Alstom and FGC unveil first new express train linking Barcelona to El Prat Airport

News from Barcelona Travel News Alstom and FGC unveil first new express train linking Barcelona to El Prat Airport By Letara Draghia • Updated: 27 Oct 2025 • 19:35 • 2 minutes read Alstom and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) have revealed the first of ten new electric trains for the upcoming airport express service connecting Barcelona city centre with Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The service, expected to start between late 2026 and early 2027, will be just over 20 minutes’ long. New express train to connect Barcelona city centre with both El Prat terminals According to Alstom, the new line will operate every 15 minutes, linking both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). The 22.7-kilometre route will include nine key stations: Sant Andreu, Sagrera, El Clot, Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, Bellvitge, El Prat, Airport T-2, and Airport T-1. Testing is currently underway at Alstom’s Santa Perpètua de Mogoda site, with dynamic and safety trials including traction, braking, signalling, and telecommunications. Each five-car Coradia Stream train will feature: • 202 seats and room for up to 656 passengers. • Ample luggage racks and wide corridors for accessibility. • 20 onboard information screens plus airport flight displays for real-time updates. • Exterior LED panels for platforms and step-free boarding with automatic ramps for passengers with reduced mobility. • The trains will be fully accessible, with two reserved spaces for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), adapted toilets, and dedicated spaces for bicycles and trolleys. Built entirely in Catalonia, the trains incorporate eco-design principles with a selection of raw materials, energy-efficient traction systems, and recyclability at end-of-life. The manufacturers aim for low life-cycle cost, reliability and to contribute to a reduction in road congestion and CO₂ emissions. The Coradia Stream model benefits from over three decades of modular train development; more than 4 000 units have been sold in 12 countries and are already in service across Europe. New maintenance depot due spring 2026 Construction is also underway on a new 3 500 m² depot next to Alstom’s Barcelona-area factory, which will maintain the new trains for 15 years. The facility will include two maintenance tracks, auxiliary workshops, a wash tunnel, and a traction sub-station. Completion is expected by Spring 2026, ahead of the service launch. For expats in Spain, locals, and tourists, the new service will offer a fast, reliable, and sustainable alternative to taxis or buses between central Barcelona and the airport. With a 20-minute journey time and frequent departures, it enhances convenience for all travellers. Cristina Andériz, Carles Ruiz, Pilar Díaz, Silvia Paneque i Sureda, Salvador Illa, Leopoldo Maestu Miedes, Isabel García Ripoll, Alicia Valle and Gracia Lacabex. Credit: Alstom’s press release. Share this story