Barcelona to Cardiff (BCN–CWL) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Spanish passport holders enter the UK visa-free for up to 6 months as tourists or business visitors. Since Brexit, you must use a passport. Spanish national ID cards are no longer accepted for entry. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No minimum validity period beyond that is required.

You will pass through UK Border Force on arrival. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask about your purpose and funds. For visits under 6 months, no advance application is needed. You cannot work on a tourist entry, even unpaid volunteering in most cases.

The UK is rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. As of 2025, EU nationals including Spanish citizens do not yet need an ETA, but this is expected to change. Check gov.uk before booking. If you had pre-settled or settled status from living in the UK before Brexit, you enter under those rights instead of as a visitor.

Aerobus express coaches run every 5 minutes from Plaça de Catalunya to both T1 and T2 (35 min, €6.75 one-way / €11.60 return). Departures from 5:00am to 1:00am.

RENFE R2 Nord train connects Passeig de Gràcia and Sants station to the airport (20 min from Sants, €4.60). Taxis from the city centre are metered and typically cost €25–35. Ride-shares (Uber, Cabify) are available and cost similarly.