Barcelona to Chicago/Prospect Heights/Wheeling (BCN–PWK) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Spain is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Spanish passport holders can enter the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is USD 21. The ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It covers multiple entries.

Your passport must be machine-readable and, for VWP travel, must be an ePassport (the kind with the chip symbol on the cover). Spanish passports issued after 2006 meet this requirement. The 90-day ESTA stay cannot be extended and cannot be changed to another visa status from inside the US. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Madrid.

US border officers have wide discretion. Have your return flight, hotel address, and a general itinerary ready. ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. The CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry. Global Entry (USD 100, 5-year membership) speeds up arrivals significantly at US airports if you travel frequently.

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.