Two kinds of train
The choice by rail is between speed and price. High-speed and long-distance trains run from Barcelona-Sants to Girona station in well under an hour; Renfe lists departures from 6:55 and notes that Girona station is in the city centre. The regional R11 line covers the same route more slowly, calling at Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, Granollers and Sant Celoni on the way, according to Rodalies de Catalunya.
For a day trip, the high-speed train usually wins: you gain the best part of an hour in each direction. Book in advance for the lowest fares; on the day, the regional train is often the more flexible option. Check journey times and prices for your date on each operator’s site, as they vary by train.
The options at a glance
| Option | From | Changes | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed or long-distance train | Barcelona-Sants | None | Under an hour; see Renfe for each train | Most day trips |
| Regional train R11 | Sants or Passeig de Gràcia | None | Longer than high speed; see the Rodalies timetable | Flexible tickets, stops on the way |
| Coach from the airport | Barcelona airport (line 602) | None | See the operator | Landing in Barcelona and heading straight to Girona |
| Car | Barcelona or the airport | None | About 1 h 15 min from the centre by motorway | Combining with the Costa Brava |
| Private car with driver | Your hotel or the airport | None | About 1 h 15 min | Families, groups, luggage, door to door |
Road times are typical and depend on traffic leaving Barcelona, which can be heavy on Friday afternoons and summer weekends.
High-speed train from Sants
High-speed trains to Girona leave from Barcelona-Sants; some continue to Figueres and France. Arrive at Sants with time to spare: long-distance platforms have security checks, and boarding closes a few minutes before departure. Girona station is a 15- to 20-minute walk from the old town, across the river.
If you are starting from the airport, get to Sants first: the R2 Nord from Terminal 2 runs direct to Sants about every 30 minutes (see Sants to the airport for the route in reverse).
Regional train R11
The R11 is the slower, regional alternative. Its advantage is flexibility: it also stops at Passeig de Gràcia, in the centre of the Eixample, and it is a good choice if you want to stop on the way or have not booked. Check the current Rodalies timetable, as frequencies vary through the day.
From Barcelona airport by coach or by road
If you land in Barcelona and want to go straight to Girona, Aena lists an airport coach, line 602, to Girona and Figueres. Check its timetable and fares with the operator; departures are not as frequent as the trains. By road, Girona is just over an hour from Barcelona airport by motorway, which is why many travellers with luggage, children or a group choose to go by road.
With a driver
A private car with a driver takes you from your hotel or the airport to Girona’s old town without changes, at a price agreed in advance, and can combine the day with a stop on the Costa Brava. QuickPickups, which publishes this guide, sells this service; its booking box is marked on this page. For the Costa Brava itself, Costa Brava Private Transfers is QuickPickups’ own site. For a day trip with a return, send your times by phone or WhatsApp to arrange both legs.
Do not confuse the airports
Girona has its own airport, Girona-Costa Brava, south of the city, which is a different airport from Barcelona El Prat. Some flights to “Barcelona” actually land there, so check your booking carefully. If you land at Girona-Costa Brava, Girona city is the natural first stop and Barcelona is the longer journey; if you land at Barcelona El Prat, the options in this guide apply. For the Barcelona side, see every option from the airport to the centre.
Girona and the Costa Brava in one day
Girona is the gateway to the Costa Brava, and many visitors are tempted to combine the city with a coastal town in a single day. By public transport that is ambitious, because buses from Girona to the coast are less frequent than the trains from Barcelona, and you have to plan the return carefully. By road it is much easier: the coast is within reach of Girona, and a car lets you choose the order and the timing.
If you have only one day, our suggestion is to choose: either Girona at a relaxed pace, with time for the old town walls and the river, or a coastal town on its own. Trying to see both in a few hours mostly means seeing them from a car window.
Tips for the day
- Walk from the station to the river Onyar and cross one of the bridges into the old town; the cathedral steps are at the top.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the old town is steep and cobbled.
- If you take the high-speed train, book your return for a fixed time, or check the regional train as a fallback.
- More day trips: Montserrat and Sitges.
QuickPickups booking service
Booking a private transfer: the usual questions
- Is the price really fixed?
- Yes. You see the full price for the vehicle before you pay, and it does not change with traffic, the route or the time of day.
- What if my flight is late?
- Your flight number is tracked in real time and the pick-up time is adjusted. At the airport you get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing; at the cruise port, 30 minutes.
- How will I find the driver?
- At the airport the driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Your confirmation email has the contact details.
- Can I get child seats?
- Yes, on request when you book, for a small supplement shown before you pay. Tell us the age or weight of each child.
- Can I get an invoice?
- Yes. QUICKPICKUPS S.L. can issue an invoice for your booking, including one made out to your company.
- What if my plans change?
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are free. You can manage the booking from your confirmation email or by writing to [email protected].