PortAventura and Ferrari Land: Full-Day Trip from Barcelona

If you’re craving a day packed with adrenaline, fun rides, and a sprinkle of Mediterranean charm, this full-day tour from Barcelona to PortAventura and Ferrari Land might just be what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who loves a good theme park, this experience offers a lot for a reasonable price and a full 11 hours of entertainment.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s the convenience of having round-trip transport included, so you don’t need to worry about navigating public transport or parking. Second, the mix of attractions—Ferrari Land’s high-speed rides and simulators paired with PortAventura’s diverse themed areas—means you get a variety of experiences in one day. The cost also seems fair, given the entry tickets and transportation are bundled in.

That said, one of the biggest considerations is timing. As some reviews highlight, park opening hours and the early departure can limit how much you get to see or do—especially if you want to experience all the rides. Also, since Ferrari Land opens later in the day, you might feel a bit rushed if you’re hoping to explore everything there thoroughly. Still, if you enjoy well-organized trips and aren’t expecting a leisurely pace, this could work well for you.

This tour is especially suited for adventure lovers and families eager for a full day of thrills without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s also a good pick if you want to hit both parks in one go and don’t mind the early start and late return. Now, let me walk you through what you can expect.

This experience made our article of Which Barcelona Full-Day Tours To Choose? We Rank The 15 Best.

Key Points

• Transport and Convenience: Round-trip coach transfers make for a stress-free journey.
• Diverse Attractions: Experience high-speed rides, shows, and themed areas across two parks.
• Time Management: Park hours and departure times are fixed, so plan your day accordingly.
• Cost-Value Balance: Entry tickets and transport bundled for about $100, good for a full day.
• Crowd Tips: Buying fast passes or prioritizing early access can help beat queues.
• Review Insights: Travelers praise comfortable buses, good organization, and the overall value, with some noting limited time for Ferrari Land.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Early Morning Departure

The day kicks off bright and early at 9:00 AM from the Julia Travel Office near Estació del Nord in Barcelona. This central spot makes it easy to find, and you’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early. The journey itself takes about 90 minutes, giving you time to relax and get ready for a day full of excitement.

Arrival at PortAventura

By around 10:30 AM, you’ll arrive at PortAventura—one of Europe’s most popular theme parks. The park opens early, but it’s important to note that Ferrari Land’s access starts from 4:30 PM during the 2025-2026 season. That means most of your time at Ferrari Land will be in the afternoon, which could be a bit tight if you’re eager to do everything.

Exploring Ferrari Land

Once inside Ferrari Land, you’re in for a treat. The highlight here is Europe’s tallest and fastest vertical accelerator—a roller coaster that’s guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Fans of F1 will love the simulators that recreate racing experiences on a 570-meter track. There are also re-creations of iconic Italian landmarks like the Colosseum, adding a bit of authentic atmosphere.

Several reviews mention the spectacular views and immersive environments, noting that the reproductions of Italian architecture are surprisingly detailed. However, some reviewers feel that Ferrari Land’s attractions could be limited if you arrive late, given the later opening time.

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PortAventura Park: Six Worlds of Adventure

After Ferrari Land, it’s time to dive into the main park, which boasts six themed areas—from the Mediterranean charm of Mediterrània to the exotic allure of China and the thrill of Far West. With over 40 rides, there’s plenty to keep adrenaline junkies busy, including record-breaking coasters like Shambhala and Furius Baco.

The park also offers a variety of shows—up to 40 daily performances—ranging from dance routines to traditional music. Notable reviews praise the organized layout and the diversity of attractions, especially for those traveling with teenagers or adventure seekers.

Highlights and Must-See Rides

• Dragon Khan: A dizzying coaster that leaves many breathless.
• Furius Baco: Known for its speed and intensity.
• Shambhala: Europe’s highest roller coaster—imagine the views and the rush.
• Water attractions: Angkor and Tutuki Splash are perfect for cooling off.
• Family-friendly rides: Coco Piloto, Tomahawk, and others keep the little ones entertained.

Shows and Entertainment

Beyond rides, the park’s variety of shows is a big hit. Many visitors rave about the dances, tribal rhythms, and magical performances, especially inside the Gran Teatro Imperial. You might also catch the talking parrots and soap bubbles, which are sure to delight children and adults alike.

Time Tips and Pacing

Most reviews highlight the importance of early access and fast passes to maximize your day. Since Ferrari Land’s rides open at 4:30 PM, and the park closes late, you might find yourself rushing to enjoy everything if you arrive later in the day.

The return trip departs at 6:30 PM (or 7:30 PM in July and August), so plan to be back at the meeting point on time. Punctuality is key because the bus will leave promptly, and reviews mention that being a few minutes late can mean missing the ride back.

Transport and Logistics: What You Need to Know

The coach ride is a major plus—air-conditioned buses make the long day more comfortable. The meeting point is central, and the process of check-in is straightforward, according to most travelers.

The tour operator, Julia Travel Gray Line Spain, is praised for organized pickups and clear instructions, but a few reviews mention that the meeting point can be confusing if you don’t follow directions carefully. Also, during peak months, the return departure might be slightly later to accommodate park closing times.

While transportation is included, lunch and other extras aren’t, so plan to bring snacks or money if you want to buy food inside the parks.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $100 per person, this tour offers a solid package—tickets plus transport—which can save you money compared to buying everything separately. Multiple reviews mention good value for the price, especially considering the convenience and included entry.

However, some reviewers recommend buying fast passes or priority tickets inside the parks, which cost extra but significantly reduce wait times. If you’re keen to experience the most rides, that might be worth considering to avoid long queues.

The time constraints are the main caveat. With Ferrari Land opening late and the park closing early evening, you might not get to fully enjoy every attraction unless you plan carefully and prioritize your must-rides.

Real Traveler Insights

Many reviews highlight the comfort of the bus service and the efficiency of pickups and drop-offs. One traveler said, “The bus was comfortable. Only time was not enough, that’s why it will be good to take priority tickets,” underlining how crowded parks can get and how quick the pace is.

Another reviewer appreciated the central meeting point, making it easy to find, but pointed out that timing is strict—“the bus leaves you if you don’t arrive on time,” they warned.

Comfort is generally good, but a few mention long waits for rides—a common theme in busy theme parks—and suggest buying express passes if you want to maximize your day.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day trip is ideal if you want the convenience of organized transportation, combined with access to two of Spain’s most popular parks. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a hassle-free experience, saving the stress of planning logistics themselves. If you’re a thrill-seeker, a fan of themed parks, or traveling with a group that wants to sample both Ferrari Land’s racing excitement and PortAventura’s diverse worlds, this tour covers a lot in one day.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or want to explore at your own speed, this might feel a bit rushed. The late opening of Ferrari Land and fixed departure times could limit your ability to do everything, especially if you’re arriving later in the day or if queues are long.

Overall, it’s a solid value for the price, offering a comprehensive park experience with the convenience of transport. Just plan ahead—prioritize rides, consider fast passes, and be punctual, and you’re likely to have a memorable day.

FAQ

Does this tour include lunch?
No, lunch and any additional services are not included, so it’s best to bring snacks or plan to buy food inside the parks.

What time does the tour start and end?
Departure is at 9:00 AM from Barcelona, arriving at PortAventura around 10:30 AM. The return trip departs at 6:30 PM (or 7:30 PM in peak months), arriving back in Barcelona around 8:00 or 9:00 PM.

Is Ferrari Land open during the entire day?
During the 2025-2026 season, Ferrari Land opens from 4:30 PM, so most of your time there will be in the late afternoon, limiting some rides unless you arrive early.

Do I need to buy fast passes?
While not included, many travelers find buying fast passes or priority tickets inside the park helps avoid long queues and experience more rides.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour itself isn’t explicitly marketed as family-specific, families with children who enjoy theme parks will find plenty to do, though some rides are intense.

What should I bring?
Bring cash, as well as any snacks, water, and entertainment for the long coach ride.

Is the meeting point easy to find?
Most reviews say yes—the Julia Travel Office is centrally located near Estació del Nord, but be sure to follow instructions carefully to avoid missing the bus.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Ferrari Land and PortAventura have some intense rides, so check specific ride requirements, and note that pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility issues might find some attractions challenging.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

If you’re after a full day of theme park fun with minimal fuss, this trip from Barcelona offers a good mix of thrills, shows, and convenience. Just plan well, arrive on time, and get ready for a memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: