PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land Day Trip from Barcelona

If you’re dreaming of a fun-filled day at Europe’s most exciting theme parks, the PortAventura and Ferrari Land day trip from Barcelona might catch your eye. While it promises a seamless way to enjoy two of Spain’s top amusement destinations in one day, it’s worth digging into the details before you commit. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve experienced the tour firsthand to give you a clear picture of what it’s really like.

What we love about this experience is the convenience—round-trip transport from Barcelona makes it easier to focus on having fun without worrying about logistics. Plus, you get to explore more than 40 rides at PortAventura, including record-breaking roller coasters, and then dive into the adrenaline rush at Ferrari Land with its signature vertical accelerator, Red Force.

However, a potential drawback is the inconsistency in transport quality and timing, as some travelers have faced delays and uncomfortable buses. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling on a tight schedule or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour suits anyone eager for a full day of adventure, especially those who want to visit two major parks without the hassle of navigating transit on their own. Families, thrill-seekers, or groups looking for a lively escape from the city will find much to enjoy here—but do note the importance of punctuality if you want to maximize your park time.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit both PortAventura and Ferrari Land in a single day, saving time and effort.
• Transport included: Round-trip air-conditioned coach makes travel between Barcelona and the parks straightforward.
• Park flexibility: Explore at your own pace, with tickets included for both parks.
• Long day: Expect around 11.5 hours from start to finish, so pack snacks and be prepared for a full schedule.
• Mixed reviews on transport: While many found the coach comfortable and punctual, some experienced delays and discomfort.
• Ideal for thrill-seekers: Features Europe’s highest roller coaster and fastest vertical accelerator, appealing to adrenaline lovers.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour is designed to make your day as smooth as possible. You’ll meet in central Barcelona at Julià Travel’s location early in the morning, around 9:00 am, and hop onto an air-conditioned bus heading towards PortAventura Park. The journey takes approximately an hour and a half, giving you time to relax and get excited for the day ahead.

Once at PortAventura, you get admission tickets included, allowing you to enter the six themed areas—Mediterrània, Polynesia, SésamoAventura, China, México, and Far West. Each zone offers its own flavor, from exotic rides to western adventures, so you can tailor your day to your interests.

At PortAventura Park

The highlight here is the chance to try some of Europe’s most notable roller coasters, including Dragon Khan (famous for its intense loops), Furius Baco (a rapid acceleration ride), and Shambhala, which claims the title of Europe’s tallest coaster. The park also features water attractions like Angkor and Tutuki Splash to help cool off if the weather gets hot. With over 40 rides, you’ll find plenty to keep your adrenaline levels high or your more relaxed side satisfied.

Most travelers, like Kelarney_M, enjoyed the variety and found the park to be well-organized, with friendly staff and good value. “Enjoyed both of the parks,” they said, highlighting the overall positive experience.

Transition to Ferrari Land

After about five hours of park fun, you’ll head over to Ferrari Land, which is right next door. Home to Europe’s tallest and fastest vertical accelerator, Red Force, which reaches speeds of 112 mph (180 kph) in just 5 seconds, Ferrari Land is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. You can also enjoy a Ferrari riding track, experience F1 racing simulations, and explore other attractions themed around Ferrari’s racing legacy.

One traveler, Anthony_W, mentioned that the experience was “great and easy,” especially if you’re into speed and cars. The park spans 70,000 square meters, packed with adrenaline-pumping options for visitors of all ages.

The Downsides

While many reviews praise the parks and overall organization, some travelers have expressed frustration with transport issues. James_B noted, “transport was terrible,” citing long lines, broken seats on the bus, and discomfort. Madeleine_G pointed out the delay in the return trip, which extended well beyond the scheduled time, impacting plans for the evening.

A recurring concern is queuing times—long lines at rides and the absence of maps or guides can make the day feel overwhelming, especially during peak season. Tyneka_F advised, “Get the express pass,” which suggests that lines can be lengthy and patience is needed.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This trip is ideal for adventure lovers who want to maximize fun in a single day without worrying about transportation logistics. Families with kids who love theme parks will appreciate the mix of rides and attractions, but be prepared for long lines and a busy schedule. If you’re a thrill-seeker craving Europe’s tallest coaster, Ferrari Land will deliver. However, if comfort and punctuality are your top priorities, you might find some of the transport issues less appealing.

The Practical Details

The tour departs from Barcelona at 9:00 am, reaching PortAventura around 10:30 am. You get around 5 hours 45 minutes in each park, giving ample time to explore, ride, and enjoy. The return trip leaves at 6:30 pm, with an estimated arrival back in Barcelona at 8:00 pm—though some reviews report delays, especially during busy months like July and August.

Tickets include round-trip transportation and admission to both parks, making this a convenient choice for those who don’t want to buy tickets separately. Keep in mind, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at the park. Also, express service options may be available at the ticket office, but check conditions on the day.

The tour is run by Julia Travel S.L and can accommodate up to 70 travelers, which means it’s a decent-sized group but not overcrowded.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an action-packed day with minimal planning, this tour offers a lot of value. The convenience of included transportation and entry makes it an attractive option for those wanting to squeeze in two top parks without the hassle of navigating public transit or parking.

That said, be prepared for the possibility of delays and crowded rides—especially during peak season. Long queues and inconsistent transport quality have been noted by some travelers, so patience and flexible expectations are key.

This trip works best for adventure enthusiasts, families with children who enjoy theme parks, and anyone seeking an efficient way to experience PortAventura and Ferrari Land in one go. If comfort and punctuality are critical for you, consider whether the potential for delays fits your travel style.

Is transportation included in this tour? Yes, round-trip air-conditioned coach transportation from Barcelona to the parks is included, making it convenient to travel without worries about public transit.

Can I explore the parks at my own pace? Absolutely. The tickets give you free rein to enjoy each park at your leisure within the allotted time.

How long do we spend at each park? Expect around 5 hours 45 minutes at each park, which should give you plenty of time to experience the main rides and attractions.

Are there any dining options included? No, lunch is not included in the package. You’ll need to bring snacks or buy food at the parks, where prices can be high.

Is this tour suitable for families? It can be, especially for kids who love rides, but be aware of long lines and busy days. Punctuality is important since the return depends on timely departure.

What if I want to skip the lines on rides? The tour mentions the possibility of buying express passes at the park, but availability and conditions vary. Check at the ticket office on the day for options.

In the end, this day trip offers an exciting opportunity to tick off two of Spain’s top theme parks in one go, with the convenience of organized transport and tickets. Just keep in mind the potential for delays and long queues, plan accordingly, and you’ll likely have a memorable day of thrills.