Barcelona's city council has approved a plan to triple the cost that cruise passengers pay for day trips to the city, raising the levy from €8 to €24 per passenger. Combined with a €6 regional tourist tax already applicable to visitors spending less than 12 hours in Barcelona, the total cost to set foot in the Catalan capital will rise to €30 per person, approximately £26.
Mayor's Strategy to Slash Cruise Tourism
The tax hike is part of Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni's broader strategy to reduce cruise tourism, according to cruise news outlet Deep Arrival. The city welcomed around 16 million visitors in 2025, including 3.99 million cruise passengers. Campaigners argue that such influx strains public services and causes overcrowding during peak summer months.
The increase is designed to discourage cruises from visiting the city altogether, rather than simply reducing overall numbers. In July 2025, the council approved a gradual increase over four years, but trade publications suggest the timeline could be accelerated, with higher charges possibly implemented as early as 2027.
Exemptions and Impact on Different Cruise Types
Cruises that begin or end in Barcelona will not face the increased fee, as these sailings are considered to have a positive economic impact compared to day trips. A sustainability report on cruise tourism revealed that day trippers spend an average of just 5.7 hours in the city, mostly visiting popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Last year, Barcelona reduced the number of cruise terminals from seven to five and began rerouting larger cruise ships away from central ports, which now prioritize smaller vessels and local marine traffic.
Broader Tourist Tax Increases in Barcelona
Beyond cruise passengers, general accommodation tourist taxes also rose on April 1, making Barcelona's fees among the highest in Europe. Visitors now pay both a regional and municipal surcharge, resulting in a total tourist tax ranging from €7 to €12 per person per night (approximately £6 to £10.38).
The moves reflect growing efforts by Barcelona to manage tourism's impact on the city's infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
