How to get to Girona from Barcelona–El Prat Airport

Girona

Barcelona–El Prat Airport welcomes thousands of travellers every day, many of whom aren’t heading to the Catalan capital, but for another destination: Girona. In just over an hour, you can go from Barcelona’s main gate to a city that boasts one of the best-preserved historic quarters in all of Spain. But Girona isn’t just a remarkable city to explore, it also has mediaeval villages like Besalu and Peratallada and the Costa Brava.

So, the question is simple: how do you get from Barcelona Airport to Girona? The distance, travel time, and transport options change depending on your budget, the level of comfort you’re after, and how much flexibility you’d like during your stay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the available choices so you can find the one that suits you best.

Distance between Barcelona Airport and Girona

Barcelona–El Prat Airport is located approximately 115 kilometres (71 mi.) from Girona. Depending on how you choose to get there, the journey can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2.5 hours.

By car, the trip is around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the AP-7 motorway, making it a fast and comfortable option. If you choose the train or bus, travel times tend to be longer due to the need to transfer from the airport to the departure station in central Barcelona, which can make the journey less streamlined. The last option is going by taxi or private transfer, the duration is comparable to that of a rental car, but the cost is significantly higher.With that in mind, let’s explore the available transport options and find the one that best suits your travel plans.

With that in mind, let’s explore the available transport options and find the one that best suits your travel plans.

Travelling from Barcelona Airport to Girona by train

Taking the train is one of the most popular options, though it comes with a big setback: there’s no direct service from the airport to Girona.

1. First, you’ll need to catch the R2 Nord Cercanias train from the airport to either Barcelona-Sants or Passeig de Gracia station.
2. From there, you can take either a regional train or a high-speed AVE to Girona.

Total journey time: between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on connections.

This is a solid choice if you're travelling solo and don’t mind a bit of planning. However, it may be less convenient for families with luggage or those who prefer a more direct and comfortable route.

Bus from Barcelona Airport to Girona

There are direct buses linking Barcelona–El Prat Airport with the city of Girona.

• Journey time: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Frequency: varies depending on the day and season; departures are less frequent than those of the train

The bus is a budget-friendly and straightforward option, though it offers less flexibility, as you'll need to stick to the scheduled departure times.

Taxi or private transfer from El Prat

If you’re looking for maximum comfort, a taxi or private transfer from Barcelona–El Prat Airport to Girona is a premium option.

Journey time: between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, similar to a rental car

This is ideal if you value door-to-door convenience and want to avoid worrying about timetables. However, it’s considerably more expensive than other transport options.

Hiring a car at Barcelona – El Prat Airport

Hiring a car at El Part Airportis, without a single doubt, the most practical way to go from Barcelona Airport to Girona—and booking through DoYouSpain ensures the best price.The drive doesn’t take more than 1 hour and 20 minutes via the AP-7 motorway. Get ready to enjoy complete freedom: stop off in charming villages along the way, or explore the Costa Brava without being tied to a schedule. Prices start from €15 per week (excluding tolls and fuel), making it a flexible and budget-friendly choice—especially if you're travelling with family or in a group.

Why hire a car at Barcelona Airport with DoYouSpain? Discover the benefits

Hiring a car in Barcelona with DoYouSpain means starting your journey with complete freedom. You won’t be tied to train or bus schedules and can set your own pace—whether you’re heading straight to Girona or planning to stop off at scenic spots like the Montseny Natural Park or the town of Vic. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore without limits, perfect for discovering Girona or venturing out to the beaches of the Costa Brava.

With DoYouSpain hiring a car is as easy as it gets. DoYouSpain compares all car hire companies with a single click, ensuring you always get the best deal anywhere in Spain.

• Travelling with family? A hire car is often more cost-effective than buying multiple train or bus tickets.
• Arriving late at night? Car hire or a taxi may be your only viable options, as public transport services are limited.
• Planning to visit the Costa Brava? Hiring a car is the smartest investment—saving you time and giving you total freedom to explore.

Hire Car: the best way to travel from Barcelona to Girona

As you've seen, there are several transport options for getting from Barcelona–El Prat Airport to Girona, including train, bus, taxi, and hire car, each with its own pros and cons. A hire car strikes the perfect balance between speed, flexibility, and affordability.And even if you decide to reach Girona using public transport, you’ll soon realise that to truly uncover the region’s charm, a hire car becomes not just useful, but essential. Hiring a car in Girona is the key to unlocking the full beauty of the city and its surroundings.

Plus, if you choose to book with DoYouSpain, you can always get in contact with us through our Customer Support online, by phone at +34 964 83 09 95 or our 24-hour Virtual Assistant.