How to Travel From Barcelona to Girona by Train, Bus, and Car

Girona is a medieval-esque city in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region, about 63 miles (102 kilometers) from the bustling metropolis of Barcelona. People make this trip often to escape the crowds of the big city. It's an especially popular pit stop for people traveling up to the scenic coastal region of Costa Brava, 31 miles (50 kilometers) to its north. Girona is famous for its historic architecture—exhibited by the picturesque Old Quarter—and its well-preserved Jewish quarters. According to Skyscanner, there are no direct flights from Barcelona to Girona, so you can either get there by train (the fastest and most convenient way), by bus, or by driving.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Barcelona to Girona?

The cheapest, fastest, and recommended mode of transportation between Barcelona and Girona is to take the high-speed AVE train, which can cost as little as $10 when booked via Renfe's website or Rail Europe ahead of time (the standard price is more like $16). You can usually reserve a seat up to 90 days in advance.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Barcelona to Girona?

Spain's AVE trains travel all throughout the country at speeds of 193 miles (310 kilometers) per hour. It takes about 37 minutes to get from Barcelona Sants, from which it departs every 38 minutes, to Girona's main station. Make sure you're getting the AVE, though, because Renfe operates another train—Viajeros—out of Barcelona Sants station that also goes to Girona, but takes 1 hour, 20 minutes.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

Girona is surrounded by picturesque Catalonian countryside that you just might be inclined to explore while making the trip. For that reason, driving is a popular option, too. If you're over the age of 21, you can rent a car from Priceline, Expedia, or Enterprise in Barcelona for between $5 and $30 per day. The quickest way to get to Girona is to take the AP-7. The route is 63 miles (102 kilometers) long, which takes about 1 hour, 15 minutes to cover.

Is There a Bus That Goes From Barcelona to Girona?

There are several bus services that travel to Girona (FlixBus, Eurolines, ALSA, Sagalés, Blablabus), but most of them drop off at the airport. The only one that doesn't require transferring partway through is the Barcelona Bus, which departs from Barcelona Nord every four hours and takes 1 hour, 40 minutes. A one-way ticket is $17.50 and the round-trip fare is $27.50. You can find detailed schedules on the Barcelona Bus website.

If you're looking for a quick trip around Girona and the area north of it (such as the popular Costa Brava), you may want to consider taking a guided tour from Barcelona instead. Viator offers single-day, small-group tours of Girona and Costa Brava starting at $99 per person.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Girona?

Peak tourism season in Girona runs from March through May, with May being the busiest time of the year. In the spring, temperatures linger around a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). In the summers, it can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) at times. The winters in Girona are mild—temperatures rarely fall below 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius)—and December is the quietest time of year, guaranteeing good discounts on accommodation.

What Is There to Do in Girona?

This Catalonian city is known primarily for its heritage. You could easily waste away a day or a weekend just exploring Girona's medieval walls, Jewish quarters, and narrow, winding streets on foot. The Cathedral of Girona is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, boasting the second-widest nave in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Another church worth checking out is the ancient Esglesia de Sant Feliu (the "Collegiate Church of St. Felix"), which is known for its eight Roman and early Christian sarcophagi that date back to the third and fourth centuries. The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia is housed in the Benedictine abbey of Sant Pere de Galligants and in the Cinema Museum, you can peruse more than 20,000 film-related collectible items.