Barcelona-Sants — Local services in Barcelona

I’ve passed through Barcelona Sants many times during my travels. Up until now I haven’t had cause to find fault with the place. However, my experience with the station on 12 July was disappointing.

On 12 July, the Spanish meteorological agency issued an alert for DANA in Catalonia. This led trains going to and from Barcelona to be delayed for many hours or be cancelled altogether. I was among the passengers affected - the Barcelona-Madrid train I was supposed to take was cancelled. While I managed to get another train ticket for Madrid at the last minute, that train didn’t leave until next morning.

Many other passengers were in the same situation as myself - having missed their connections, they were stranded in Barcelona until they could get on the earliest train out, and didn’t have somewhere else to go as they weren’t local.

Many of us stayed in the station, expecting to spend the night there. However, around midnight, a security guard tried kicking us out of the station, telling us that we couldn’t stay there because they were closing the station. When asked by a passenger who they could speak to, he brusquely told them to take it up with Renfe (Renfe's office was already closed, so this was moot) and claimed that he was just following instructions.

What was unconscionable about this was that there were also families with young children (there was at least one toddler I counted) among stranded passengers, a group that would face extreme difficulties spending a night out on the street.

There was eventually an intervention by local police and we were allowed to stay in the end. But the manner in which some security guards acted spoke of a lack of compassion - and even contempt - for people who were stranded at the station through no fault of their own and who had nowhere else to go for the night.

It may very well be that the guards were just following instructions from higher-ups. Either way, I urge the management at Barcelona Sants to reconsider how it instructs security when it comes to handling unforeseen circumstances and emergency situations.

But I do commend other staff at the station (who weren’t security) for their kindness in bringing us water and blankets while we were there for the night. Their thoughtfulness...

I've had many bad experiences with train stations, but I can easily say this was by far the worst I've ever been to in my whole life. First of all, I don't understand how people can be so mean, rude, impatient, disrespectful and inhumane. It's obvious that a lot of people are in a hurry, stressed or confused when they take trains, but the staff has no care in the world when you ask them for anything. They take all their time, are unnecessarily mean and rude and they won't even answer to your questions. They also have no trouble just walking away while you're talking, especially if you're not Spanish. Secondly, the train station is so complicated for nothing, it seems like the employees looove having control over everything and everyone, I can't even count how many times we had to scan our tickets or wait in lines when there was no reason to. Even when you arrive there by train you have to scan your ticket again to get out??? Looks like they do everything in their power to make people late or miss their train just so they can make more money. We had a train to take at 3h25 and even though we arrived super early, at 3h15 we were still stuck in a huge line, waiting for gates to be opened, where they let Spanish people pass in front of everyone. Wtf?? It makes absolutely no sense, especially because we must reserve seats to be able to go on any train. Why don't they just let people enter when they arrive? There wouldn't be unnecessary queues everywhere, travellers would be so much more at ease, and you wouldn't get in deep trouble in case you're running late or it's your first time at a train station. We even had to go through luggage control, like dude we're not in an airport! Overall this place is just full of xenophobes, and I truly get the impression that they're a bunch of scammers doing everything they can to piss you off or steal your money. Next time I'll happily...

Barcelona Sant is a captivating and vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. This charming district is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. One of the highlights of Barcelona Sant is its architectural marvels, including the iconic Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. This magnificent Gothic church showcases exquisite craftsmanship and offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past. The narrow cobblestone streets of the neighborhood are lined with well-preserved buildings, creating a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls. The neighborhood is also home to numerous trendy boutiques, lively cafes, and delicious restaurants, making it a haven for shoppers and food enthusiasts. Exploring the local market, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, is a sensory delight with its vibrant displays of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Culture and history enthusiasts will appreciate the Museu Picasso, which houses an extensive collection of the renowned artist's works. The museum provides valuable insights into Picasso's early years and showcases his artistic evolution. Furthermore, Barcelona Sant boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. The area comes alive after dark, with numerous bars and clubs offering a variety of entertainment options, including live music and DJ sets. In conclusion, Barcelona Sant is a captivating neighborhood that effortlessly blends history, culture, and contemporary charm. Its stunning architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse culinary scene make it an enticing destination for visitors seeking an authentic Barcelona experience. Whether you're exploring its historic sites, indulging in delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Barcelona Sant offers a memorable and enriching experience for travelers...