PortAventura and Ferrari Land: Full-Day Trip from Barcelona

Traveling from Barcelona to two of Spain’s most exciting theme parks—Ferrari Land and PortAventura—offers a blend of adrenaline, entertainment, and culture. This full-day tour, priced at around $100 per person, is a well-balanced way to experience Europe’s tallest roller coaster, authentic Italian ambiance, and countless rides and shows.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it combines transportation, entry, and guided insight, making it ideal for those who want to maximize fun without stressing about logistics. One possible downside? The limited time at each park, especially if you’re aiming to experience everything. Nonetheless, this tour suits thrill-seekers, families, or anyone eager for a day of immersive theme park adventure without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

Convenient round-trip transportation: Relax on an air-conditioned bus with a pick-up point very close to central Barcelona.
All-inclusive entry: Your ticket grants access to both Ferrari Land and PortAventura Park, saving time and effort.
Full-day experience: Expect approximately 11 hours of fun, with departure early morning and return in the evening.
Variety of attractions: Over 40 rides at PortAventura, plus Ferrari Land’s record-breaking accelerator and immersive recreations of Italy.
Authentic Italian feel: Re-creations of the Colosseum and other landmarks, plus authentic cuisine options.
Authentic insider tips: Guides are knowledgeable, and reviews highlight how they help optimize your day, though punctuality is key.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off early at 9:00 AM, departing from Julia Travel Office near Barcelona’s Estació del Nord. The quick, comfortable coach ride—about an hour and a half—offers a chance to settle in before the epic day ahead.

Ferrari Land: The First Stop

Arriving around 10:30 AM, you’ll enter Ferrari Land, where the main draw is the tallest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe. We loved the way the park creates an authentic racing atmosphere, with re-creations of the Colosseum, Scala, and San Marco facades bringing a slice of Italy to Catalonia. The highlight is feeling the adrenaline on the 8 F1 simulators that mimic real racing dynamics—sure to excite motorsport fans.

Reviewers mention that Ferrari Land’s rides open at 4:30 PM, so timing is tight here. To get the most out of your visit, arriving early enough to enjoy the main attractions before they close is advised. Some guests noted that limiting park access to a few hours makes it difficult to experience all rides, but the thrill of standing on a racing circuit and feeling the speed makes it worthwhile.

PortAventura Park: The Main Attraction

From Ferrari Land, you’ll head to PortAventura Park—around 11:30 AM—for a full afternoon of excitement. With more than 40 rides spread across six themed worlds—Mediterrània, Polynesia, SesameAventura, China, México, and Far West—there’s something for all.

The park is known for record-breaking roller coasters like Dragon Khan, Furius Baco, and Shambhala, Europe’s tallest roller coaster. We loved the way these rides provide dizzying views and adrenaline-pumping drops, all within carefully themed environments that transport you instantly.

For those traveling with kids or less thrill-inclined, areas like Tomahawk in Far West or Coco Piloto offer engaging but gentler experiences. Plus, water rides like Tutuki Splash and Angkor provide a refreshing break from the heat.

Shows and Entertainment

PortAventura isn’t just about rides—up to 40 daily shows keep the entertainment flowing. From traditional dances and tribal rhythms to magical performances in the Gran Teatro Imperial, there’s a cultural or whimsical show every few hours. Reviewers appreciated the variety and quality of performances, which add a lively atmosphere to the park.

Food and Shopping

Authentic Italian flavors await at a trattoria in Ferrari Land, offering a satisfying break and a chance to recharge. Meanwhile, PortAventura also has various eateries and shops, including stores selling exclusive Ferrari merchandise—a hit for car enthusiasts.

Timing and Punctuality

Around 6:30 PM, everyone reconvenes to depart back to Barcelona, with the return journey taking about 1.5 hours. During busy months like July and August, the departure might shift to 7:30 PM to match park closing times. Punctuality is crucial, as the coach only makes one trip back; reviews emphasize that arriving late can mean missing the bus, so plan to be on time at the designated meeting point.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes round-trip coach transport, which is a significant perk for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of navigating public transit or renting a car. The buses are air-conditioned and generally well-reviewed for comfort, though some guests mention that space can be tight, especially when the weather is hot.

The meeting point is conveniently located in central Barcelona, near the Arc de Triomf, with clear instructions to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Check-in is straightforward, although some reviewers pointed out that clarity around the exact bus stop (Julia agency within the station) could be improved.

The tour does not include lunch, so bringing cash or snacks is recommended, especially considering the long day. Guides are helpful but don’t typically provide meals, so plan accordingly.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Most reviews highlight the value and smooth organization of the trip. Many appreciate the knowledgeable guides who help manage timing and provide useful tips, like purchasing Express Passes at PortAventura to skip long lines.

Some travelers express that one day isn’t enough to experience everything, especially at PortAventura. A reviewer mentioned, “the park is great, but one day is too short,” pointing out that a longer visit would be ideal, though that’s not an option with this tour.

Others noted that Ferrari Land’s rides open late at 4:30 PM, which limits their experience of the park’s main attractions, but overall, the thrill of the F1 simulators and the vertical accelerator made it worthwhile.

A few mentioned the importance of timing and punctuality, with reports of buses leaving slightly late or early, and some guests arriving just a few minutes late missing the departure. Being punctual is crucial to enjoy the full experience.

Value for Money

At around $100, this tour offers excellent value considering it includes transportation, park entry, and a full day’s entertainment. Compared to the cost of individual tickets and transportation, it saves both money and planning time, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Barcelona’s transit system.

While some guests suggest buying Fast Passes or skip-the-queue tickets inside the park, the overall package remains a good deal for those wanting a stress-free day of thrill rides and entertainment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip works particularly well for families, thrill-seekers, and group travelers looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy a full day at two top theme parks. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided tours with predefined schedules and transportation included.

However, if you’re after a more relaxed experience with longer park time, or if you want to explore parks at your own pace, this might feel rushed. It’s also less suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility impairments, given the physical demands and busy environment.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Barcelona to Ferrari Land and PortAventura Park packs a lot into a manageable package, making it perfect for those who want an easy, organized adventure with plenty of thrills, shows, and cultural touches. The knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation take much of the planning stress out of your day, allowing you to focus on the fun.

While the schedule is tight, especially with parks opening late or closing early, you’ll find that the value for money is solid, particularly if you’re eager to experience Europe’s tallest roller coaster and authentic Italian recreations. For families, groups, or solo travelers craving a packed day of excitement, this tour offers an engaging and memorable way to make the most of your time outside Barcelona.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized day trips that include transport and entry, and don’t mind the brisk pace, then this trip is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, your ticket includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus from Barcelona to the parks and back.

What time does the tour start and end?
Departure from Barcelona is at 9:00 AM, with the return scheduled around 6:30 PM (later in July and August). Expect to be back in Barcelona by approximately 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM depending on the season.

Do I need to buy tickets inside the park?
Your entrance tickets are included in the tour price, covering both Ferrari Land and PortAventura Park.

Can I bring food or drinks?
The tour does not include lunch, so bringing cash or snacks for the day is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for young children or those with mobility issues?
While it’s great for families, it may not be ideal for pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility impairments due to the busy environment and physical nature of some rides.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring cash for extras, snacks, and any personal items you may need. Planning for weather—hat, sunscreen, and water—will help you stay comfortable in the heat.

This comprehensive day trip offers a fantastic way to experience the thrills and cultural touches of Ferrari Land and PortAventura Park without the hassle of planning. Whether you’re craving high-speed roller coasters or authentic Italian scenery, this tour delivers a memorable, well-organized adventure.