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Air Travel

Air Travel

Spain

Airport Options & Transfers

Major Airports

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Tossa de Mar, this airport often hosts low-cost airlines, offering budget-friendly flights from various European cities. Its proximity means shorter transfer times to Tossa de Mar.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport BCN

  • Located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Tossa de Mar.
  • A major international airport, connecting Barcelona to global hubs.
  • More flight options and flexibility for arrivals.

Airport Transfers

From GRO to Tossa de Mar: Sarfa (Moventis) operates direct bus services; journey time approximately 1 hour. Taxis cost around €50-€60. Pre-booked private transfers offer direct rides.

From BCN to Tossa de Mar

  • Sarfa direct bus from Barcelona Estació del Nord; journey 1.5-2 hours.
  • Train + Bus option via Barcelona Sants and Estació del Nord; more transfers.
  • Taxi from BCN costs approximately €150-€180. Private transfers also available.

Airlines & Routes

Ryanair dominates GRO; TUI and Jet2 operate seasonal routes. BCN serves Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia, British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts. Skyscanner for comparisons.

Direct Flight Options

Direct flights to Barcelona (BCN) depart from major North American, Asian, and European cities. Girona (GRO) mainly offers direct flights within Europe, often seasonal.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight frequency and prices increase significantly during peak summer (June-August). For better value, consider traveling during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October).

Airport Facilities

Barcelona-El Prat BCN

  • Extensive range of services and amenities.
  • Lounges for traveler comfort.
  • Wide selection of shops and restaurants.
  • Numerous car rental desks.

Girona-Costa Brava GRO

  • Basic but adequate services for its smaller scale.
  • Limited dining options and retail shops.
  • Currency exchange services available.
  • Standard car rental desks.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Tossa de Mar itself lacks a train station. The closest major train station is in Girona, offering high-speed rail connections to Barcelona and other Spanish cities.

Connecting from Train Stations

  • From Girona: Take a bus connection to reach Tossa de Mar.
  • Another nearby station is Blanes, on the local Rodalies R1 line from Barcelona.
  • From Blanes: A bus connection to Tossa de Mar is needed.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses are a main mode of public transport for reaching Tossa de Mar from other parts of Catalonia and Spain. Sarfa, part of the Moventis group, acts as the main bus company.

Bus Routes

  • Sarfa offers reliable, cost-effective services connecting Tossa de Mar to Barcelona (Estació del Nord).
  • Connections also span Girona (city and airport), Lloret de Mar, and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
  • Bus schedules are available online and at bus stations.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car presents flexibility for exploring the Costa Brava. A valid driving license is needed. If your license is not from an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home license is required.

Rental Requirements & Tips

  • Minimum age for rental usually 21 (often 25 for certain car categories).
  • A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
  • Major international car rental companies have offices at Girona and Barcelona airports. DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.

Road Conditions & Safety

Spanish roads are generally well-maintained and safe. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Be aware of speed limits, which are clearly marked.

Driving Rules & Parking

  • Speed limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on major roads, 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
  • The GI-682 coast road between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols offers stunning views but is winding.
  • Parking in Tossa de Mar can be limited and expensive, notably during peak season. Several paid lots and garages exist.

Border Crossing Information

  • Spain shares land borders with France, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar.
  • As part of the Schengen Area, travel from France or Portugal is generally seamless, with no routine border checks.
  • Standard Schengen entry rules apply for non-Schengen citizens.
  • No specific entry fees apply at land borders.
  • Vehicle documentation and personal identification remain important.
  • Awareness of local regulations at non-Schengen borders like Gibraltar.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Tossa de Mar features a small port area mainly for local boat excursions and recreational vessels. It functions not as a port for international ferry services or large cruise ships.

Major Ports in Catalonia

  • Major cruise ports locate in Barcelona.
  • No international arrivals by sea in Tossa de Mar require immigration processing.
  • Local boat tours depart from Platja Gran for scenic enjoyment and accessing nearby coves.

River Transportation

River transportation does not apply to Tossa de Mar. The town situates on the Mediterranean Sea, not on a major navigable river.

Coastal Boat Excursions

  • Local boats offer trips to nearby coves like Cala Giverola or Cala Futadera.
  • Often feature glass bottoms to view marine life.
  • Connections to Lloret de Mar are also available via boat.

Immigration

No immigration procedures apply at Tossa de Mar's small port.

Land Connections

Boat tours focus on scenic enjoyment, not main transportation.

Local Boat Tours

Depart from Platja Gran, accessing secluded beaches.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Spain levies no specific exit fees or taxes on tourists departing via air or land. Any applicable taxes typically include in your flight ticket price.

Pre-departure Check

  • Confirm your flight ticket's total cost includes all fees.
  • No additional charges at the airport or land border.
  • Review airline-specific baggage allowances and fees.

Departure Procedures

For international flights (especially outside the Schengen Area), try to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. For domestic or Schengen-area flights, 1.5-2 hours typically suffices.

Airport & Bus Station Timings

  • This allows time for check-in, security screening, and navigating the airport.
  • For bus departures, arrive at the station at least 15-30 minutes before schedule.
  • Check current flight/bus status before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Barcelona-El Prat BCN

Offers comprehensive facilities: check-in counters, self-service kiosks, security, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Girona-Costa Brava GRO

Provides standard facilities tailored to its smaller scale, including dining and retail options for departing travelers.

Bus Stations

Have basic amenities: waiting areas, and often a cafe or small shop for convenience before departure.

Smooth Departure

Allow ample time for airport procedures, especially during peak travel periods. Having all documents ready expedites the process.