Discover Barcelona's electric boat-bus this summer between La Rambla and Barceloneta beach: operated by Alsa and only €1.90

Barcelona reinforces its commitment to sustainable mobility with a public waterway service that connects two of the city's busiest points for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The so-called Bus Náutico offers a fast, eco-friendly, and panoramic alternative. Available every day of the year, this electric boat allows you to cross Port Vell in just 10 minutes , enjoying privileged views of the Barcelona coastline.

In 2024, three months after its inauguration, it added more than 125,000 trips.

What appears to be an artistic vessel sailing through the waters of Port Vell is, in fact, one of the Port of Barcelona's most ambitious projects to transform the way residents and tourists get around. Since its inauguration in July 2024 , the electric boat-bus operated by Alsa has achieved more than 125,000 trips in just three months , establishing itself as a success in citizen participation.

A comfortable, accessible route with sea views

The service, operated by the Port of Barcelona , connects the Drassanes Moll (next to the Mirador de Colón and La Rambla) with the Llevant Moll , just a few steps from Barceloneta beach. The journey takes just 10 minutes and is operated on 100% electric catamarans with zero polluting emissions. These boats, called Ecocat Dos and Ecocat Tres , incorporate solar panels that generate 40% of the onboard energy consumption , saving an estimated 180 tons of CO₂ per year.

Summer hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a frequency that varies between 15 and 35 minutes. In winter, the service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. A single ticket costs €1.90, while a return ticket costs €2.85 . Discounts are also available for children, youth, and senior citizens, as well as 10-ride passes for €13.30 . Access is accessible for people with reduced mobility and allows the transport of non-electric bicycles and scooters for a €1 supplement.

A key project to integrate the port with the city

With more than 25 million visitors a year, Port Vell has become a major tourist, economic, and cultural hub . The opening of new areas such as the Bocana Nord and the imminent reopening of the Fishermen's Pier , closed for over a century, underscore the desire to reclaim the waterfront for the public. The Bus Náutico reinforces this strategy by facilitating travel between key coastal areas , also relieving congestion on the Passeig de Colom and Passeig de Joan de Borbó.

The service has been particularly useful during the 37th America's Cup , offering a streamlined solution for accessing the viewing areas and the event village . The president of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó , acknowledged that "the great reception of the Nautical Bus has exceeded our expectations" and emphasized that this mode of transport was already included in the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan , although the sporting event allowed for its accelerated implementation.

A journey that is much more than transportation

In addition to its practical function, the Nautical Bus offers a unique visual experience. Passengers can admire the Barcelona skyline , the yachts docked at Marina Vela, or the iconic W Hotel from a different perspective. A single journey combines efficiency, sustainability, and tourism, without the need for long journeys or crowds.

This summer, the boat-bus service presents a perfect opportunity to rediscover the city from the sea. At a competitive price and with a clearly sustainable focus, the service combines design, accessibility, and environmental commitment , confirming that the urban mobility of the future is already sailing through the waters of Port Vell.