arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The spot is next to the IBERIA hangar (east) and the GAT. You will see there’s a little path that guides you to the highest point of this little hill from where you can photograph over the airport fence. There’s plenty of space to park west of the Iberia hangar in Pepa Colomer road. By public transport use the metro to Parc Nou station and walk to this spot for approximate 10-15 minutes. |
| WHAT | In the early summer mornings you can photograph airraft vacating runway 02. From the summer afternoons you can take pics of ground runway 25R arrivals/departures. 07L departures should be fine as well. |
| TIME | Early morning for 20 and couple hours after afternoon till sunset for 25R. On summer season only. Due to the distance heat can become an issues. |
| MISC. | Everything you need in El-Prat. Airport Terminal 1 is 30 min walk or 5 min bicycle ride. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320=500mm; 77W=300mm; Asiana vacating 20 is 460mm |
 | Spot #9 – Beach Tower East – 25L lineup / 07R departures |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There is another viewing tower (spot 7) like the one at the end of the beach but this time its at the entrance, just next to the tourist information. There is an isolated path to the tower which can be accessed from the tourist information only! And there opening hours are from 11-14:00. Thats the only time to get on it. By public transport use the bus PR3 (see description under “car” above) and exit at ‘Platja del Prats – La Pineda’. |
| WHAT | Its an alternative to #6 as you have a clear view of the lineup on runway 25L. From the summer afternoons you can take pics of ground runway 25R arrivals/departures. 07L departures should be fine as well. |
| TIME | The opening hours are from 11-14:00. Thats the only chance to take photos. Due to the distance heat haze is an issue during hot days. |
| MISC. | The are some benches to relax and some trees for shadow at the beach. Even a public restroom is installed. In summer there are some beach bars with snacks and drinks available. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | line-up A321=240mm; 787=180mm |
 | Spot #10 – Wooden Bridge – 25L lineup / 07R departures |
|---|---|
| WHERE | From spot number 6 walk through a gateway for about 5 min on a small path until you’ll get to a wooden bridge. Climb up the railing and start spotting. Be advised some physical requirements are needed for this spotting location, it’s not made for everyone. By public transport use the bus PR3 (see description under “car” above) and exit at ‘Platja del Prats – La Pineda’ and walk back the road for a few hundred meters till the roundabout. |
| WHAT | Planes lining up into runway 25L, and headshots of planes departing out of 07R. |
| TIME | From morning till afternoon. |
| MISC. | Nothing directly at this location. Just at the beach you find everything you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200mm upwards |
 | Spot #11 – Terminal 2 Parking Garage |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot is on the top flor of the terminal 2 parking garage. By car just drive all the way along the terminal road and enter the parking garage at the far end where terminal 2 C is located. By foot just follow the signs from terminal 2 C. |
| WHAT | Best for the ramp and taxiway movements in front of you. Runway 25R is very far and heat distortion is a big problem. |
| TIME | Depends on what you photograph. Couple hours after afternoon till sunset for 25R and taxiway in the summer. Not available during winter. Ramp depends on the aircraft position. |
| MISC. | You’re next to the airport for anything you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm+ for 25R. |
48 Comments
Hello.Thank for your shareing.
I am planning my trip to BCN.
I wanna is it safe for a girl alone to spot at Spot#1 ？
Thanks a lot.
Hi, there are absolutely no needs to worry. This is the most visited place at BCN and always full of spotters and non-spotters if this direction is active. It`s also on a busy road to the beach during the summer season.
Enjoy your hobby!
-Julian
Thanks for your kindly response.
And really appreciated for the detailed information you provided.
-Lu
This bus PR3, does it run from the airport? The link to the timetable is not working.
Hi Henrik, no you need to take the train to El Prat Station. I have updated the description with more details and fixed links.
-Julian
I visited Barcelona in October 2018 for three days. At spot 6, when I parked at the first exit of roundabout, a police was waiting for me when I got back from the spot at the tunnel. They said that car is standing too close to gate and that since being it a restricted area behind the gate, they need to check, what was in the car. I showed them the trunk and they were fine with it, thanked me and left. Before they left they said that the place is NOT prohibited for parking, but they needed to check since it was close to the restricted area. They were fine and nice, I didn’t park there again and used parking lot close to the beach, which was free in October.
By the way, widebodies using the north runway for departure were always Delta (764), once Air China and sometimes LATAM (2:1 I think). Also some Norwegian DreamLiners, but not all of them. Two days it was 25R/L operations and one day 07L/R
Thanks for the feedback Micheal which I already added to the guide.
-Julian
As I visited Barcelona for few days, I decided to go to El Prat for spotting on 8 of September. As runways 07L/R were in use, I made a decision to follow this guide and find spot 3. I took metro line L5 from Sagrada Familia and changed for line L9 on Collblanc. After leaving metro station on Terminal 1, I followed way to departure level and turned left to parking area F. Passing this area, I continued to the end of terminal and took elevator on right hand site as described in guide. I left the terminal building and took sidewalk to the right. As departures were handled from rwy 07R, I was expecting to see some arrivals on 07L. Finally, I was surprised on 07:00 loc, when runways were changed for 25L/R. Just my luck 😀 After all, I took pictures of airplanes on taxiway, so I was happy with this spot finally.
Thanks for sharing such great guides, that makes spotting much more easy and comfortable 🙂
Cheers
Marian
Thanks for the nice feedback Marian.
-Julian
Hi everyone,
a few days ago I tried to get to spotting point #1 and #2, but I had no chance to get there.
I started at Terminal 2. From there its just a ten minute walk to the next bus stop of line PR3 that takes you to the point #1.
i think this seemed to be a bus stop where the bus only stops on request. I pressed button and waited almost 45min but no bus arrived.
Maybe there were some important information but Spanish was only language.
So i walked to the next bus stopjust another 5min walk from there but this was also just on request.
I walked back to the terminal and wanted to go by taxi but i was refused by several taxi drivers. Maybe not enough profit for them, although its an almost 6km ride. Conservation was very had none was able to speak English even the “taxi concierge”, so i showed on google maps where i wanted to go.
At the end i went to T1 by shuttle bus. On the 7th floor of Parquing General T1 i was able to take same great pictures from taking off aircrafts,
another positive aspect this spotting point was pretty shady. Drinks and restroom just go down to the terminal by elevator.
I can recommend this spotting point
Hi Olaf,
thanks for your feedback. I never used the bus but what I have heard it is not running regular. So maybe you just had no luck.
Yes, the spot on the garage is pretty nice especially in the evening!
-Julian
Hello
For the sppoting places 3 and 5, how can I get there from the T1 car parking? I tried to get there but couldn’t find the balconies.
Thank you
Hi, you need to get into the terminal and than go up to the departure level. From there go outside to the corner of the terminal. It is described detailed above so I don’t really know why you can’t find it.
Julian
Good morning – one small question :
Is Spot #1 – Observation Platform located between the 2 runways 07L / 25R & 07R / 25L ? are you able to give coordinates of this spot ? Thank you !
Hi, can´t you see the google map? Coordinates are 41°18’17.5″N 2°06’28.6″E
-Julian
now I can see why — sorry my browser blocked pop-up ! thank you !
I Assume it is ok to stand and Take Photos on the Terminal One Balcony All Day Without any Problems From Security Etc. Also is it ok to Stay Airside and View Photograph from there. I will be travelling with Vueling from Palma
Thanks
Hi Philip!
Never heard of any bad experiences at the balcony. I don’t understand what you meant with the second sentence, but you can’t stay airside (on the apron) all day for sure – if you meant this!
Regards, Severin
Thanks Severin no i mean airside in the terminal as you get off and stay there by the windows instead of going outside
Regards Philip
Ahhh, okay.
Yes pictures from inside T1 are possible, after you’ve passed the security check.
Here you can find some information:
https://community.infinite-flight.com/t/apron-planespotting-at-barcelona-intl-airport-lebl-bcn/36589
Hope this helps you…
Regards, Severin
Good morning all.
is it of any use to take a taxy from arrivals ( Vueling T1 ) to spot 1 (Observation Platform – 25R Departures&Arrivals) ? looking at google maps it looks a short distamce and maybe taxi do not want to make a short trip ? How do you suggest to spend a day between 10AM and 5PM ?
Hi Douwe!
Depends on the runway Usage. The platform is great for the most time of the day, you have to decide how to get the there, but walking outside in summer months might be hard! Never heard of any regulations/experiences against short taxitrips…
Regards and have fun in BCN!
Severin
If you want to go spotting at El Prat and you are staying in the city, the easiest (and cheapest) way to get to spotting locations 1,2 and 6 is by subway. Take the L9S line at either Zona Universitaria (connection to green line) or Torrassa (connection to red line).
If you want to go take pictures at spot 3 or 5, I recommend you to take the Rodalies R2N train from Sants Estacio (when staying in the city) to Aeroport. From there you can take the airport shuttle between T1 and T2.
One way ticket (if you have a T-10 card) is less than a euro! You can also use the L9S line to go to Terminal 2 or Terminal 1, but then you need to buy an additional Airport ticket!
Hi, Does the PR3 bus run from the terminal metro stations?
Thanks,
Regards
No. From the terminal use the metro to “El Prat Station” and take the bus from there.
-Julian
Hello! thank you for the amazing guide
i just have a little question,
say i land at BCN, where do i go to get the PR3 bus please? and roughly how much will it cost me to go the cemetery?
Thank you once again
regards
Yazn
Hi, pretty easy. From the terminal use the metro to “El Prat Station” and take the bus.
-Julian
Thank you Julian much appreciated
Hello
Can you advise me of a website that might give me details of specific aircraft identities on certain dates ?
I transited through BCN on Wednesday 19th April and need help on id’s of aircraft on cargo ramp.
Thanks
Hi, check FR24 when you are in BCN. You can list “aircrafts on ground” when you click on the airport icon.
Julian
Thanks Julian yes i was using FR24 a great app. However it’s only ok when the plane is “active” the one i was after was
a all matt grey B767 on the cargo ramp which didn’t move all the time i was there.
Thanks for response though
Regards
Colin
I went to spotting points 3 & 5, but I was unable to get ground stuff as there are glass buildings making a U shape either side, was I in the wrong spot? Was able to get departing aircraft though…
Hi Julian,
Do you know what times the 2 balconies are opened at? And is there one better than the other.
I am travelling there next Monday, 6th Feb.
Kind regards
Paul.
Dublin.
Hi Paul,
the balconies are no official viewing terraces and just belonging to the access ramp to the departures. So there are no opening times 🙂
-Julian
Hello, thank you for the guide, much appreciated!
Is it possible to spot from inside the terminal by any chance ?
i.e. if im travelling from the Iberia side to Madrid
Thank you
regards
Hi, I have no infos if its possible to spot form inside the terminals. But you can go out and visit the balconies, spot 3 or 5.
-Julian
Hi there
i am in BCN for 3 days, i tried to follow your guide, so far i only spotted from the two balcony 3 & 5. the spot 1 & 2, there is no bus PR3 in winter, only in summer. i will take a taxi tomorrow to go there.
Thanks for this hint. We added the info to the guide.
-Julian
The PR3 bus rides all year round but stops at the cemetery in the winter time. In summer time the bus rides to the beach.
Thanks for the info. Its added to the guide.
Julian
Hi,
Is there someting like a best(busiest) day?
Earlier they had a busy saturday by the Russians, is it still the case?
Thank you,
Luc.
Hi Luc,
unfortunately most of the Russians are gone now in BCN, but there are still a handful of flights from Rossiya, Royal Flight and Azur Air for example, which have been increasing recently. I believe Wednesday is a good day for Russian carriers but Saturday is also not too bad.
Cheers
Jan
I read about gypsies….is it safe ?
Hi, its absolute okay and safe if you stay there during daytime. Its up to you if its worth to visit the airport or not. It can take some time to reach the positions by public transport.
-Julian
Thank you Julian
Hello fellow spotters
I am planning to visit El Prat this week end, i don’t have a car, but i read that it is possible with public transport.
Is it worth coming?
Thank you
Careful if you come by car to spot 1 , never park at the sandy parking spot always at the parking of the cimitery.
Especialy with foreign cars…..because the are eastern european gipsys mainly from Romania i think they break into the parked cars and take everything away. Especialy when siesta time. Very quiet moment.
Police are nonchalant there.
Hello there,
If you allow me, you can say there is available restrooms when spotting at the platform…we just need to walk back a few meters to the restroom..
Cheers