Getting There & Away: Figueres

Air Travel

Major Airports

Figueres connects to major international and regional airports.

Airport Details

Girona-Costa Brava (GRO): ~50km south. Low-cost airline hub, quicker processing.
Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): ~150km south. Major international airport, extensive connections.
Perpignan-Rivesaltes (PGF): ~50km north (France). Smaller regional airport for French/European routes.

Airlines & Flights

Various airlines operate from these airports, catering to different travel needs.

Flight Information

GRO: Ryanair dominant for European cities.
BCN: Iberia, Vueling, British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta, American Airlines for global hubs.
PGF: Ryanair, Transavia France, Volotea for French/selected European destinations.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices peak in high season (June-Aug) and holidays. Shoulder seasons offer better value; low season the lowest fares. Book several months ahead for best rates.

Airport Facilities

All airports offer car rental, shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs. BCN has wider amenities, including lounges. GRO and PGF provide essential services.

Direct Flights

Direct flights from North America, parts of Asia, and other continents mainly land at Barcelona-El Prat (BCN). Girona and Perpignan generally require a connection within Europe.

Airport Transfers to Figueres

From Barcelona-El Prat BCN

Train: Rodalies R2 Nord to Barcelona Sants, then AVE/TGV to Figueres-Vilafant (2-2.5 hrs).
Bus: Occasional direct services; less frequent than train. Or BCN to Girona then transfer.
Car Rental: Major companies at BCN, for regional exploration flexibility.
Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

From Girona GRO & Perpignan PGF

GRO Bus: Sagalés direct to Figueres bus station (~45-60 min).
GRO Taxi: Readily available outside terminal, direct.
PGF Train/Bus: Bus/taxi to Perpignan station, then train to Figueres-Vilafant.
Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

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Airport Rental

Car rental desks are located at GRO and BCN for immediate pick-up.

Flexibility

Renting a car at PGF is a flexible option for travelers coming from France.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Figueres benefits from Spain's robust train network.

Train Services

High-speed (AVE/TGV): Figueres-Vilafant station. Barcelona (~37 min), Girona (~14 min), Madrid (~4.5 hrs).
France: Direct TGV services to Paris, Lyon, Marseille (Renfe/SNCF).
Regional: Figueres (city) station. Slower trains to Girona/Barcelona (~2 hrs), more scenic, lower cost.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus travel provides a flexible and often budget-friendly option to Figueres.

Bus Companies

Sarfa/Moventis: Services connecting Figueres to Costa Brava towns (Cadaqués, Roses).
Sagalés: Direct bus services from Girona Airport to Figueres, and connections to Barcelona.
Alsa: Routes to other major Spanish cities; direct connections from distant cities may be less frequent.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the Empordà region and Costa Brava.

Driving Requirements

Valid national driving license + International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU.
Major credit card in main driver's name for deposit.
Drivers typically 21+ (some 25+), license held 1-2 years minimum.

Road Conditions & Safety

Spain has an excellent road network. Motorways (autopistas) are toll roads, national roads (autovías) are free.

Driving Information

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are required for all.
Mobile phone use prohibited unless hands-free.
Speed limits strictly enforced (120 km/h motorways, 90 km/h national, 50 km/h urban).

Border Crossing & Tolls

Border Crossing: From France, seamless due to Schengen. Passport checks rare but possible.
Keep passport and relevant travel documents accessible.
No formal customs checks for goods within Schengen.

Tolls (Peajes): Apply on many autopistas.
Pay with credit cards, cash, or electronic systems ("Via-T").
Understand Spanish road signs (international standards).

Sea/River & Departure

Sea & River Access

Figueres is an inland town and does not have direct sea or river access.

Water Travel Notes

Closest major port: Barcelona, for ferry/cruise.
From Barcelona, take high-speed train or bus to Figueres.
Smaller Costa Brava ports (Roses, Palamos) for local trips, not international entry.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees are levied for general tourists departing Spain by air or land.

Departure Procedures

Airports (BCN/GRO): 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours before Schengen flights.
High-speed trains: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure for security.
Regional trains: Arrive 10-15 minutes before departure.

Confirm Status

Confirm your flight or train status online before heading to the airport or station.

Checked Luggage

If you have checked luggage, allow extra time for bag drop.

Online Check-in

Online check-in is often available and can save time at the airport.

Airport/Station Facilities

BCN: extensive duty-free, dining, lounges. GRO: limited but sufficient facilities. Figueres-Vilafant: basic facilities (ticket machines, restrooms, small cafe). Figueres (city): traditional station with basic waiting areas.

Getting There & Away