How to Get to Cadaques. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Flight Routes

Major Airports Serving Cadaqués

Cadaqués lacks its own airport. The nearest airports:

Regional Air Hubs

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): About 80 km (50 miles) south, mainly for low-cost airlines.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): About 170 km (105 miles) south, major international hub.
Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF), France: About 90 km (56 miles) north, limited European connections.

Airline Connections & Options

Flight frequency and pricing shift by season.

Flight Details

GRO: Ryanair dominant, routes mostly European cities.
BCN: Vast array of international airlines, direct flights worldwide.
Seasonal access: More frequent in peak summer, reduced in low season.

Barcelona Airport BCN

Large, modern airport with extensive dining, shopping, car rental, currency exchange, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Girona Airport GRO

Smaller with more basic facilities, car rental desks, cafes, and a few shops. Free Wi-Fi available.

Perpignan Airport PGF

Very basic amenities, mainly serving Ryanair and Transavia with seasonal connections.

Transfers to Cadaqués

From Barcelona-El Prat BCN

Bus + Bus: Aerobus/RENFE to Barcelona Sants, then train to Figueres, then local bus to Cadaqués.
Car Rental: Rent at airport, drive about 2-2.5 hours. Maximum flexibility for exploration.
Private Transfer: Pre-booked door-to-door, most convenient, also most expensive.
Total travel time: Approx. 3-4 hours by public transport.

From Girona-Costa Brava GRO

Bus + Bus: Bus from Girona Airport to Girona city, then local bus to Figueres, then bus to Cadaqués.
Car Rental: Rent at Girona Airport, drive about 1.5 hours. Often the most direct route.
Taxi/Private Transfer: Direct option, but expensive due to distance.
Total travel time: Approx. 2.5-3.5 hours by public transport.

Land Transportation Notes

Border Crossing

Cadaqués is close to the French border. Within the Schengen Area, no routine border checks occur. Carry your passport or national ID card, as random checks happen.

Train Connections

No direct train line to Cadaqués. The closest station is Figueres (high-speed Figueres Vilafant or regional Figueres). From Figueres, take a bus or taxi to Cadaqués.

Bus Services

Sarfa/Moventis is the main coach operator for Cadaqués, connecting to Figueres, Roses, Girona, and Barcelona. Buy tickets online, at stations, or from the driver (for local routes).

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

Driving inside Spain has its own set of rules.

Requirements

Valid driving license; International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU/EEA licenses.
Credit card for deposit, which can be substantial.
Minimum age for rental usually 21 (some companies 25), with surcharge for under 25.

Cadaqués Road Conditions

Navigating the routes to Cadaqués and within Cap de Creus merits caution.

Local Road Details

Roads leading to Cadaqués (GI-614) are winding and challenge inexperienced drivers.
Final stretch into Cadaqués involves many curves; roads are well-maintained.
Parking in Cadaqués is limited and expensive, especially in summer.

Driving Laws & Safety

Adhering to Spanish driving laws promotes safety.

Legal and Safety Points

Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts mandatory for all.
Speed limits strictly enforced; many speed cameras.
Watch for cyclists and pedestrians, especially on smaller roads.

Sea & River Access

Cadaqués thrives as a coastal town, but it doesn't serve as a major international port.

Maritime Connectivity

Cadaqués harbor suits small to medium-sized vessels.
Local ferry services from Roses or Empuriabrava offer scenic day trips.
No regular passenger ferry lines connect Cadaqués to major cities or countries.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes levied on tourists departing Spain.
Departing From the airports: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights (BCN), 1.5-2 hours for Schengen flights.
Bus Departures: Arrive at the bus station 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure.

BCN: Full range of facilities, duty-free, restaurants, lounges.
GRO: More basic facilities (cafes, shops, check-in).
Figueres/Girona Bus Stations: Basic waiting areas, some with kiosks.

Departure Timing

Cadaqués to BCN

Journey time from Cadaqués to Barcelona Airport can be significant.

Journey Considerations

Approximately 3-4 hours by public transport.
Approximately 2-2.300 minutes by car.
Traffic could influence travel time, especially during peak season.

Cadaqués to GRO

Planning your departure to Girona Airport.

Travel Time Insights

Approximately 1.5 hours by car.
Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours by public transport.
Factor in travel time when organizing your arrival at the airport.

Smooth Check-in

Always check your airline's specific recommendations for check-in and gate closure times.

Overnight Stay

For early flights from Barcelona or Girona, consider staying the night near the airport to avoid a right at the beginning start from Cadaqués.

Reduced Stress

An overnight stay near the airport prior to departure helps reduce travel stress for early flights.

Sea Transport Details

Ferry & Cruise Ship Information

Cadaqués is a coastal town but does not serve as a major port for an overseas ferry or cruise ship arrivals. Its maritime connections are mainly local and recreational.

Local Maritime Connections

Cadaqués harbor suits small to medium-sized vessels.
Small local boat services operate from nearby Roses or Empuriabrava.
These services generally have scenic day trips to Cadaqués, not main transport.

River and Immigration

Cadaqués' location dictates its water-based transport options.

Waterway and Border Notes

Cadaqués, on the Mediterranean Sea, is without a navigable river. River transport does not apply.
Immigration procedures are not applicable for direct international arrivals to Cadaqués.
If arriving by cruise ship/ferry at a major Spanish port (e.g., Barcelona), standard immigration applies there.

Sea-to-Land Connections

Central Drop-off

Local boat services generally drop off passengers at the main Cadaqués port. This location finds itself centrally positioned.

Easy Access

From the port, most accommodations, restaurants, and the town center are a short walk away.

Local Transit

Access to the local bus or a taxi are a short distance from the port area if further transport is needed.

Booking Insight

For the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, pre-booking your visit far ahead is absolutely necessary, as slots fill quickly.

How to Get to Cadaques