Barcelona metros may not run with Swiss precision, you can generally expect the train to arrive a second or two around the stated time. Like all other bigger cities in Spain, it also has a comprehensive public transport network.

For those visiting Barcelona, the most important line to be near is the L3 or the green line, which takes you to the city centre, Passeig de Gracia, the neighbourhoods of Gracia and Sants, along with Plaça Espanya and Parc Güell.

Unlike New York or London which has multiple zones and is priced differently, the cost of travelling within Barcelona proper remains the same, meaning you can travel from one end to the other for the same amount. And because of its relative small size, it won't take you hours to do so.

The stations aren't massive or confusing, but remember to insert the ticket with your left hand. The Passeig de Gracia stop is notorious for its three block tunnel, so changing metros at Plaça Urquinaona will mean climbing up and down a flight of stairs.

Personally, if you are not pressed for time, try staying above ground and taking the bus. They don't run as frequently as the metro, but it's a more pleasant experience. It gives you a chance to see the parts of the city you might not otherwise and Barcelona is full of hidden gems. You can hop off the bus at a random stop and explore the surrounding streets.

A single ticket allows you to use the metro and the bus, in addition to the local train service known as Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat. Located at Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya, these trains are how you'd get to Tibidabo mountain, Montserrat, the US consulate, and many of the universities.

Tickets can be bought either as a single or round trip. There's not always a person working at the window and sometimes even if there is, they'll point you to an automated machine to make your purchase. They don't always work, especially when it comes to reading credit cards, so keep some change handy.

If you're here for a few days, the T-10 offers 10 trips at a reasonable price and can be shared among the group, so buying a few of these might make more economic sense than a daily or tourist pass.

If the metro is your primary means of commuting and you are staying in Barcelona for about a month, the 50/30 (50 trips in 30 days) is an option, but I've always preferred the monthly pass. It'll ask for a number at the time of purchase and you can type in whatever is on the ID you carry around. For example, I use my California driver’s licence. It's best not to make a number up because there are checks periodically and if the number on the ticket doesn't match the ID, or you don't have one, you can be fined.

The TMB website is a great resource for planning your trips or if you want to know how to get to a specific location. It's available in various languages. To plan your travel itinerary, type in your destination, the time of departure or arrival and select the mode of public transport you prefer to take. The times are pretty accurate while the maps showing how to get from the location to the bus or train stop are simple and not too confusing.

Jeremy Holland / Expatica

Jeremy Holland is a published writer and blogger. His blog, From Barcelona, is dedicated to the city, the life and the people of the capital of Catalunya (Catalonia). Jeremy’s blogs are usually published on Expatica on alternate Fridays.

Photo credits: Ricardo Ricote; robertpaulyoung; kyllercg; Matthew Black