The station opened in 1926, when both the metro line L1 platforms, on the initial section of L1 between Bordeta and Catalunya stations, and the upper level FGC platforms opened. In 1929 the station served the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition held nearby.[1][6]
The metro line L3 platforms were added in 1975, on the then separate line L3b between Paral·lel and Sants stations. The platforms became served by the L3 proper in 1982, when the L3 and L3b were merged into a single through service.[7]
In 1997, two lower-level platforms were added to the FGC part of the station, aligned in anticipation of future eastern extension of the FGC lines.[1]
Station layout
The station complex comprises three sets of platforms, serving three different sets of lines on three different track gauges. All three sets of platforms are connected by pedestrian subways to each other, and to various street entrances in the square and its surrounding streets.[6] The sets of platforms are:
The Llobregat–Anoia Line uses four metre gauge terminal tracks located under Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes at its intersection with Plaça Espanya. The four tracks are at two different levels. The tracks on the upper level are served by a pair of 159-metre-long (522 ft) side platforms, whilst the tracks on the lower level are served by an island platform. The four terminal tracks converge, west of the station, into a single pair of tracks carrying all train services.[1][8]
Barcelona Metro line 1 (L1) uses a pair of through Iberian gauge tracks located directly below Plaça Espanya. These tracks are served by a pair of 92-metre-long (302 ft) side platforms. Previously, there had existed a third terminal track and platform, allowing trains from the city center to terminate at the station.[6][8]
Barcelona Metro line 3 (L3) uses a pair of through standard gauge tracks located beneath Paral·lel Avenue, between Plaça Espanya and Carrer Llançà. These tracks are served by a pair of 94-metre-long (308 ft) side platforms.[7][8]
Accesses
The interchange station has the following entrances:[1][6][7]
Carrer de Tarragona
Avinguda Paral·lel
Exposició (located in front of Fira de Barcelona's trade fair venue in Plaça d'Espanya)
FGC (located in the southwestern side of Plaça d'Espanya)
Carrer de la Creu Coberta
Photo gallery
View of the platforms at the L1 station.
One of the platforms of the L3 station.
The lower-level platform of the Llobregat–Anoia Line station.
(located in the southwestern side of Plaça d'Espanya)
View of the platforms at the L1 station.
One of the platforms of the L3 station.
The lower-level platform of the Llobregat–Anoia Line station.
Media related to Barcelona Plaça Espanya train station at Wikimedia Commons
