Directbus to Barcelona Airport Sees 10% Passenger Surge Amid Free Transport Boom

Bartumeu Gabriel, manager of Autocars Nadal, has reported a 10% rise in passengers on the Directbus service linking Andorra to Barcelona Airport over the last two years. He attributed the growth to economic advantages over driving, citing fuel costs, expensive airport parking, worsening Barcelona traffic, and emission rules barring older cars.

Speaking at the launch of a user satisfaction survey for the Exprés and L1 lines, Gabriel highlighted pressures on the National Bus Station from expanding international routes, including Directbus run with Grup Julià. He urged expansion within two to three years to avoid overcrowding, as bus promotion drives higher demand.

The December 2-15, 2025, survey drew 132 responses—65% from on-site interviews and 35% via QR codes on buses. Satisfaction reached 92.68%, a marked jump from 77% in 2024. Free public transport continues reshaping mobility: 87.80% of users cited the unlimited pass as a way to avoid parking hassles and private vehicle expenses, while 78.05% said they drive less since fares were scrapped—a figure rising yearly. Around 32.93% are new riders, mostly former drivers; the remaining 67.07% were existing customers.

Timetables earned 4.09 out of 5, up from 3.55 last year, though peak demand—especially L1 shifts around work and school times—poses challenges. Gabriel noted extra buses are already in place, with plans for one more during morning peaks and afternoon school runs, despite unpredictable factors like bad weather. Itineraries scored 4.34, driver courtesy 4.28, but vehicle condition slipped to 3.95, prompting needs for improved cleaning and upkeep.

Users called for more Catalan from drivers, a priority in a contest for service ideas. Núria Peix won a smartwatch for her proposal; her husband, Carles Iriarte, collected it. Gabriel pledged to emphasize the official language in training, as 30% of the firm's 35 drivers are non-EU hires requiring adjustment. The stable staff, unaffected by entry/exit systems, scales for school terms.

Gabriel said the government and company are examining bus lanes for reliability, but coordination remains tricky amid traffic changes. Autocars Nadal has no intentions for additional long-haul international services or a Girona direct route.