photo: Alstom/Alstom's next generation electric train for Barcelona
Barcelona’s future airport line is one step closer to reality. Alstom and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) have unveiled the first of ten next-generation electric trains that will connect the city centre with El Prat Airport in just over 20 minutes, combining Catalan engineering, sustainability, and comfort.
The President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, Minister Sílvia Paneque i Sureda, FGC President Carles Ruiz Novella, and Alstom Spain & Portugal President Leopoldo Maestu Miedes, have presented the first of ten electric trains that will connect Barcelona city centre with El Prat Airport. Operated by FGC Mobilitat, these trains are expected to enter service between late 2026 and early 2027.
The new units will run every 15 minutes, linking both airport terminals in just over 20 minutes. The 22.7 km line under construction will include nine stations: Sant Andreu, Sagrera, El Clot, Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, Bellvitge, El Prat, Airport T-2, and Airport T-1. Static and dynamic testing is underway at Alstom’s Santa Perpètua de Mogoda site, covering traction, braking, signaling, telecommunications, and certification procedures.
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Designed for Airport Passengers
Developed and built at the Santa Perpètua industrial site, the trains are tailored for airport travel, with extra luggage space, wider corridors, and enhanced accessibility. They feature advanced signaling, safety, and passenger information systems to ensure reliability and comfort.
Each five-car Coradia Stream train includes 10 doors per side, 202 seats (197 fixed, 7 folding, 2 PRM), and space for 656 passengers. Audible and visual cues accompany door operations, while a lighting system—green for opening and red for closing—assists hearing-impaired travellers. Twenty interior panoramic screens will display real-time travel updates, and nine additional screens will provide live flight information. Outside, twelve LED displays will inform passengers on the platform.
Full Accessibility and Comfort
The trains offer step-free boarding and automatic ramps at doors near reduced-mobility areas. Each unit includes two PRM spaces, adapted toilets, and multifunctional zones for bicycles or trolleys. The PRM compartment in the second car also houses an accessible toilet with an electric door.
Built for Sustainability
Aligned with Alstom’s eco-design strategy and FGC’s sustainable-mobility goals, the trains prioritise recyclable materials, energy efficiency, and low life-cycle costs. Their ergonomic design and high reliability are expected to reduce road congestion and CO₂ emissions while offering an appealing alternative to cars and taxis.
The Coradia platform draws on 30 years of continuous innovation, with 4 000+ trains operating in 12 countries, from France and Germany to Sweden and Canada. It supports multiple green-traction options, including battery and hydrogen variants for non-electrified routes.
A New Maintenance Depot
In April, Alstom began building a new 3 500 m² maintenance depot at the Santa Perpètua site to service the fleet for 15 years. The complex will feature two maintenance tracks, workshops, warehouses, and offices, plus a direct rail connection to the Adif network.
The project covers 12 hectares, including new road and rail access, a track yard, a washing tunnel, wheel-turning equipment, and a traction substation. The depot is slated for completion in spring 2026, supporting both the launch and long-term upkeep of the Barcelona airport trains.
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Source: Alstom Press Release