FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) scores higher overall at 7.6/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport leads on lounges at 8.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Barcelona El Prat Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.6 7.4
On-Time Performance 7.4 7.2
Passenger Experience 7.5 7.3
Facilities & Comfort 7.9 7.8
Lounge Score 7.4 8.2
City Barcelona Paris
Country Spain France
Terminals 2 terminals (T1 Schengen, T2 non-Schengen) 3 terminals (T1, T2A–2G, T3)
Annual passengers 50M+ 67M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy BCN — Barcelona CDG — Paris
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Barcelona, Spain · BCN · #1 in this comparison

Barcelona El Prat Airport

2 terminals (T1 Schengen, T2 non-Schengen) · 50M+ passengers/year

7.6 / 10

How good is Barcelona El Prat Airport?

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4), passenger experience (7.5), and facilities (7.9). Lounge quality rates 7.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Barcelona BCN scores 7.6/10 on FlightLogic — Spain's #2 airport and top UK–Catalonia gateway. T1/T2 split for Schengen. Aeroport train to city ~25 min. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain-2026 and /guides/barcelona-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.6 Very Good
On-time 7.4 Departure reliability
Experience 7.5 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.5
Facilities & Comfort
7.9
Lounge score 7.4/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to Barcelona, Costa Brava, and Pyrenees ski transfers
  • Dense UK schedule — BA, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and regional bases
  • Aena lounge and Priority Pass options in T1; allow time for terminal split on Schengen vs non-Schengen
  • EU261 applies on EU departures — UK261 on UK-return flights

Overview

Spain's second-busiest airport and the primary UK gateway to Catalonia — Vueling and Ryanair hub with dense BA, easyJet, and Jet2 schedules from London and regional UK.

UK routes and airlines

British Airways, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair operate multiple daily frequencies from London and Manchester. Vueling (IAG) offers Avios earning on select fares — useful for BA collectors routing UK–Spain.

Compare BCN against Palma (/airports/palma) for Balearics holidays and Málaga (/airports/malaga) for Costa del Sol — Barcelona wins on city breaks and northern Spain access.

Paris, France · CDG · #2 in this comparison

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2A–2G, T3) · 67M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.2/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Paris CDG is rated 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.2/10. Air France dominates Terminal 2 with extensive Business and La Première lounges. Schengen and non-Schengen transfers may require immigration — allow 90+ minutes for connections. UK261 does not apply; EU261 may apply on EU departures.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.2 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.2/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 is the main hub — sub-terminals 2E/2F for long-haul, 2G for Schengen regional
  • Air France La Première and Business lounges among Europe's largest airline clubs
  • CDGVAL automated train links T1, T2, and T3 landside — not all T2 sub-terminals connect airside
  • Common UK connection point for Africa, Indian Ocean, and French overseas territories

Overview

Air France and SkyTeam mega-hub — sprawling terminal 2 complex with strong premium lounges but connection walks can be long.

Terminal 2 and Air France lounges

Air France operates multiple lounges across Terminal 2E and 2F — the Business lounge near Hall L in 2E is the main long-haul hub. La Première has a private salon for first class passengers.

SkyTeam elite and business class passengers access AF lounges on qualifying itineraries. Priority Pass options exist but are limited compared to airline clubs.

FAQ

Which is better, Barcelona El Prat Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) scores higher overall at 7.6/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport leads on lounges at 8.2/10.

Which has better lounges, BCN or CDG?

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) scores higher for lounges at 8.2/10, versus Barcelona El Prat Airport at 7.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, BCN or CDG?

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) has stronger on-time performance at 7.4/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.2/10.