English The metropolitan section
The first part of the journey is particularly sensitive to traffic before the route settles into the northbound journey.
Barcelona-El Prat → Malgrat de Mar · Maresme
Barcelona Airport to Malgrat de Mar Private Transfer
Travel around 78 km from Barcelona-El Prat to the northern end of the Maresme coast. ZoneTransfers gives an approximate journey time of 1 hour, although traffic, the season and the exact location of your accommodation can make the trip longer. In Malgrat de Mar, the final destination matters: the R1 station, historic centre and hotel area around l’Astillero are separate arrival points. Prices start from €99.
≈ 78 km reference distance
1 h–1 h 15 estimated journey time
C-32 / N-II Maresme corridor
R1 Malgrat station
Getting from Barcelona Airport to Malgrat de Mar
The route leaves Barcelona-El Prat, crosses the metropolitan area and then follows the coast towards the northern Maresme. The C-32 forms a major part of the journey towards the coast, with the final approach to Malgrat de Mar connecting with the N-II and the local road network.
North along the C-32
The corridor passes municipalities including Mataró, Calella, Pineda de Mar and Santa Susanna before reaching Malgrat.
The final local approach
The last section varies depending on whether you are heading for the town centre, railway station or hotel area.
Malgrat de Mar is close to the northern end of the coastal Maresme
Beyond Malgrat are the surroundings of Palafolls and Blanes, where the geographical context changes. Blanes is already in Girona province.
Where in Malgrat de Mar are you staying?
The town has distinct arrival areas. Turisme del Maresme places l’Astillero beach within Malgrat’s hotel area, while Malgrat Centre beach lies in front of the urban centre and has a more local, family-oriented atmosphere.
The main hotel and tourist area
Hotels, restaurants, beach bars and tourist services are concentrated around this section of the coast.
The beach by the town centre
This area is more closely connected with the traditional centre and the local population than the hotel district.
Exact hotel
“Malgrat beach” is not precise enough for the final drop-off
The accommodation name and full address make it possible to identify whether the destination is in the hotel area, the centre or another point along the coast.
Airport pickup at T1 or T2
Malgrat de Mar is a popular holiday destination for families, so the flight details, passenger numbers, pushchairs and luggage should all be clear before leaving Barcelona Airport.
- Provide your flight number This helps identify the correct terminal.
- Collect your luggage before meeting the driver The driver can coordinate with the actual arrival.
- Mention pushchairs and large suitcases Holiday luggage can take up considerably more space than a conventional city trip.
- Add your hotel or apartment address This makes the final section of the journey in Malgrat easier to identify.
R1 train to Malgrat de Mar: an option for lighter travellers
Malgrat de Mar has its own railway station on the coastal R1 corridor. It can be a practical option from Barcelona, particularly for individual travellers, although reaching it from Barcelona-El Prat may require a connection within the railway network.
| Aspect | Private transfer | R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | T1/T2 | Requires a connection with the appropriate railway network |
| Arrival | Hotel or booked address | Malgrat de Mar railway station |
| Hotel area | Can finish directly there | May require walking or completing another section of the journey |
| Luggage | Stays in the vehicle | Handled by the passenger |
| Families | One vehicle from the airport | More handling of suitcases and pushchairs |
The train can make sense for a solo traveller staying near the station
A private transfer becomes particularly relevant for late arrivals, larger groups, families with children or accommodation located away from the station.
Three different beach areas within Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat does not have one uniform beachfront. The local tourism offer distinguishes between Malgrat Centre, l’Astillero and the La Conca area, each with a different character.
Beach beside the town
A setting more closely connected with residents, families and the services around the centre.
Beach in the hotel district
Turisme del Maresme specifically describes this beach as being in the heart of the hotel area.
A more natural section of the coast
This area includes protected dune space and specific services, giving it a distinctly different character from the hotel promenade at l’Astillero.
La Conca includes a protected dune area
Turisme del Maresme also identifies nautical services, a dog-friendly area and more natural surroundings here than in the tourist-focused l’Astillero sector.
Malgrat de Mar and Santa Susanna are close, but they are separate destinations
The hotel area of Malgrat de Mar runs close to Santa Susanna, creating what can look like one continuous tourist strip. They are nevertheless separate municipalities, each with its own hotels, railway station and streets.
L’Astillero and the town centre
The railway station and traditional town centre are both within the municipality of Malgrat de Mar.
A separate hotel district
Hotels further south may already be located within the neighbouring municipality.
Hotel booking
Check the municipality shown in your accommodation address
The establishment’s address and postcode are more reliable references than simply describing it as being in the “Malgrat hotel area”.
Malgrat and Blanes are nearby, but the province changes
North of Malgrat, the route approaches Palafolls and Blanes. Blanes is already in Girona province and is regarded as the southern gateway to the Costa Brava, so it should be treated as a separate destination.
The tourist area does not always match the municipality
Accommodation described as being “near Blanes” can actually be in Malgrat, Palafolls or Blanes. The full address removes the ambiguity and helps avoid selecting the wrong transfer destination.
Choosing a car, minivan or minibus for your holiday group
Malgrat’s hotel-based tourism means that family and group journeys are common. Pushchairs, several suitcases and holiday luggage can quickly increase the space required for the transfer.
Couples and lighter luggage
A suitable option when the number of passengers and amount of luggage fit correctly within the category.
Families and longer stays
Useful for a larger luggage load, including several suitcases, pushchairs or children’s belongings.
Minibus or coach
Useful for organised groups travelling to the same hotel and working to the same schedule.
Returning from Malgrat de Mar to Barcelona Airport
The return journey begins on Malgrat’s local roads before joining the Maresme corridor and continuing towards Barcelona. Summer traffic, weekends and metropolitan congestion can all affect the one-hour reference time.
Return flight
Allow more than the road journey when planning your airport departure
The transfer needs to be combined with time for traffic, access to T1/T2 and the required check-in, security and boarding time for your flight.
The hotel area and town centre have different starting points
Your exact hotel location determines which local roads are used before the vehicle reaches the main coastal corridor.
Other Barcelona Airport transfer destinations near Malgrat de Mar
Santa Susanna
For a destination just before Malgrat in another major hotel area along the Maresme coast.
Neighbouring municipality View transfer →
Pineda de Mar
For an earlier coastal stop with its own railway station and a town centre further south.
Further south on the coast View transfer →
Blanes
For continuing a few kilometres further north and entering Girona province.
Gateway to the Costa Brava View transfer →
Lloret de Mar
For leaving the Maresme behind and continuing to a much larger hotel area on the Costa Brava.
Further north View transfer →
Mataró
For arriving considerably earlier in the journey, at the regional capital of the Maresme.
Maresme capital View transfer →
Canet de Mar
A destination closer to Barcelona, known for its Modernista heritage and urban beach.
Central Maresme View transfer →
Arenys de Mar
For a harbour and beach destination in the central Maresme.
Harbour View transfer →
Vilassar de Mar
For staying closer to Barcelona within the same coastal corridor.
Southern Maresme View transfer →
Tossa de Mar
For continuing much further north to a destination known for its coves and walled historic centre.
Costa Brava View transfer →
Granollers
For leaving the coast altogether and travelling inland towards Vallès Oriental.
Inland View transfer →
Barcelona Airport to Malgrat de Mar: practical questions
How long does the transfer to Malgrat de Mar take?
ZoneTransfers gives a reference distance of 78 km and an approximate journey time of 1 hour. For practical planning, allow around 1 h to 1 h 15 min depending on traffic and the accommodation address.
Does Malgrat de Mar have a railway station?
Yes. Malgrat de Mar is part of the coastal R1 railway corridor.
Is the hotel area close to Malgrat town centre?
It is nearby, but the two areas have a different layout. L’Astillero beach is in the main hotel area, while Malgrat Centre beach is directly in front of the town centre.
Are Malgrat de Mar and Santa Susanna the same destination?
No. Their hotel areas are very close to each other, but they belong to different municipalities.
Are Malgrat de Mar and Blanes in the same province?
No. Malgrat de Mar is in Barcelona province, while Blanes belongs to Girona province.
Which vehicle is suitable for a family?
It depends on the number of passengers, suitcases and pushchairs. A minivan can be useful when the amount of luggage is higher.
In Malgrat de Mar, seeing the sea does not necessarily mean you have reached your hotel
Malgrat Centre, l’Astillero, the railway station and the boundary with Santa Susanna are all beside the same Mediterranean coastline, but they are not the same front door. Enter your exact accommodation address before leaving El Prat so the final part of the journey ends at your destination rather than becoming a walk along the seafront with your luggage.