Unlimited Travel for Under 7 Euros Annually: Requirements and Conditions for Obtaining Barcelona’s T-Metropolitana Transport Card
Date of publication: December 15, 2025
Last updated: December 15, 2025
Applies to: Residents of Barcelona aged 60+, individuals with disabilities, and low-income citizens.
The Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM) of the Barcelona area has successfully transitioned from old cardboard tickets to the T-mobilitat system. As of now, transport tickets can only be used via T-mobilitat, available in anonymous reusable cardboard, plastic, or digital format. This move underscores ATM’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, while also enhancing accessibility to public transport for all citizens.
The T-mobilitat System: A Seamless Transition
The phasing out of old magnetic stripe cardboard tickets, initially planned for 2025, has been completed. This means all commuters must now use the T-mobilitat system. This modern approach offers greater convenience and aligns with environmental goals.
User Statistics: A Growing Adoption
According to ATM figures, the T-mobilitat system recorded over 858 million integrated ticket validations in 2024. By January 2025, 2.3 million people were already registered, a number that has steadily increased with the introduction of new transport titles. Of these users, 64% utilize the personalized plastic card, 31% validate with a T-mobilitat cardboard card, and 5% use mobile support.
Introducing the T-Metropolitana: Benefits and Eligibility
As part of its mission to promote accessible public transport, the ATM has integrated the T-metropolitana into its system. This card is specifically designed for:
- Individuals over 60 years of age.
- Citizens with a disability of 33% or more (and their companions).
- Individuals with low incomes.
To qualify, applicants must be registered residents (empadronado) in one of the 36 municipalities within the Barcelona Metropolitan Area.
The T-metropolitana offers unlimited travel across the entire integrated network, including the metro, urban and interurban buses, trams, and Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat.
Cost of the T-Metropolitana Card
The physical T-metropolitana card costs 4.5 euros. This is a one-time payment, required only upon initial acquisition.
Categories of the T-Metropolitana:
- Tarjeta Rosa Gratuita (Free Pink Card):
- Eligibility: Individuals over 60 (age may vary by municipality) with gross household income below a set limit, or with a recognized disability of 33% or more.
- Cost: An annual fee of 6.20 euros for unlimited travel.
- Tarjeta Rosa Reducida (Reduced Pink Card):
- Eligibility: Seniors or individuals with disabilities with incomes up to 18,480 euros.
- Benefit: Entitles the holder to purchase the T-4 (10 journeys) for 2.15 euros, with no annual fee.
- Pase de Acompañante (Companion Pass):
- Eligibility: For individuals with recognized disabilities who require a companion.
- Cost: An annual fee of 6.20 euros. No economic requirements apply.
How to Apply for the T-Metropolitana
The application process for the T-metropolitana can be completed either in person or online:
- In-person: Visit the Citizen Service Offices (Oficinas de Atención Ciudadana) at the City Council.
- Online: Apply through the official online procedures portal.
Important Note: Those who previously held the old ‘Tarjeta Rosa’ and meet the current requirements will automatically receive the T-metropolitana at their registered address, with no additional steps needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is eligible for the T-metropolitana?
A: Individuals over 60, those with a disability of 33% or more, and low-income citizens registered in one of the 36 Barcelona Metropolitan Area municipalities.
Q: What is the cost of the physical T-metropolitana card?
A: The physical card costs a one-time fee of 4.5 euros.
Q: Are there any annual fees?
A: The ‘Tarjeta Rosa Gratuita’ and ‘Pase de Acompañante’ have an annual fee of 6.20 euros. The ‘Tarjeta Rosa Reducida’ has no annual fee, but you pay for a discounted T-4 ticket.
Q: How can I apply?
A: You can apply in person at City Council offices or online via the official procedures portal.
Q: What if I already have the old ‘Tarjeta Rosa’?
A: If you meet the new requirements, you should automatically receive the T-metropolitana at your home address.
Q: Which types of transport can I use with the T-metropolitana?
A: It allows unlimited travel on the metro, urban and interurban buses, trams, and Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat within the integrated network.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance with the application process, please consult the official ATM website or contact your local City Council Citizen Service Office.
