Where to Find the Barcelona Airport Smoking
Article June 1, 2026 7 mins read

Where to Find the Barcelona Airport Smoking Area Before and After Security?

Like many other major airports in Europe, Barcelona Airport adheres to strict rules regarding smoking within terminal buildings. However, there are some dedicated smoking areas at both terminals to accommodate the smokers. Barcelona Airport's smoking areas are located landside and airside at both terminals. Vaping and e-cigarettes are also allowed only in these designated areas. If someone is caught smoking or vaping outside the restricted areas, they may face fines from the airport authority or local police. 


Barcelona Airport designated smoking zones 

Is There A Smoking Area in Barcelona Airport After Security?

Yes, there is a large open-air terrace in Terminal 1, where smoking and vaping are allowed before departure. Terminal 2 has smoking spots near the departure halls.


Smoking Area Barcelona Airport Terminal 1: To access the smoking area for Schengen flights:

  • Complete the check-in procedure and pass through the security screening procedure.

  • Move to the right side of the departure lounge at level 1.

  • An open-air cafe and bar terrace is located near Starbucks.


There is no open-air bar at level 3 (D and E gates). Passengers flying in the non-Schengen area can use the Barcelona Airport's smoking area at level 1 before passing through the security check at D and E gates. However, keep tracking the BCN security wait times and plan accordingly.


Barcelona Airport T2 Smoking Area: Smoking options are limited at the terminal 2.

  • The smoking zone is located near the main departures lounge, close to the McDonald's and McCafé area. 

  • Use this area after completing check-in and security screening.

Smoking Area at Barcelona Airport for Transit Passengers

Transit passengers with a short layover can access the designated smoking areas at both terminals. However, travellers with long layovers can leave the airport to access the outdoor smoking areas.

  • Go through the passport control to exit the airport.

  • Access the Barcelona airport smoking area located outside the terminal building.

  • Pass through the security screening and pass control again to re-enter the terminal.


Another option is to book a car rental at Barcelona Airport and enjoy a smoke break while exploring the nearby attractions.

BCN Terminal Smoking Area Rules

BCN follows Spain’s strict public no-smoking laws, which means smoking at Barcelona Airport is banned inside enclosed public areas, including:

No smoking inside BCN terminals 

  • Terminal buildings

  • Restrooms 

  • Restaurants and cafes

  • Boarding gates 

  • Escalators and corridors 

  • Loungs 


Violating the rules can:

  • Lead to fines ranging from €100 to €600 for the first time and warnings from the airport authority.

  • Repeated violations or ignoring designated smoking zones can result in higher penalties.

  • More serious offenses may carry fines from €601 to €10,000. 


To avoid panelities use only the dedicated Barcelona airport smoking area.  

Are E-Cigarettes and Vapes Allowed at Barcelona Airport?

The airport treats e-cigarettes and vaping devices similarly to traditional cigarettes, which means:

  • The use of a vaping device or an e-cigarette is not allowed in public areas.

  • They can be used only in dedicated zones.

  • Rules for carrying vape batteries and liquids onboard depend on the airlines’ policy.

Helpful Tips for Smokers at Barcelona Airport 

Barcelona Airport is moderately smoker-friendly. It’s better to follow a few simple tips to use the BCN airport smoking area to avoid any fines:

  • Terminal 2 and D/E gates have limited smoking options after security. Therefore, use only outdoor smoking areas before entry.

  • If leaving the airport for smoking, then allow enough time to return through security screening again to avoid missing connecting flights.

  • Carry a power bank to charge a vape device.

  • Don’t smoke too close to entrances or in non-designated spaces to avoid warnings or fines.


Conclusion!

Barcelona Airport's smoking area at Terminal 1 is easily accessible after security. However, Terminal 2 has limited options. It’s better to use the smoking spaces near the terminal entrances before entering the security area. Also, follow the airport rules, smoke in dedicated areas, and allow extra time for security when leaving the airport to enjoy a comfortable smoke break.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke in Barcelona Airport?

Yes, but smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

Does Barcelona Airport have a smoking area?

Yes, the airport has smoking areas, but smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor smoking terraces located after security.

Can you smoke in Barcelona Airport T2?

Yes, Terminal 2 provides outdoor smoking areas near terminal entrances.

Where to smoke at Barcelona airport Terminal 1?

There is a large open-air terrace near Starbucks for smoking at Terminal 1.

Are smoking lounges available at Barcelona Airport?

No, there is no VIP smoking lounge at Barcelona Airport.

Can passengers leave the Barcelona airport during a layover to smoke?

Yes, but they need to clear security and passport control again for re-entering the terminal.

Can you vape inside the Barcelona airport restrooms?

No, vaping is strictly prohibited everywhere inside the airport, including the bathrooms.

What happens if someone gets caught smoking inside the Barcelona airport?

Smoking in restricted areas can lead to fines ranging from €100 to €600 for the first time, and more serious offenses may carry fines up to €10,000.

Howard Page

About Howard Page

Howard Page is a U.S.-based travel journalist with more than 10 years of experience. He has worked on guidebooks, documentaries, and reports across more than 20 countries. He’s driven by discovering new places. When he encounters something outside the everyday, his curiosity kicks in, his focus sharpens, and his mind feels more alert than usual.