Girona is about 100–105 kilometers northeast of Barcelona, a short trip by high-speed rail or a one- to one-and-a-half-hour drive along the AP‑7 corridor. The route is one of Catalonia’s most-traveled, linking Barcelona’s dense urban energy, world-class architecture and transport hubs, with Girona’s compact medieval core, colorful riverfront and strong gastronomic and cycling scene.
Quick facts, up front
- Distance by road, roughly 105 km (about 65 miles), driving time typically 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and route.
- Fastest rail journeys, on AVE/Avant high-speed or intercity services, can be about 38–41 minutes; regional trains take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Trains run frequently throughout the day, with multiple departures from Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia to Girona.
- Buses and airport transfers are available, but are usually slower, often 75–90 minutes from Girona Airport to central Barcelona and around 1.5 hours for intercity buses, depending on stops and traffic.
(These timings reflect the typical services and schedules offered by national and private operators.)
Travel options compared
Train: fast, predictable, city-center to city-center
Trains are the most popular option for tourists and locals who want speed and convenience. High-speed AVE and Avant services link Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia with Girona station in under an hour on the fastest runs, while slower regional and Media Distancia trains are cheaper and take longer. Buying tickets in advance often reduces cost, and central departure and arrival stations eliminate extra transfers.
Car: flexible, scenic, variable time
Driving gives flexibility to stop along the Costa Brava or inland villages such as Besalú. Typical driving time using the AP‑7 motorway sits between one hour and one-and-a-half hours, but expect longer in holiday weekends and during major city events. Tolls and fuel should be factored into the budget, and occasional traffic-management measures on the AP‑7 can affect speed.
Bus and airport transfer: budget-friendly, good for luggage
Direct buses and shuttle services connect Girona Airport with Barcelona Sants and Plaça Catalunya in roughly 75–90 minutes, depending on traffic. Intercity buses between Barcelona and Girona are cheaper than high-speed trains, but usually slower and less frequent. For door-to-door comfort, private transfers remain an option, at a higher cost.
Table: comparison at a glance
Mode | Typical duration | Typical price range (one way) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
High-speed train (AVE/Avant) | 38–41 min | €8–€35+ | Fast, city-center to city-center, comfortable | Can sell out, pricier at short notice |
Regional/MD train | 1h 15m–1h 30m | €6–€15 | Cheaper, more seats available | Longer journey |
Car (AP‑7) | 1h–1h 30m | Fuel + tolls (~€10–variable) | Full flexibility, side trips | Parking in Girona, traffic, tolls |
Bus | 1h 20m–2h | €6–€20 | Cheapest option, luggage friendly | Less frequent, slower |
Airport shuttle (GRO↔BCN) | 75–90 min | €10–€25 | Direct, good for luggage | Dependent on road traffic |
What each city is for, and why visit
Girona: compact, historic, and unexpectedly modern
Girona is beloved for its medieval old town, the Jewish Quarter (El Call), the imposing cathedral with its broad staircase, and the photogenic houses along the Onyar River. It is also a gateway to the Costa Brava, a center for cycling tourism, and a rising culinary destination. The city’s annual flower festival, Temps de Flors, draws large seasonal crowds and transforms the Barri Vell with elaborate floral installations.
"An intimate city that rewards slow walking, good food and photography," a common traveler verdict about Girona.
Barcelona: metropolitan cultural capital
Barcelona offers large-scale architecture, from Gaudí’s UNESCO-listed works to Montjuïc and beaches, plus a major transport hub in El Prat airport, a wide hotel choice, and countless museums and restaurants. For many visitors, Barcelona is the practical base from which to make day trips into Catalonia.
Sample day-trip itinerary (Barcelona → Girona → Barcelona)
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07:30 Depart Barcelona Sants by high-speed train
08:15 Arrive Girona, coffee by Onyar River
09:00 Walk the Jewish Quarter, visit Cathedral
11:30 Lunch in the Old Town, try local dishes
13:30 Walk city walls or rent a bike to explore
15:30 Quick stop at Arab Baths, souvenir shopping
17:00 Catch train back to Barcelona (or stay overnight)
18:00 Arrive Barcelona Sants
```
This timeline is tight but realistic if you take a fast train out and back. If you want to explore museums, eat at a Michelin table, or cycle the surroundings, plan an overnight stay.
Costs and booking tips
- Book high-speed train tickets in advance for the best fares.
- Regional trains and buses are cheaper but slower.
- Expect variable tolls and occasional increases on Spanish motorways, so budget accordingly for car trips.
- During major local events, such as Temps de Flors in May, accommodation and transport demand spikes, margins tighten and prices can rise.
Practical tips and accessibility
- Girona station is centrally located, with taxi ranks and rental desks nearby, making last-mile logistics easy.
- Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia connect to the wider metro and commuter networks, so arriving by train drops you into the city network.
- Both cities offer accessible routes for travelers with reduced mobility, but double-check specific station facilities and train/coach accessibility when booking.
Multiple viewpoints: local benefits and tensions
- Pro-tourism view: improved rail links and festival traffic bring economic benefits to Girona and spread visitors beyond Barcelona’s core, supporting local hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Local/resident concerns: concentrated events and short-term rentals can push prices and crowding, especially in the historic center during festival weekends, leading to calls for better visitor management.
Balancing those perspectives is a live policy issue across Catalonia, where local governments aim to protect neighborhoods while keeping tourism economically viable.
When to go
- Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds; spring also brings Temps de Flors in May, which is beautiful but busy.
- Summer is busiest on the Costa Brava and in Barcelona; expect higher prices and longer waits.
- For cheaper travel and quieter streets, aim for shoulder seasons and midweek travel.
Safety, sustainability and final thoughts
Rail travel between Barcelona and Girona is fast, low-carbon and passenger-friendly, making trains the best overall choice for many travelers. If you drive, plan for tolls, traffic and parking. For a single-day, well-paced experience, take an early high-speed train out and a late return, and leave time to enjoy Girona’s slow, close-up pleasures.
Girona rewards visitors who slow down, while Barcelona feeds visitors who want architectural variety and metropolitan scale. Linked by efficient transport, both cities fit easily into the same trip, each offering a distinct side of Catalonia’s layered appeal.
— David Anderson, reporting and travel notes