Fastest ~35min by train
| 🚆 Train | ~35–40min | AVE/Avlo high-speed, compulsory reservation |
| 🚆 Train | ~1h20–1h45 | Regional (Rodalies/Media Distancia), no reservation, cheaper |
| 🚌 Bus | ~1h15–2h | ALSA, lowest fares |
| 🚗 Car | ~1h–1h15 | AP-7 motorway, tolls apply |
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Girona is one of Catalonia's great historic cities — a compact medieval old town of narrow lanes, a fortress cathedral and a well-preserved Jewish quarter — and it sits barely 100 km north of Barcelona. The high-speed train makes it possible to arrive before the tour groups and be back in time for dinner. Here is how every realistic option compares.
The fastest way: the high-speed train
Renfe's high-speed trains, including AVE and Avlo services, stop at Girona on the Barcelona–France corridor, covering the journey from Barcelona Sants in about 35–40 minutes. This is remarkably fast — Girona feels almost suburban from Barcelona on these services, though the train deposits you in a different world entirely.
High-speed services require a compulsory seat reservation. Advance fares are very affordable on this short hop, and booking through Renfe's website is straightforward. The key catch: high-speed trains serve the out-of-town Girona high-speed station, which is connected to the city centre by the slower regional line — but in practice the walk or bus into the old town takes only a few minutes from that station, and it is well signposted.
For a broader picture of travelling Catalonia and Spain by rail, see our guide to Spain's high-speed rail network.
The regional train: slower but more frequent
Rodalies de Catalunya and Renfe's regional (Media Distancia) services run between Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia and Girona throughout the day. Journey times are typically 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes — considerably slower than the high-speed option, but no reservation is required and you can simply turn up and buy a ticket. Fares are lower than the AVE.
The regional train arrives at Girona's main station, which is a short walk across the river from the historic centre — arguably the more convenient arrival point if you want to step straight into the old town on foot.
Which train to take? If time matters, book the AVE or Avlo well in advance for a very quick journey. If you prefer flexibility — no booking, lower fares, and a stop right in the centre — the regional train is perfectly comfortable and not very slow for a day trip.
The cheapest way: the bus
ALSA and various regional operators run coaches between Barcelona's main bus terminal (Estació del Nord or Fabra i Puig) and Girona's bus station. Journey times are typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on route and traffic, and fares are among the lowest available. The bus station in Girona is adjacent to the main train station, convenient for the old town.
For budget travellers making a short visit, the bus is a solid option — particularly if you are flexible on timing and the regional train is full or more expensive on a given day.
Driving to Girona
The AP-7 motorway links Barcelona and Girona in about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic around Barcelona — which can be significant in rush hours or at weekends. The motorway carries tolls, which add to the cost of an already short journey.
Parking in Girona's old town is limited and the streets are narrow. The most practical approach is to use one of the car parks near the station or the new town and walk across the Onyar bridges into the historic centre. Driving makes most sense if you plan to continue north into the Costa Brava, the Pyrenean foothills, or across the border into France.
Girona as a day trip or base
Girona works perfectly as a day trip from Barcelona — the old town, the cathedral, the Barri Vell and the Eiffel-designed iron bridge over the Onyar can be explored comfortably in four or five hours. It also rewards a longer stay: the city is quieter and more affordable than Barcelona, and the surrounding region — the Costa Brava coast, the volcanic landscape of La Garrotxa, and the Dalí museums of Figueres and Cadaqués — offer excellent day trips in the other direction.
Girona has its own small airport (used mainly by Ryanair flights serving "Barcelona–Girona" routes), which is around 12 km south of the city. If you are arriving by air from elsewhere, note that the airport is served by buses into both Girona and Barcelona, but it is not an airport with significant scheduled connections in its own right.
Which should you choose?
The high-speed train is the fastest and easiest option if you book ahead and want to maximise time in Girona. The regional train is the most flexible — no advance booking needed, affordable, and it drops you closer to the old town. The bus suits very tight budgets. The car is only worthwhile if you plan to explore the wider region.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train journey from Barcelona to Girona?
High-speed AVE and Avlo trains take about 35–40 minutes. Regional trains take around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes and require no advance reservation.
Do I need to book in advance for the Barcelona–Girona train?
High-speed services require a compulsory reservation and are best booked in advance through Renfe. Regional trains need no reservation — you can buy a ticket at the station on the day.
Is Girona easy to visit as a day trip from Barcelona?
Yes, easily. The old town, cathedral and Jewish quarter can all be explored in a half-day, and the high-speed train makes the return straightforward. Plan to arrive by mid-morning before the tour groups fill the narrow streets.
Is there a direct bus from Barcelona to Girona?
Yes. Coaches run from Barcelona's bus stations to Girona in about 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours, with regular departures throughout the day.
Sources and further reading:
- High-speed and regional rail bookings: Renfe (renfe.com) and Rodalies de Catalunya.
- Coach services: ALSA (alsa.es).
- Visitor information: Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona.