Covid testing in Barcelona

PCR or Antigenic Testing: Where to do a Covid test in Barcelona?

As we will see, for foreigners covid testing in order to travel, for example, to return to their country, the best solution is to do a paying test in a private laboratory.

In detail, here are the two main options for Covid-19 testing in Barcelona.

Where to do a Covid test in Barcelona?

You can do Covid testing in Barcelona in many laboratories, private or public but for reasons and prices that vary :

1/ in a private laboratory or private clinic

2/ or in a public health service.

1/ In a private laboratory or private clinic the PCR test will be :

Paying
The type of test may be more extensive: PCR test, antigenic test or serological test.
Fast with results within a day.
No waiting in line, with or without an appointment.
No need to have symptoms of the disease such as a high temperature.
Without being a contact case of Covid-19.
Without prescription.

You can find the nearest private laboratory or private clinic to your place of stay in Barcelona by inquiring at the drugstore nearest you.

See below for a list of lab covid testing near me in Barcelona and Catalonia.

2/ Free Covid testing in a public health service but will require:

Having symptoms of the disease (high temperature...).
To be a contact case of Covid-19.
To have with you your European Health Insurance Card.

Please note that the PCR test of the social security in Barcelona is not reimbursed for travel, whether it is for work, leisure, or force majeure.

You can find the public health service closest to your place of stay in Barcelona by asking at the pharmacy nearest you.

More information is on the website of the Barcelona City Council.

Is there a covid testing center at Barcelona airport?

Yes, you can do PCR/Antigen covid testing at Barcelona airport in a laboratory located in Terminal 1.

Just follow the link to get all the information about this test center: opening hours, test prices, appointment booking, and rendering time.

Fly Covid test center Barcelona

Where is the Covid testing center at Barcelona Airport?

The Covid-19 testing laboratory is located on level 3 of Terminal 1 of Barcelona Airport.

Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 - 3rd floor in the commercial area El Mirador - From Monday to Sunday: 3:00 – 19:00

covid testing barcelona airport T1 3rd floor

What is the price of a Covid test in Barcelona?

The price of a Covid test in Barcelona is around 100 euros if it is performed in a private laboratory or private clinic.

The price of a Covid test (PCR test) in Barcelona, in the private sector, also varies depending on the length of time to obtain the result.
As an indication, the average cost of a Covid test in Barcelona is:
- 85€ with the result within 24 hours
- 110€ with a result within 5 hours
- 170€ with a result within 2 hours
The public health services in Barcelona do not make or reimburse PCR tests for travel reasons, whether professional, leisure or force majeure.

Can I be reimbursed for a PCR test done abroad?

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Europe, some countries have decided to reimburse, nothing, part or all of the cost of a PCR test done abroad.

We, therefore, advise you to contact your health insurance or your mutual insurance company once you are back in your country.

Antigenic tests in Barcelona

Where to do an antigenic test in Barcelona?

This cheaper antigenic test is now recognized in Spain and can be done in all the laboratories listed below.

This COVID-19 antigenic test is performed by nasal swab to detect the presence of Sars-Cov-2 virus proteins in the body and gives its result in 30 minutes. It is also called a rapid antigenic test.

What is the cost of an antigenic test in Barcelona?

In Barcelona the antigenic test costs between 35 and 55 €.

Reimbursement of the antigenic test

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Europe, some countries have decided to reimburse part or all of the cost of antigenic tests done abroad.
We, therefore, advise you to contact your health insurance company or your mutual insurance company once you are back in your country.