Flying from Amsterdam to Barcelona
The Amsterdam to Barcelona route is one of the busiest short-haul connections in Europe, linking two of the continent's most visited cities across roughly 1,640 kilometres. Nonstop flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Barcelona El Prat (BCN) clock in at around 2 hours 15 minutes, making this a genuinely easy trip — you clear security, watch half a film, and you're ordering cañas on Las Ramblas before the afternoon is out. Both airports are well-organised, well-connected, and handle this route with the frequency it deserves.
Schiphol is Amsterdam's single international airport, sitting about 18 kilometres southwest of the city centre and consistently ranked among Europe's best-run hubs. On the Barcelona end, El Prat handles all commercial traffic into the city and is located roughly 15 kilometres from the Gothic Quarter. Flights from Amsterdam to Barcelona operate multiple times daily year-round, so even if you miss your preferred departure, there's usually another option within a few hours. This is a route with real competition, which is good news for your wallet.
Airlines on This Route
Four main carriers operate flights from Amsterdam to Barcelona, covering the full spectrum from bare-bones budget to full-service. Vueling is the most frequent operator and typically runs the highest number of daily departures — often six or more in peak season. As Iberia's low-cost subsidiary, it strikes a reasonable balance between price and service, though you'll pay extra for checked bags and seat selection. Transavia, KLM's budget arm, is often the cheapest option on the route and worth checking if you're travelling light. KLM operates the route under its mainline brand from Schiphol's main terminal, offering full-service including meals and a more generous baggage allowance — useful if you're packing for a longer stay. Iberia also appears on the route, typically via a connecting hub like Madrid, so if you see an Iberia fare, double-check whether it's a true nonstop or a one-stop itinerary.
At Schiphol, most flights depart from the main terminal's departure halls — KLM operates from its dedicated D/E piers, while Vueling and Transavia use the Schengen sections of the terminal. At BCN, arrivals and departures are split across Terminal 1 (T1, used by Vueling and Iberia) and Terminal 2 (T2, used by Transavia and some charter operators), so confirm your terminal before heading to the airport.
Flight Prices: Amsterdam to Barcelona
Amsterdam to Barcelona flight deals are genuinely available if you know when to look. One-way fares typically range from around €65 to €120 on budget carriers, with Transavia and Vueling sitting at the lower end. Round-trip prices on these airlines commonly fall between €85 and €135 when booked in advance during off-peak periods. KLM full-service fares run higher — expect to pay €150–€250 return for flexibility, included baggage, and a proper seat. The cheapest flights from Amsterdam to Barcelona tend to appear 6 to 10 weeks before departure, though last-minute deals occasionally surface if you have flexible dates.
To find the best Barcelona flight deals, search on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, avoid Friday and Sunday departures, and use Google Flights' calendar view to spot the cheapest travel days at a glance. Flying midweek rather than on weekends can shave €20–€40 off a return fare. Also worth noting: Vueling often releases sale fares directly on its own website before they appear on aggregators, so it's worth checking both.
Best Time to Book Amsterdam to Barcelona Flights
The cheapest months to fly from Amsterdam to Barcelona are November through February, when tourist numbers in Barcelona drop and airlines compete harder for seats. November and December can yield one-way fares as low as €65–€75 on Transavia or Vueling. January and February are similarly affordable, and Barcelona in winter is genuinely underrated — mild temperatures, no queues at the Sagrada Família, and restaurants that are actually buzzy with locals.
March and April see prices creep up as spring breaks approach, but deals are still available if you book 6–8 weeks out. June through August is peak season — Barcelona's beaches fill up, and fares on this route can double or even triple compared to winter lows. September is a sweet spot: summer crowds thin out, the weather stays excellent, and prices start to soften. If your dates are flexible, late September and October offer a strong combination of good weather and reasonable fares. Book peak summer travel at least 2–3 months ahead to avoid paying a significant premium.
Barcelona Airport Guide
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) has two active terminals. Terminal 1 is the larger, newer facility used by Vueling, Iberia, and most major carriers. Terminal 2 is older and used by Transavia and budget operators — it's functional but more basic. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus running every 10 minutes, so a wrong-terminal arrival isn't a disaster, just a minor delay.
Getting into central Barcelona from the airport is straightforward. The Aerobus express coach runs from both terminals to Plaça de Catalunya in around 35 minutes and costs €6.75 one-way or €11.55 return — it's the easiest option if you're staying anywhere near the city centre. The metro's L9 Sud line connects the airport to the city's wider network but requires a change to reach the centre; total journey time to central stops runs 40–50 minutes depending on your destination, and a T-Casual 10-trip card makes the fare more economical. Taxis from the airport to central Barcelona cost a flat rate of €39, useful if you're travelling with luggage or arriving late at night.
FAQ — Amsterdam to Barcelona Flights
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona?
Nonstop flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Barcelona El Prat (BCN) take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. This is one of the more comfortable short-haul routes in Europe — enough time to settle in but not so long that it feels like a slog. Connecting flights via Madrid or another hub will add at least 2–3 hours to your total travel time, so nonstop is nearly always the better choice on this route.
What is the cheapest time to fly from Amsterdam to Barcelona?
November through February consistently offers the lowest fares on this route. You can find one-way tickets for as little as €65–€75 during these months on Transavia or Vueling. Mid-January and early December (outside of the Christmas holiday window) are particularly good for deals. Avoid July and August if price is a priority — summer is when this route gets expensive.
Which airlines fly from Amsterdam to Barcelona?
Vueling, Transavia, and KLM all operate nonstop flights from Amsterdam to Barcelona. Vueling runs the most frequent service, Transavia typically offers the lowest base fares, and KLM provides a full-service option with included baggage and meals. Iberia also appears on some search results, but often involves a connection via Madrid rather than a true direct service — read the itinerary carefully before booking.
How much do Amsterdam to Barcelona flights cost?
One-way fares on budget carriers like Transavia and Vueling typically start around €65–€75 in off-peak months and rise to €100–€150 or more in summer. Round-trip fares on the same airlines range from roughly €85 to €140 when booked in advance. KLM full-service return fares generally run between €150 and €250. The exact price depends heavily on how far in advance you book and how flexible your travel dates are.