Getting There & Away: Girona

Air Travel

Airports Serving Girona

Girona uses a local airport, but most international travelers use Barcelona's larger hub.

Airport Details

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): About 12.5 km southwest of Girona. Mainly serves low-cost airlines like Ryanair. Seasonal routes.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Spain's second-largest airport, 100 km south of Girona. Major international hub.
Airlines: GRO by Ryanair; BCN by global carriers (Iberia, Vueling, British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, etc.).

Flight Availability & Transfers

Direct flight options and transfer choices from airports.

Travel Considerations

Seasonal flight availability: More direct flights to GRO in summer. Prices rise significantly then.
Transfers from GRO to Girona: Sagalés bus (25-30 min, ~€3), taxi (~€25-€30), car rental.
Transfers from BCN to Girona: Train (AVE/Avant ~38 min; Regional ~1h 20m), Sagalés bus (~1h 30m, ~€19).

Affordable Flights

Use Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Flight Comparison

Compare flights on Skyscanner for options.

Car Rental Offers

Find car rentals on DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Facilities

Girona-Costa Brava GRO

Basic but functional facilities.
Car rental desks, a few cafes, duty-free shop, ATMs.
Smaller, quieter airport.

Barcelona-El Prat BCN

Extensive facilities across two terminals.
Numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, duty-free areas, lounges.
Car rental, currency exchange, pharmacies, on-site hotels.

Direct Flight Options

North America

Direct flights typically land at Barcelona (BCN) from major cities like New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto. No direct flights to GRO.

Asia/Middle East

Direct flights to BCN are present from hubs like Doha, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Europe

Numerous direct flights connect BCN to almost all major European cities. GRO also connects to many European cities, offering a budget-friendly alternative.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Girona is well-connected by rail, offering convenient options within Spain and to neighboring countries.

Renfe Connections

High-speed trains (AVE/Avant): Connects Barcelona with France. Girona to Barcelona Sants (approx. 38 min). Girona to Figueres-Vilafant (approx. 12 min).
Regional trains (Rodalies de Catalunya R11): Connects Girona with smaller Catalan towns and Barcelona (approx. 1h 20m).
Girona Train Station: Near the city center, adjacent to the main bus station.

Bus Services

Long-distance bus options are present for regional and international travel.

Bus Companies

Girona Bus Station: Central hub next to the train station.
Sagalés: Major operator for routes to Barcelona (airport and city), Costa Brava towns, and regional destinations.
FlixBus: International bus company for national cities and European destinations.

Self-Driving

Considerations for driving yourself in and around Girona.

Requirements & Roads

Requirements: Valid driving license. International Driving Permit (IDP) needed for non-EU/EEA licenses. Minimum driving age is 18, rental companies often 21/23.
Road conditions: Excellent network of highways (autopistas, often toll roads) and national roads (autovías/carreteras nacionales). Well-maintained and easy to navigate.
Tolls: Many autopistas are toll roads. Pay by cash or credit card.

Driving & Parking

Parking & Safety

Parking: Challenging and expensive in Old Quarter. Use underground garages outside the historic center (e.g., Parking Saba Estación Tren).
Road safety: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Strict drink-driving limits. No mobile phone use unless hands-free.
Border crossing (Spain-France): No routine border checks as both are Schengen Area members.

Sea & River Travel

Girona city has no seaport.
Nearest major port for ferries/cruises is Barcelona (100 km south).
Onyar River is not navigable for public transportation.

Immigration at seaports: Standard Schengen entry procedures if arriving from outside Schengen.
Connections from Barcelona port: Taxis, metro, buses to Barcelona Sants for train/bus to Girona.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Your departure involves standard airport procedures: check-in, security screening, and possibly customs.

Timing Recommendations

Domestic or Schengen flights: Arrive 1.5 - 2 hours before departure.
International flights (non-Schengen): Arrive 2 - 3 hours before departure.
Always check with your specific airline for their recommended arrival times.

Airport & Station Facilities

Amenities for departing travelers at Girona and Barcelona airports, and Girona station.

Available Services

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): Basic facilities, duty-free shop, cafe after security.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Extensive facilities including shops, restaurants, lounges, and clear signage.
Girona Train/Bus Station: Cafes, convenience shops, waiting areas, restrooms. Easy navigation.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes upon departure from Spain or the Schengen Area. These costs are typically part of your ticket price.

Departure Logistics

Consider traffic conditions or public transport schedules on your departure day.

Smooth Travel

This guide equips you with all necessary information for seamless travel to and from Girona, focusing on enjoying the destination.

Seamless Journey

Consider your starting point and desired travel style. If speed is a priority, high-speed trains are a choice. If budget is a main concern, low-cost flights and bus services present compelling alternatives.

Getting There & Away