How to Get to Girona From Barcelona

With pastel-colored facades, medieval fortresses, and an aged-charm, Girona is a city that deserves attention. Not only is the province one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, but it is also incredibly easy to get to from Barcelona. All you have to do is take a quick train ride to access this charming city.

If you are spending some time in the heart of Catalunya, consider venturing to the more quaint region of Girona. Whether you just have a day or want to make a weekend out of it and see the Costa Brava, there are plenty of things to do in Girona to make your trip worthwhile.

History of Girona, Spain

Back in the day, Girona was initially taken over by the Roman Empire and later the Moors, until it was finally overthrown by Charles the Great in the year 785. As you could probably assume, Girona was quite the hot commodity in its early days, which is why the entire city has been fortified with a stoned fortress, which can still be seen to this day.

Why Should I Visit Girona, Spain?

Yes the city itself is beautiful and deserves a stop in itself, however, Girona also offers much more than just a pretty picture. While wandering through the old city walls, you feel as though the town has been preserved in time, untouched by the present.

Located in the northeast corner of Catalunya, Girona is situated right at the border of Spain and neighboring France. Luckily for people visiting Barcelona, Girona is only 62 miles (or 99 km) away from this international center, making it an easily accessible day trip from Catalunya’s capital.

Related Post: 8 Cities to Visit in Catalonia

While Barcelona offers endless opportunities, Girona provides a different perspective on this region as a whole. It’s less crowded, beautifully unique, and in my opinion, a more personable city than Barcelona solely for the fact that it is not a massive international hub. Taking a quick day trip from Barcelona to Girona allows you to see Spain in a different light, therefore broadening your travel experience all together.

Oh, and if you are a Game of Thrones fan, you are in for a surprise. Many scenes of season 6 were filmed right in this very city. Hardcore fans can even take a Game of Thrones tour with a local guide.

How to Get to Girona, Spain From Barcelona by Train

No matter what time of year it is, Girona can be easily reached by the RENFE train. Girona also has an airport, but if you are traveling from Barcelona city centre, all you need is the high-speed train.

The high-speed AVE train that runs throughout Spain is a fast, affordable, and safe mode of transportation for traveling to Girona. While you can book your train tickets at the Sants Estacio station, I recommend booking it ahead of time to ensure you have a spot and get the most affordable prices. Booking round-trip tickets can also save you money, so make sure to plan accordingly.

The journey time is about 37 minutes on a high-speed train. In about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station, you can get to the main city centre of Girona. During the more touristy seasons, you can also take a Barcelona bus, but the train is the best and fastest option in my opinion. If you want to still take the bus, you can access the bus timetable here: Official Barcelona Bus Website

When in Barcelona, you will have to start your journey from the Barcelona Sants station. If you have done other day trips from Barcelona and have used other train stations located around the city, know that the Girona train can only be accessed from specific locations. You can not go to Girona from the Passeig de Gracia, Estacio Del Nord, or any other major station located around Barcelona, only Barcelona Sants. Make sure to check your ticket to see what time your train departs.

Things to do in Girona

As with any trip, it’s always wise to prepare yourself before you go on the places to see and things to do in the city. This list will give you a general idea of the most popular things to do in Girona:

• Muralla de Girona (Wall Walk)
• Girona Cathedral
• El Call (Jewish Quarter)
• Church of Sant Feliu
• Arab baths
• Rambla de la Llibertat
• Plaça de la Independència
• Stroll down the Onyar River
• Have ice cream at Rocambolesc
• Walk the Eiffel bridge

Related Post: 15 Things to Do in Barcelona

Keep in mind that Girona can also serve as an excellent home base for other day trips as well. Figueres, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, or St. Pancras can all be reached from Girona. As already stated, Girona also has its own airport, making it even easier to travel around.

If you are looking for the perfect day trip to take from Barcelona, let me just say you have already found it. Spend the day strolling along the Onyar River or romanticizing over the medieval architecture. Whatever you do, I promise it will be a day well spent.

-xox
Dani

Have you been to Girona? If so, what’s your favorite spot? Let me know in the comments below!

This blog post is dedicated to my friend Cassie. Thank you for coming to visit me in Barcelona and for continuously motivating me to write in FMC!