Where to buy and collect the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
The important bit first: buying online does not post anything to you. You get a voucher with a code, and you exchange it for the physical card at a metro machine. You can do that the moment you land, because the airport has machines.
The four ways to get one
| Where | What you get | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Voucher with a code, redeemed at a machine | Any time you want the discount |
| Metro machines | Physical card on the spot | Redeeming a voucher, or buying on arrival |
| Hola Barcelona Store (Catalunya) and TMB Points | Physical card, with a person to help | If you have questions or the machine misbehaves |
| Tourist offices, including T1 and T2 | Physical card | Straight off the plane |
Two things that do not add up, and you should know about.
The discount is not the same everywhere. The Turisme de Barcelona shop applies 5%; the Hola Barcelona site advertises 10%. Two official channels for the same product with different discounts, so compare before you pay. We link to the Turisme de Barcelona shop and earn a commission from it — we are telling you precisely because it may not be the cheaper one.
There is a 24-hour option the official shop does not sell. The Turisme catalogue starts at 48 hours (17,76 €), but the Hola Barcelona site also lists a 24-hour card. For a single day, look there — or consider the T-dia, which often works out better.
Redeeming the voucher, step by step
- Buy online and receive a personal code by email.
- On arrival, find any automatic metro machine. There are machines in both airport terminals.
- Enter the code and the machine issues the physical card.
- Validate it at your first barrier. That is when the hours start, not before.
Two expiry dates, not one
The online voucher lasts 180 days from purchase. Once redeemed for the physical card, if you never validate it, it expires on 28 February of the following year. In practice: buying ahead is safe, but do not buy on one trip to use on the next if that crosses the year end.
Buy the Hola Barcelona · €17.76 Compare with holabarcelona.com first
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy the Hola Barcelona Travel Card?
Online you receive a voucher with a personal code, which you exchange for the physical card at any automatic metro machine. It is also sold at the Hola Barcelona Store in Catalunya station, at TMB Points, and at tourist offices.
Can I buy it at the airport?
Yes. There are tourist information offices in both terminals, and the airport metro machines will redeem a voucher bought online.
Where do I pick up the card if I buy online?
At any automatic metro machine, the airport ones included. Have the voucher code to hand; you do not need to print it.
When does validity start?
At first validation, not at purchase. You can buy weeks ahead without using it up.
How do I activate the card?
There is no separate activation. The first time you tap through a barrier the clock starts, and it runs continuously from there — including overnight.
Does the voucher expire?
The online voucher is valid for 180 days. A card already issued but never validated expires on 28 February of the year after purchase.
Checked 22 October 2026. Sources: holabarcelona.com (terms of use and redemption) · TMB · Turisme de Barcelona