Popular Airport | Entebbe Intl. Airport |
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Popular Airlines | |
Approximate Flight Duration | 6 hour 50 min |
Approximate Travel Distance | 5512 Km |
Capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most important cities in terms of tourism and commerce. Barcelona is the 7th most populated city in the European Union and is home to Spain’s second busiest airport. Serving 40 million passengers annually, Barcelona Airport is one of the major factors that contributes to the city’s tourism economy. The airport is easily accessible from the city, which has undergone significant transformations since the 1900’s.
You can easily get to the airport using the rail system from the Old City, Barceloneta, or Sagrada Familia, which is one of the city’s most important monuments. By transferring to the Barcelona Sants Station, which is 7 stops from Catalunya Square, and 5 stops from Sagrada Familia, you can get on the 30-minute long train to the airport. Barcelona has been using metro and railway networks for urban transportation since the 1920’s. There is a transfer point located between each rail line. Thus, you can get from locations outside of the city and within the city to the airport without having to deal with above ground traffic.
Catalunya Square, a few minutes walking distance from the districts of Ciutat Vella, Barceloneta and El Raval, is the departure point for the Aerobus buses that provide transportation to the airport. The bus lines A1 and A2 provide transportation to the airport during the day; the trip takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. At night the N16 and N17 bus lines provide transportation to the airport.
These buses operate between 5 am and 12:30 am. During peak hours these buses run every 5 minutes. The fare for these buses is cheaper than taking a taxi.
Another convenient mode of transportation to the get to Barcelona Airport, which is located 12 km from central Barcelona, is by taxi.
However, transportation from central locations in the city, especially if you’re traveling alone, can be quite expensive.
Driving from the city center or coastal areas to Barcelona Airport takes around 20 minutes. To get to the airport all you have to do is follow the wide and long avenue Gran Via De Les Corts Catalanes. Once you pass the bridge over Llobregat River you will enter the Castelldefels area and the road will continue to the airport access road. The airport is divided into 2 buildings; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The airport stands out for its passenger capacity and parking capacity. The airport contains indoor and outdoor parking lots and has a total car park capacity of 19,000 vehicles.
Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those coming from Northern Europe. Barcelona Airport, also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, offers a total of 42 restaurants, cafes, and pubs to ensure passengers have a pleasant time while at the airport.
Barcelona Airport also offers tax-free shopping services at the Duty Free shops. The airport also features free wireless internet connection and has an area dedicated to exhibitions and performances.
In Entebbe, there is a heavy traffic in general. Although traffic flow is comfortable late at night and early in the morning, traffic during the day is rather heavy. Besides, the drivers in the city don't follow traffic rules. For this reason, renting a car may sometimes be troublesome for those who are not so familiar with Entebbe traffic. However, it is possible to find the offices of many car rental companies in the city center. Considering the heavy traffic, you can prefer motorbike to the car if you are experienced at riding a motorbike. However, you should bear in mind that the most injury cases in Uganda are caused by motorbike accidents. If you are going to ride a motorcycle, at least you should wear your helmet. If possible, it would be a good idea to wear special protective clothing (such as jackets, knee pads).
Public transportation in Entebbe may sometimes be very challenging. Especially the careless and dangerous driving of the drivers as well as the old and neglected cars may be frightening for tourists. Means of public transport in the city are the minibuses, which are especially preferred at short distances, and the buses. These vehicles, which are extremely low in price, cover even the shortest distances at a longer time than they should due to the extremely crowded and heavy traffic. Motorcycle taxis called Boda Boda are the most preferred means of transportation in Entebbe.
The fact that motorbikes are smaller and have more agility compared to cars come with great advantages in heavy and complicated traffic. However, you should always remember to take the necessary precautions for your safety. Besides Boda Boda, the motorcycle taxis, you can also find normal taxis easily in the city center.
Taxis in Entebbe generally don't have fixed stands and a legal status. So anyone may serve his/her car as a taxi if you ask, or they may sometimes offer to pick you up. Taxi service in the city is not very reliable because there are not any regulations for taxis here. None of the taxis has a taximeter; even when they have, the taximeters are mostly broken. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to negotiate and agree with the driver in advance about the destination and taxi fare. Generally speaking, you shouldn't hesitate to bargain because the taxi fares are very high, especially if you are a tourist.
If you want to take a taxi, always try to prefer a taxi that your hotel or, if possible, someone you know recommends you take. Entebbe International Airport serves not only Entebbe city but also many other surrounding cities. Transportation from these cities to Entebbe International Airport is mostly provided through Kampala. It is very easy to reach Entebbe International Airport from Kampala by small minibuses. These minibuses depart every 30 minutes or hourly depending on the density. Ticket only costs 3000 UGX, it means 1 dollar. However, the tourists may sometimes be charged twice a ticket price. The journey takes about one hour. If the traffic is not heavy, the journey time is much shorter.
You can also get to the city center from Entebbe International Airport in a very short time. Taxi is the most preferred transportation option from the airport to Entebbe city center, which is very close to the airport. You can also reach the city center by renting a car at the airport. Another alternative is the shuttle-like transfer vehicles run by Uganda Airport Transfers Company.
You can easily find a taxi in front of the airport exit. If possible, try to take a taxi you are recommended or ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you. As there is no taximeter in the taxis in Entebbe, remember to bargain with the driver about the taxi fare in advance. Don't pay the taxi fare in advance.
You can find the car rental offices of Hertz and Europcar at the airport. You also save time by renting your car online in advance. Please remember that you must have an international driver's license to rent a car. If you want to take advantage of this option, you should bear in mind that Entebbe traffic is generally quite dense and complicated. In addition renting a car, you can also rent a motorbike, which is a very common option in Entebbe.
If you want, you can also rent a car with a driver as well. Unlike the standard airport shuttle services, Uganda Airport Transfers, which is a private company, provides transfer services with various vehicles. Transfer vehicles vary from standard 3-person cars to 25-person buses. Each vehicle takes a luggage per seat. Another different service provided by this company is that it offers "door-to-door" service rather than traveling on a specific route. In addition, you can also benefit from the taxi services provided by this company.
A limited number of hotels offer airport shuttle services since Entebbe International Airport and the city center are very close to each other. However, even if your hotel doesn't provide shuttle service, they can arrange an option to pick you up at the airport upon your request.