You have landed at Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), and Girona is calling. Catalonia's beautifully preserved medieval city lies about 100 km north-east of Barcelona, famous for the row of colourful houses along the Onyar river, a soaring cathedral, an atmospheric old Jewish quarter and a starring role as a Game of Thrones filming location. The catch is the same as for most Catalan day trips: there is no single direct service from the airport. This guide lays out every realistic way to get from BCN to Girona, with 2026 fares, journey times, and a quick word on what to see once you arrive.
At a glance: getting from BCN to Girona
Your options split by budget and convenience:
| Option | Airport to Girona | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Train (city change + high-speed or regional) | about 1 hr 40 to 2 hr | Most visitors, value |
| Private transfer or taxi (direct) | about 1 hr to 1 hr 15 | Families, luggage, groups, comfort |
| Rental car | about 1 hr to 1 hr 15 | A wider Costa Brava road trip |
| Organised day tour | half or full day | First-timers wanting a guide |
The key thing: no direct route from the airport
No train runs straight from BCN to Girona. By public transport you travel into central Barcelona first, then take a fast or regional train north. Each leg is simple once you know the plan. Girona does have its own small airport (GRO), about 12 km from the city, but most international flights land at Barcelona-El Prat.
By train, step by step
Leg 1, airport to the city. Take the Rodalies R2 Nord train from Terminal 2 to Barcelona-Sants (about 19 to 26 minutes, around €4.90), or the Aerobús to Plaça Catalunya (about 30 to 35 minutes, around €7.75). From Terminal 1 a free shuttle bus connects to the T2 train station.
Leg 2, Barcelona to Girona. From Barcelona-Sants (some services also call at Passeig de Gràcia), high-speed AVE and Avant trains reach Girona in about 38 to 40 minutes, with fares usually around €15 to €25 depending on the train and how early you book. The cheaper regional R11 takes about 1 hour 20 for roughly €11. Book the high-speed trains ahead online, where the lowest fares sell first.
By taxi or private transfer
To skip the city-centre change, a private transfer or taxi runs directly from the airport to Girona in about 1 hour to 1 hour 15. It is roughly 100 km, so a metered taxi is a long and pricey ride, typically well over €150. A pre-booked transfer lets you fix the price in advance and have a driver waiting in arrivals. This is the most comfortable choice with luggage or a group, though the fast train is usually quicker door to door.
How long does the trip take?
By train, allow roughly 1 hour 40 to 2 hours door to door from the airport, including the change in Barcelona and the wait between trains. A direct taxi or private transfer is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15, and a high-speed train alone covers Barcelona to Girona in well under an hour.
What to see in Girona
Girona rewards a full day. The postcard view is the Cases de l'Onyar, the line of ochre, red and yellow houses reflected in the river, best seen from the Pont de Pedra or the red iron Eiffel bridge. Climb the steps to the Cathedral, whose vast Gothic nave and façade featured in Game of Thrones, then lose yourself in El Call, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters. Walk a stretch of the city walls (Passeig de la Muralla) for rooftop views, and leave time for the old town's cafes and its celebrated Catalan cooking.
Which option should you choose?
For most visitors the train wins: the high-speed service is quick, frequent and good value, especially booked ahead. Travelling with bags, children or a group, or short on time, a private transfer is the comfortable door-to-door option. A rental car only earns its keep if Girona is one stop on a wider Costa Brava or Pyrenees road trip.
Planning your visit
For the airport leg itself, see our guides to the Barcelona airport train, airport transfers and getting into the city centre. Prefer the beach? Our guide to Barcelona Airport to Sitges covers the easiest coastal day trip, and you can browse more ideas in our Barcelona travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Barcelona Airport to Girona?
No. There is no direct train from BCN to Girona. You travel into Barcelona first, usually to Barcelona-Sants, then take a high-speed AVE or Avant train (about 38 to 40 minutes) or the cheaper regional R11 (about 1 hour 20) north to Girona.
How do you get from Barcelona airport to Girona?
In two legs. First, airport to the city: the Rodalies R2 train from Terminal 2 to Barcelona-Sants (about 19 to 26 minutes, around €4.90) or the Aerobús to Plaça Catalunya (around €7.75). Then a high-speed or regional train from Sants north to Girona.
How long does the train from Barcelona to Girona take?
The high-speed AVE and Avant trains take about 38 to 40 minutes from Barcelona-Sants. The regional R11 is cheaper but slower, around 1 hour 20. Door to door from the airport, allow roughly 1 hour 40 to 2 hours.
How much does it cost to get to Girona from Barcelona airport?
Roughly €20 to €30 in total by train: about €4.90 for the airport-to-Sants leg, plus €15 to €25 for the high-speed train (less on the regional R11). A direct taxi is a long ride of well over €150.
Is Girona worth a day trip from Barcelona?
Yes. Girona packs the colourful Onyar houses, a Game-of-Thrones cathedral, the medieval Jewish quarter and walkable city walls into a compact old town less than an hour away by fast train, which makes it one of the best day trips from Barcelona.
Does Girona have its own airport?
Yes. Girona-Costa Brava (GRO) lies about 12 km from the city and serves some low-cost flights. Most international visitors, though, arrive at Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and reach Girona by train.
About the author
Elena Garcia is the Barcelona Travel Editor for this site, covering Barcelona-El Prat Airport and the best ways to reach the city, the coast and Catalonia's headline day trips.
Fares and timetables change through the year and vary with how early you book; always confirm current prices and times on the official Renfe, Rodalies de Catalunya and Aerobús sites before you travel.
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