What are the different modes of transport in barcelona?
Barcelona has a wide range of high-quality public and private transportation options, connecting all neighbourhoods in the city and the surrounding areas.
- Discover Catalunya by interurban bus
- How to park your scooter or motorbike to avoid fines
- Useful taxi apps
- To stay updated regarding temporary route changes, it's a good idea to check with the official transport authorities or use transportation apps for the latest information. Look out for announcements at transportation hubs too
Transport in Barcelona
Top Tips
- The ATM fare discount for T-usual and T-jove has been extended and will remain in effect throughout all of 2025. This means that the price of a T-usual for Zone 1 will stay at €22 and the price of a T-jove will be €44 for all six zones.
- New Renfe and Rodalies Fare Options for 2025
Transport in Barcelona: An Introduction
Whenever you walk through Barcelona, you don’t have to wander too far before you stumble across logos of different public transport companies. It can be quite challenging to get your head around public transport in Barcelona and even more so if you are an expat and don’t speak Spanish or Catalan.
To better understand the public transport in Barcelona, it is important to be familiar with the involved infrastructures and companies, especially when it comes to the metro and train.
TMB
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) is the main public transport operator in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
- TMB is the management unit of the following companies: Ferrocarril Metropolità de Barcelona, SA, and Transports de Barcelona, SA.
- Is the operator for the metro network. The metro runs every 2-4 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes at night.
- Is the operator for the bus network.
- Is managing the Montjuïc cable car.
- Is managing 'Bicing' Barcelona.
- The TMB app gives you quick and easy access to information for your journeys on public transport in Barcelona. Look up the quickest routes, timetables, operating hours, maps, alerts and even purchase transport tickets via the app.
Renfe
- Renfe is the Spanish, state-owned company.
- Is railway only.
- Runs Spain's superb high-speed AVEs and other mainline trains, as well as local and suburban trains nationwide.
Rodalies
- Rodalies de Catalunya is administered by the Government of Catalonia and operated by Renfe.
- Is responsible for suburban, main-commuter and regional rail systems in Catalonia.
- They have a Rodalies station at the airport (T2).
FGC
- FGC, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya is a Catalan railway company.
- It is the operator for the suburban trains and some metro lines.
- It has an excellent reputation.
The names of the lines and routes of each network follow a particular system to make it easier to identify and locate them on the map.
Local (simular to the metro).
Suburban.
Regional with many stops in the city.
ADIF
- ADIF (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias) is a Spanish, state-owned company.
- Is railway only.
- They are responsible for the construction of railway lines, their operation, and maintenance.
ATM
- The Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) is a public consortium intended to coordinate the operation and project the expansion of the public transport in Barcelona and surrounding areas. It is made up of the Government of Catalonia and other local administrations.
Transport lines metro, train & tram
It’s good to note that every operator has their own system when it comes to the numbers and colours of their different transport lines”
- L1 = Metro (TMB)
- S1 = Train (FGC)
- T1 = Tram
- R1 = Train (Rodalies)
It can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the routes and you can easily mix up the different operators. To avoid this, you should always check:
- the letters +
- the number +
- the logo of the operator.
Safety
Overall, Barcelona is a very safe place to live but like most large cities, pickpockets are rife, especially when using the public transport in Barcelona
What steps should I take if I lose something or have something stolen while using public transport in Barcelona?
If situations like these, tell the station staff or bus driver right away. They will do their best to assist and will point you in the right direction. If it’s something valuable, like your wallet or phone, you should report it to the police and get an official report. Also, check with the lost and found office for the metro or bus service (click here for Metro and bus, FGC or Rodalies). If you have lost important cards, like your ID or credit cards, you should contact the authorities and also your bank. Lastly, if you have a smartphone, use it’s features to track or lock it remotely.
Zones
The network for transport in Barcelona is divided in to zones:
- The entire city of Barcelona and some neighbouring towns are within Zone 1.
- Zones 2 to 6 cover surrounding towns and cities.
The further the distance from Barcelona, the higher the zone number and the higher the cost of the transport ticket.
Airport
Not all TMB tickets for Zone 1 and travel cards are valid to travel to the airport. Special Airport tickets are available for €5,70. Click here to read more about routes to the airport.
Limited mobility
Public transport in Barcelona is designed to be accessible for people with mobility challenges. The metro stations usually have elevators and escalators, and buses are equipped with ramps and have low floors for easy access. Trams and trains also provide accessibility features, like ramps and low floors. Taxis with ramps are available too, and you can book them in advance.
However, it’s a good idea to plan your route, check the specific accessibility features of each station, and contact the transport authorities for detailed information. The TMB app or website can also help you get real-time updates on accessibility features and station conditions.
Single transport tickets in Barcelona
With different transport companies active in Barcelona you have huge variations in tickets. Although, the different transport companies have their own ticket system, only applicable to their mode of transport. If you are a frequent traveller we recommend you to use the integrated ticket system of ATM.
Single tickets
A regular SINGLE ticket only works for one type of transportation, you can’t switch between different ones (e.g. from bus to metro). But, if you have a single metro ticket, you’re good to go! You can switch between different Metro lines as long as you don’t leave and try and re-enter through the gates.
You can purchase a single metro ticket with a bank card at a select number of stations E.G.: Sants Station. This is primarily aimed at tourists and occasional users, offering a quicker alternative to buying tickets from machines. While it is more expensive than regular transport cards, it simplifies access.
For more information on buying and validating single tickets on the bus or metro, click here.
- Children from 0-3 years old can travel for free within Barcelona.
- Always check the logos on your ticket - is it a ticket for all methods of transport within Barcelona or is it a ticket for only 1 type of transport?
- You can buy and validate the single bus ticket with a bank card on all TMB buses.
Integrated fare system of ATM
The integrated fare system of ATM means that you need just one transport ticket to make any journey that might involve different means of transport (metro; urban, metropolitan and interurban buses; tram; and the rail networks Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya and Rodalies de Catalunya).
Transport Metropolitan de Barcelona (TMB) offers travel cards to suit different needs. The most common ones are the single ticket, a 10-journey ticket (T-casual) or a monthly ticket (T-usual), all of which work on the metro, trains, buses and trams.
The price of the ticket varies depending on:
- the number of zones required;
- period of time or number of journeys required;
- your age;
- your personal situation (e.g. student, unemployed, big families).
T-mobilitat
T-mobilitat is the new digital card system for public transport in Barcelona province. It integrates the entire territory, all transport tickets and all operators. Within T-mobiltat you have different types of cards, please see the image below.
Besides the different types of cards within the T-mobiltat system, there are also different types of tickets. Below are the most common:
T-casual (10 journeys)
- A single-person ticket.
- 10 journeys.
- Any means of transport in the integrated system.
- Up to 3 validation during 1 h and 15 minutes after the 1st validation.
- Zone 1: €12.55, Zone 2: €24.65, Zone 3: €33.55, Zone 4: €43.15, Zone 5: €49.55, Zone 6: €52.70
- Only available with T-mobilitat (digital card system) and you can no longer buy the magnetic strip version.
T-usual (30 days)
Please note: there are special cards available at a reduced price for members of large families and single-parent families.
- A non-transferable single-person ticket.
- Unlimited number of journeys in 30 days.
- Any means of transport in the integrated system.
- Valid for 30 consecutive days as of the first use, for the number of zones purchased.
- Zone 1: €22, Zone 2: €29.65, Zone 3: €41.60, Zone 4: €50.90, Zone 5: €58.35, Zone 6: €62.55
- Must be accompanied by a valid official identification card of the holder.
- Only available with T-mobilitat (digital card system) and you can no longer buy the magnetic strip version.
T-familiar (8 journeys)
- A multi-person timed ticket.
- 8 journeys.
- Any means of transport in the integrated system.
- 30 consecutive days as of its first use and it allows to you to do up to three transfer validations during 1 h and 15 min after first validation.
- Zone 1: €11.05, Zone 2: €20.95, Zone 3: €29.70, Zone 4: €38.50, Zone 5: €44, Zone 6: €46.20
- Not valid for Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 metro stations on line L9 Sud.
- Only available with T-mobilitat (digital card system) and you can no longer buy the magnetic strip version.
T-jove (90 days)
- A non-transferable single-person ticket for users under 30.
- Unlimited number of journeys.
- All means of transport within the 6 zones within the integrated system.
- Valid for 90 consecutive days as of the first use, for the number of zones purchased.
- All zones: €44 (valid through 31st December 2025).
- Must be accompanied by a valid official identification card of the holder.
- To purchase these passes, you must have a Youth profile on your T-mobilitat account. This profile will be automatically assigned to users under the age of 30.
- Only available with T-mobilitat (digital card system) and you can no longer buy the magnetic strip version.
T-16
- A personalised travel card for minors (children and youths) between ages 4 and 16. The T-16 is valid until six months after the date of the adolescent's 16th birthday.
- An unlimited number of journeys free of charge in the residence fare zone of the minor. It is a different card from the usual T-mobilitat, and the T-16 can be read on the card. Is not allowed to top up other travel passes, only T-16.
- Processing fee: €4.50.
- The T-16 card is a personalised travel card bearing the name and National ID number/Foreigner ID number/Passport number/Family book of marriages, births and deaths.
- Only available with T-mobilitat (digital card system) and you can no longer buy the magnetic strip version.
Other type of tickets
As already mentioned, there are many different type of tickets. For example:
- groups
- large families
- passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility (and their accompany)
- people on low-incomes
If you would like to have more information about other types of tickets within the integrated fare system of ATM, please click on the link below.
You can also go to the website of Renfe & Rodalies of FCG to receive more information about their tickets system only applicable for their form of transportation.
Bicycles ot other large items
Foldable scooters are treated the same as foldable bikes when it comes to different means of transport in Barcelona. For buses, only foldable bikes are allowed, as long as they are folded. On the metro, foldable scooters are generally allowed, except during busy times on weekdays (07:00-9:30 and 17:00-20:30), though in practice, this rule is not strictly enforced. For FGC, Rodalies, and the Tram, both foldable scooters and bikes are allowed at all times.
Please keep in mind that electric scooters and wheels are not allowed on public transport in Barcelona.
Metro
The Barcelona metro system has 8 different lines and 165 stations, with carriages running regularly every day.
Two main operators, TMB and FGC, run the metro system.
Metro lines
Each metro line is identified with an ‘L’, followed by it’s own individual colour and number to simplify the process:
- TMB (red logo) and
- FGC (orange logo)
are the two logos you should look for in the street to find the entrance to a metro station.
Main stations
The main hubs for the metro system are:
- Plaça Catalunya
- Passeig de Gracia
- Plaça d’Espanya.
Tickets
- You can use any ticket purchased from the TMB.
- If you do not have a ticket, you should buy one from the ticket machines available because, in order to pass through the turnstiles, you must have your ticket stamped by the validating machine.
- Remember to validate your ticket at the turnstiles, or you could get a fine.
- All stops in Barcelona's metro network are in Zone 1. This means that even with a standard metro ticket, you can reach any metro station in the city.
Schedule
The final time refers to when the last train leaves the terminal station at each end of every metro line.
- From Monday to Thursday and midweek public holidays: from 05:00 to midnight
- Fridays and the nights before public holidays: from 05:00 to 02:00
- Saturdays: start at 5.00 hours, continuous service throughout Saturday to Sunday night
- Sundays: continuous service throughout Saturday to Sunday night: ends at 24.00 on Sunday
- 24th December: from 05:00 to 23:00
- 31st December: continuous service throughout New Year's Eve
Funicular
The funicular of Barcelona operates like a metro with two stops: Parallel and Parc de Montjuïc, located on the mountain, which then links up with the cable car.
- You can use any ticket purchased from the TMB.
- Remember to validate your ticket at the turnstiles, or you could get a fine.
Tickets
Montjuïc Cable Car (Telefèric de Montjuïc)
- Avinguda de Miramar, 30, 08038 Barcelona.
- The route starts at the Parc Montjuïc stop, from where the cable car goes directly to Montjuïc Castle with no stops in-between. The return journey includes an optional stop at the Mirador de l’Alcalde or Mayor's viewpoint and ends at Parc Montjuïc.
- Running every day of the week. From January-February: 10 am to 6 pm. From March-May: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. From June-September: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm. In October: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. From November-December: 10 am to 6 pm. On 25th December, 1st and 6th January the service will run from 10 am to 2:30 pm
- Single ticket: adult €11, child (4 to 12 years) €9. Return: adult €17, child (4 to 12 years) €12. Children under 4 years travel for free.
- One way ticket, sold only at the ticket office.
- 24th December: 05:00 to 23:00.
- 31st December: continuous service throughout New Year's Eve.
Tram
Another method of transport in Barcelona is the tram. There are 2 main tram lines in Barcelona, with 56 stops in total. Both are very well maintained and quiet compared to other methods of transport in the city.
Trambaix (T1, T2, T3)
Which runs from Francesc Macià to the towns of Sant Just Desvern, Sant Joan Despí, Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Cornellà.
Trambesòs (T4, T5, T6)
Which links Sant Adrià de Besòs and Badalona to Barcelona.
Tickets
- You can use any ticket purchased from the TMB.
- Monday to Thursday from 5 am to midnight. Friday, Saturday and the evenings before public holidays from 5 am to 2 am. Sundays from 5 am to midnight.
- Remember to validate your ticket, or you could get a fine.
Tramvia Blau
The Tramvia Blau is temporarily closed for modernisation works on its infrastructure.
The equivalent journey can be made via Avinguda Tibidabo as far as Plaça Doctor Andreu using bus route 196, which operates daily between 07:30 and 22:00.
Trains
Trains run along the Costa Brava to Blanes, to the airport, along the coast via Castelldefels and Sitges all the way to Tarragona. All of these lines meet in Barcelona, where they travel underground and are integrated into the public transport network. There are also underground connections between the stations of the Metro, Rodalies, Renfe and FGC.
The city’s current main terminal train station is Barcelona Sants.
important to know
There are different operators, with different platforms, tracks and stations .
Tickets
- Remember to validate your ticket or you could get a fine.
- Remember to keep your ticket until you have left the station.
New Renfe and Rodalies Fare Options for 2025
As of 1st July 2025, Renfe has replaced the free passes with discounted monthly and multi-ride options for Rodalies and Media Distancia trains:
- Rodalies:
- Monthly pass for all zones: €20
- Youth pass (born 1999–2010): €10
- 10-trip pass: Price depends on zone, valid for one year
- Children (born 2011–2025): Free
- Media Distancia:
- Monthly pass: 40% discount
- Youth pass (born 1999–2010): 70% discount
- 10-trip pass: 40% discount, usable by multiple people and valid for one year
- Children (born 2011–2025): Free
These passes can be bought up to 15 days before their start date, which can be selected at the time of purchase.
Urban buses
The buses in Barcelona operate on over 100 routes and connect all of the city’s districts and surrounding areas.
Buses in Barcelona are highly efficient and easy to use, they are adapted for people with reduced mobility and information regarding the next stops and transfers is provided inside the vehicles.
Buses usually run from 5 am-10 pm and the running times and frequency of service are shared at the bus stops.
Bus Etiquette
- Buses must be entered through the front door and exited using the back doors.
- Wave; you have to make it clear to the driver that you want to get on the bus, otherwise you will have a chance that the bus will not stop.
- Press on the stop button if you want to leave the bus.
Tickets
- You can use any ticket purchased from the TMB.
- You can buy and validate the single bus ticket with a bank card on all TMB buses.
- Remember to validate your ticket or you could get a fine.
Letters & colours
Diagonally and use numbers 20, 40 and 50. For example, route D20 connects Passeig Marítim with Carrer d’Ernest Lluch.
Llobregat-Besòs direction. The even numbers in the route name indicate whether they run closer to the mountain (lower numbers) or to the sea (higher numbers).
Night bus.
Both ways between the sea and the mountain. The odd numbers in the name indicate whether they run closer to the Llobregat (V3) or the Besòs (V27) rivers.
X are express buses.
Llobregat-Besòs routes
Sea-mountain routes
Diagonal routes.
Night-bus Service
Barcelona also has a night bus service (Nit Bus) which serves most of the city and its suburban area. You can identify the night buses with the letter N on the front (for example, N12). The night bus service usually starts around 10 pm and ends between 5 am – 6 am. They all stop at or depart from Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya.
Dual destination
Dual destination lines finish at two different destinations. This means that the place they start is the same, but some buses follow the complete route (longer), while others take shorter trajectories and the route ends a few stops earlier.
Double stops
This is a stop where two buses may simultaneously let passengers on and off. Double stops can shorten the time the buses are halted, and hence reduce the total time of the route.
A double stop consists of a central section, formed by one or two bus shelters, and two posts that indicate the two different stopping points. These posts indicate number 1 or 2 as applicable.
The first bus reaching the bus stop halts at stopping point 1, for as long as this is possible. If another bus arrives when stopping point 1 is occupied, this bus halts and lets on passengers at stopping point 2. The bus that halts at stopping point 2 will not halt again at stopping point 1 and continue its route, except in the case of blind passengers. If a blind passenger wants to get on this bus, it will halt at stopping point 1, even though it has already stopped at point 2.
Neighbourhood lines (bus de barri)
Which offer short local journeys within the neighbourhoods.
Bus on demand
This service seeks to make it easier for the city’s residents to move around certain neighbourhoods, taking into account their specific needs and the times at which they travel.
Suburban buses
The suburban bus service connects Barcelona with the rest of the municipalities in the metropolitan area: Badalona, Barcelona, Castelldefels, Cervelló, Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Gavà, Les Botigues de Sitges, l’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Molins de Rei, Montcada I Reixac, Montgat, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Sant Climent de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Sant Just Desvern, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Tiana and Viladecans.
Interurban and international buses
The Barcelona Nord Bus Station is the central hub for the arrival and departure of buses from the city of Barcelona to different destinations, both national and international.
At this station you will find many of the interurban bus companies that connect Barcelona with other municipalities in Catalonia such as: Moventis, Sagalés and Teisa.
Taxis
- Taxis in Barcelona are yellow and black, with a green light on top indicating if they are free.
- However, there are private taxi companies such as Cabify where you can book beforehand online.
- You can take a taxi from any of the 300 taxi ranks or you can book one by phoning any of the taxi firms via the free app.
Taxi fares in Barcelona
Taxi fares in Barcelona are quite cheap compared to other major European cities but this does depend on the time of day and whether or not it is a public holiday. There are additional fees for luggage and for trips to and from the airport, cruise-ship terminal and Fira Barcelona.
Fares are displayed on the taximeter, and are usually charged per kilometre.
You can usually pay by credit card or cash, but it’s always better to have some cash on you just in case.
Taxi apps
- Free Now: with 'Free Now' you can order a taxi instantly to your door or make a reservation for up to four days prior. Booking a taxi has never been easier! You can even keep track of its progress in real time and save time by paying via the app.
- Smou: Smou is the Barcelona app that helps you to get around, providing access to information and mobility services to make it easy for you to move around the city.
Cycling in Barcelona
Barcelona is an extremely bicycle-friendly city with numerous bicycle paths. There are also many bike parking stands, signage, traffic lights, and lane dividers to protect you from motorists.
Cycling is part of the solution for more urban mobility in Barcelona. The city council of Barcelona is increasing the bike network, developing a strategic plan for secure bike parking in the city and studying the addition of more electric bikes. Why not cycle and be part of the environmentally friendly solution!
Bicing
Bicing is an urban bicycle-sharing company operating in Barcelona. Residents with a yearly membership can simply swipe their card at a Bicing station to unlock and use a bicycle. They have different tariff plans, starting with €35,00 a year.
Ambici
AMBici is the ELECTRIC bicycle sharing service available in 15 municipalities within the Barcelona metropolitan area. They have different tariff plans, starting with €40,00 a year.
Cycling blogs
Bike rental in Barcelona
SWAPFIETS 
- mobility rental , micro mobility, bike rental, circularity
Kleta Mobility
- bike, e-bike, subscription, movility, lifestyle, all included, healthy
Cars
Anyone over 18 with a valid driving license from their home country can legally drive in Spain for a short period of time. For Non-EU/EEA citizens, this applies for the first six months after moving to Spain and gaining residency. For EU/EEA nationals, it’s two years.
The motorways (autopistes and autovies) are the fastest way of getting to Barcelona. Along each motorway there will be toll roads identified by their blue signs.
Alternative routes to get around Catalonia involve using county and national roads, although these are generally slower. County roads can be identified by the letter C, national roads by an N and local roads by an E.
Tip: For Brits, remember that in Spain you must drive on the right-hand side of the road!
Blogs related to cars
Car hire & parking
Scooters & Motorbikes
Scooters and motorbikes (more commonly known as ‘motos’) are another popular method of transport in Barcelona. The general rules regarding licences are the same as those for cars.
However, there are stricter rules when it comes to parking, for example when it is not possible to park in the street and where there is not specific signage prohibiting it, you can park on the pavement only under these certain conditions.
Electric scooters and wheels
- Electric scooters and wheels are not allowed in public transport in Barcelona.
- It is obligatory to wear a helmet when riding electric scooters.
- It is not allowed to circulate on pavements, except where specific spaces exist for this.
Scooter rental services
Cruise ships & ferries
Port Vell in Barcelona is the largest cruise ship port in the Mediterranean, with seven international passenger terminals and four ferry terminals.
It has links to the Balearic Islands and other major Mediterranean ports. Ferries leave daily for the Balearic Islands, and there are also direct links with various ports on the Italian coast and Tangiers.
Balearic Islands
Italy
North Africa
Public Transport
All terminals have good connections with the city’s public transport network. In particular, the T3 PORTBUS shuttle takes cruise passengers from Plaza de Colón in central Barcelona to terminals A, B, C and D on the Adossat wharf. Ticket prices are €3 for a single and €4.50 for a round-trip ticket.
Barcelona Airport
Barcelona International Airport (also known as El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto) is the closest and busiest airport to Barcelona city centre.
The 2 other airports nearby are Girona and Reus which are approximately 120km outside Barcelona.
El Prat, T1 and T2
Barcelona Airport consists of two terminals located at a 4 km distance from each other:
- Terminal 1 (newest, biggest and the main terminal)
- Terminal 2
In-between terminal transfers are handled via free shuttles. The shuttle buses frequently run, departing every 5-10 minutes and reaching their destination in approximately 10 minutes.
How to get at El Prat?
Taxi
Taking a taxi from the airport is a low cost and convenient way to get to the city centre, especially if you’re travelling in a large group or you have a lot of luggage. You will be able to find a taxi rank outside any of the main terminal exits.
The RENFE train
The RENFE train will take you from Barcelona airport directly to the city centre where you can change for the metro system at either Barcelona Sants (Sants Estació) or Passeig de Gràcia stations. The train station is based at T2 in-between T2A and T2B.
L9 Metro
You can also get to the airport via the L9 metro line. There are two stops at Barcelona airport which are called: Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2. Not all TMB tickets and travel cards are valid. Special Airport tickets are available for €5,15.
Aerobús
Another option is to take the Aerobús, the official shuttle bus service which connects Barcelona Airport T1 & T2 to Plaça España or Plaça de Catalunya in the city centre. You can either purchase tickets online beforehand or when you get on the bus, prices are €6,75 for a single or €11,65 for a return ticket.
TMB bus No.46
The TMB bus no.46 bus travels from the city centre, stopping first at T2 and then continuing on to T1. The big advantage of using this bus is that you don’t have to purchase a special ticket and you can use the T-Casual ticket.
Public transport in Barcelona for tourists
Hola Barcelona Travel card
With the transport passes offering unlimited travel for 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours, you’ll be able to get around the city and its surrounding area and save yourself time and money.
Barcelona card
This offers free entry to more than 25 museums and cultural spaces and unlimited public transport for 3, 4 or 5 days (including the train and/or metro to Barcelona Airport). Also, you can get access to more than 70 discounts on tours, entertainment, shows and other services.
Barcelona Digital Pass
The Barcelona Pass includes the Sagrada Família ticket, Park Güell ticket, access to the Barcelona Bus Turistic and a 10% discount code for other attractions.
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