Girona Day Trip at a Glance: Quick Facts for 2025
Pressed for time? Here are the essential details for planning your trip from Barcelona to Girona.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Barcelona | Approx. 100 km (62 miles) |
| Travel Time (one way) | 38 mins (High-Speed Train) to 1.5 hours (Regional Train/Bus) |
| Average Day Trip Cost | €50 – €100 per person (transport, food, basic entry fees) |
| Best Time to Visit | April-June & September-October |
Is Girona Worth a Day Trip from Barcelona?
Yes, absolutely! Girona is one of the best and most rewarding day trips from Barcelona. While Barcelona buzzes with Gaudi’s modernism and beach city energy, Girona offers a tranquil escape into a different era. It feels like stepping through a time portal into a perfectly preserved medieval world, where every cobblestone alley tells a story. If you’re looking to experience the rich history of Catalonia in a stunning, walkable city, Girona is an unmissable destination.
- Rich History: Walk through 2,000 years of history, from Roman foundations and one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish Quarters to the imposing Gothic Cathedral.
- Perfectly Walkable: All the main attractions are nestled within the compact old town (Barri Vell), making it ideal for a day of exploring on foot without feeling rushed.
- Game of Thrones Magic: Step into the world of Westeros! Many iconic scenes from Braavos and King’s Landing were filmed here, and recognizing the locations is a thrill for any fan.
- World-Class Food Scene: Girona is a culinary powerhouse, offering everything from affordable and delicious “menú del día” options to the legendary, triple-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca.
- A More Relaxed Pace: Escape the bustling crowds of Barcelona for a more intimate and serene atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to simply wander and get lost in history.
How to Get from Barcelona to Girona
Getting to Girona is incredibly straightforward, with several great options to fit any budget or schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel.
By Train: The Fastest and Easiest Option
The train is, without a doubt, the most popular and efficient way to reach Girona. You have two excellent choices depending on your priority: speed or budget.
High-Speed Train (AVE / AVANT)
- Travel Time: A lightning-fast 38 minutes.
- Departure Station: Barcelona-Sants.
- Cost: Varies from €15 to €35 each way.
- Best for: Travelers who want to maximize their time in Girona and enjoy a comfortable, quick journey.
- Pro-tip: Book your tickets in advance on the official Renfe website or app. Prices rise significantly as the travel date approaches, so early booking can save you a lot!
Regional Train (Rodalies R11)
- Travel Time: A more scenic ~1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Departure Stations: Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or El Clot-Aragó (offering more flexibility).
- Cost: A budget-friendly €8 – €12 each way. You can buy these tickets at the station on the day of travel.
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, spontaneous trips, and those staying closer to Passeig de Gràcia.
By Bus
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Departure Station: Estació del Nord in Barcelona.
- Companies: Reliable services like Sagalés and Alsa run this route frequently.
- Cost: Around €10 – €15 each way.
- Best for: A solid budget alternative if you find a schedule that suits you.
By Car
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending heavily on traffic leaving Barcelona.
- Route: The most direct route is the AP-7 motorway, which is a toll road.
- Notes: While driving offers flexibility, be aware of toll costs and the challenge of parking. It’s not recommended to drive into the historic old town; instead, use one of the underground public car parks on the perimeter. Parking costs can be around €2-€3 per hour.
- Best for: Those planning to combine their Girona trip with a visit to the Costa Brava or other nearby medieval towns like Besalú.
By Guided Tour
If you prefer a completely stress-free experience, a guided tour from Barcelona is a great option. These often bundle Girona with other destinations like Figueres (for the Dalí Museum) or the Costa Brava coast.
- Pros: No need to worry about transport logistics, and you get the benefit of an expert guide.
- Cons: You’ll have less flexibility and will be on a fixed schedule.
Transportation Options Compared
| Method | Travel Time (One Way) | Average Cost (Round Trip) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train | ~38 mins | €30 – €70 | Fastest, most comfortable, direct. | Most expensive, requires advance booking for best price. |
| Regional Train | ~1.5 hours | €16 – €24 | Cheap, flexible departure stations, no need to book ahead. | Slower journey with more stops. |
| Bus | ~1.75 hours | €20 – €30 | Budget-friendly, comfortable coaches. | Can be the slowest option depending on traffic. |
| Car | ~1.25 hours | €20 (fuel) + tolls + parking | Total flexibility to explore the region. | Parking can be expensive and difficult, toll costs. |
Top 7 Things to Do in Girona: A Perfect Walking Itinerary
Once you arrive, the magic of Girona’s old town unfolds before you. Here are the must-see sights, which you can easily explore on foot.
- Walk the Medieval City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)
Description: Begin your visit with a breathtaking perspective. These well-preserved Carolingian walls offer stunning panoramic views over the city’s rooftops, the cathedral, and the distant Pyrenees. You can climb several watchtowers along the way for even better photos.
Price: Free. - Climb the Steps of the Girona Cathedral
Description: Dominating the skyline, this magnificent cathedral boasts the widest Gothic nave in the world. Its imposing facade and grand interior are awe-inspiring.
Game of Thrones Note: You’ll immediately recognize the majestic Baroque staircase as the exterior of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing, where Cersei began her walk of atonement.
Price: €7.50 (This is a great value ticket as it also includes entry to the Basilica of Sant Feliu and the Girona Art Museum). - Get Lost in the Jewish Quarter (El Call)
Description: Step into a labyrinth of narrow, winding cobblestone streets that make up one of the most extensive and well-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe. It’s a deeply atmospheric area, perfect for aimless wandering. Don’t miss the Museum of Jewish History to learn more about the community that thrived here until 1492.
Price: Free to explore; museum entry is ~€4. - Photograph the Colorful Onyar River Houses
Description: This is the postcard image of Girona. The brightly painted facades of the houses hanging over the Onyar River are a spectacular sight. These are actual residential buildings, creating a vibrant and unique cityscape.
Photography Tip: For the best shots, head to one of the bridges spanning the river. - Cross the Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel Bridge)
Description: This striking red iron bridge is an unmistakable piece of engineering. It was constructed in 1877 by the company of Gustave Eiffel, just before they began work on his more famous tower in Paris. It offers one of the best viewpoints of the Onyar houses.
Price: Free. - Step Back in Time at the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
Description: This beautifully preserved 12th-century Romanesque building was inspired by earlier Roman and Muslim bathhouses. Explore its distinct rooms, including the frigidarium (cold room) with its elegant central pool and slender columns.
Game of Thrones Note: This location was used for scenes in Braavos, where Arya Stark was trying to hide from the Waif.
Price: ~€3. - Visit the Basilica of Sant Feliu
Description: With its distinctive truncated bell tower, the Basilica of Sant Feliu was Girona’s original cathedral. This formidable Gothic church is home to remarkable art, including eight early Christian sarcophagi.
Price: Included in the Cathedral ticket.
Sample One-Day Itinerary from Barcelona
Want a foolproof plan? Here’s how you can structure your day for a perfect trip.
- 8:30 AM: Depart from Barcelona-Sants on a high-speed AVE/AVANT train.
- 9:15 AM: Arrive in Girona. Enjoy the pleasant 15-minute walk from the station to the edge of the old town (Barri Vell).
- 10:00 AM: Head straight for the City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla) to get your bearings and enjoy the morning views.
- 11:30 AM: Descend into the city and visit the magnificent Girona Cathedral and its treasury museum.
- 1:30 PM: Time for lunch! Find a restaurant in the Old Town offering a “menú del día” for an authentic and affordable Catalan meal.
- 3:00 PM: Wander through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter (El Call) and then visit the nearby Arab Baths.
- 4:30 PM: Make your way to the Onyar River. Stroll across the Eiffel Bridge and the other bridges, taking those iconic photos of the colorful houses.
- 5:30 PM: Relax with a coffee or a delicious ice cream at a café in the lively Plaça de la Independència.
- 6:30 PM: Walk back to the station and catch your train back to Barcelona, filled with memories of a fantastic day.
Combining Your Trip: Girona, Figueres & the Costa Brava
Ambitious travelers might want to see more. While doing all three in one day is nearly impossible, combining Girona with one other destination is achievable, especially if you have a car.
Day Trip from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres
This is the ultimate art and history combo. Start your day early and take a train directly to Figueres to visit the surreal and wonderful Dalí Theatre-Museum. Plan for 2-3 hours there. Afterward, take the 45-minute train to Girona and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring its medieval wonders before heading back to Barcelona.
Day Trip from Barcelona to Girona and Costa Brava
This history-meets-nature itinerary is best done with a car for maximum flexibility. Spend your morning exploring Girona’s old town. After lunch, drive 45-60 minutes to one of the stunning coastal towns like Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, or Tossa de Mar for a refreshing afternoon by the Mediterranean Sea.
Where to Eat in Girona
Girona’s food scene is a highlight. Here are some recommendations for every budget.
- Budget (€): For a quick, tasty, and reliable bite, check out König, a local chain famous for its sandwiches and burgers. For a world-class sweet treat, don’t miss Rocambolesc Gelateria, an whimsical ice cream parlor from the acclaimed brothers of El Celler de Can Roca.
- Mid-Range (€€): The best value is the weekday “menú del día.” Look for chalkboards outside restaurants offering a three-course meal with a drink for €15-€25. For classic Catalan cuisine in a historic setting, try Casa Marieta or Le Bistrot.
- Splurge (€€€): Girona is home to El Celler de Can Roca, frequently named one of the best restaurants in the world. Just know that this is a destination in itself, requiring reservations months (or even years) in advance and is not a casual day trip stop.
Insider Tips for Your Visit (The “Reddit” Section)
- Wear comfortable shoes! This cannot be stressed enough. The beauty of Girona is in its cobblestone streets, which are charming but unforgiving on the feet.
- Book high-speed train tickets in advance on the Renfe website. Seriously, you can save up to 50% compared to buying them on the day of travel.
- The Cathedral ticket is a 3-in-1 combo that includes the Basilica and Art Museum. It’s fantastic value for money.
- Wander off the main paths. The true magic of the Jewish Quarter is found in its quietest, most narrow alleyways where you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
- Be aware that many smaller shops and some museums may be closed on Monday mornings, so plan accordingly.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
Pack light, but pack smart. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Comfortable walking shoes (the most important item!)
- A portable power bank for your phone
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Your camera or smartphone for all the photo ops
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (especially in summer)
- A light jacket or sweater, as evenings can be cool even after a warm day
Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person) for 2025
Here’s what you can expect to spend for a day trip to Girona, depending on your travel style.
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | €20 (Regional Train) | €40 (AVE booked early) | €70+ (Last-minute AVE/Car) |
| Food & Drink | €20 (Sandwich + coffee) | €40 (Menú del día + gelato) | €80+ (A la carte dining) |
| Attractions | €11 (Cathedral + Baths) | €15 (All main sites) | €15+ (Incl. other museums) |
| Total | ~€51 | ~€95 | ~€165+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Girona worth a day trip from Barcelona?
Yes, 100%. It offers a completely different vibe from Barcelona, with its incredibly preserved medieval history, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful river views, and famous Game of Thrones locations.
Is there a train between Barcelona and Girona?
Yes, there are two excellent train services. The high-speed AVE/AVANT train takes only 38 minutes, while the slower and cheaper Rodalies R11 regional train takes about 90 minutes.
Is one day enough for Girona?
Yes, one full day is the perfect amount of time to see all the major highlights within the compact old town at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
How to get from Girona Airport to Barcelona?
There is a direct bus service (operated by Sagalés) that connects Girona Airport with Barcelona’s Estació del Nord. The journey takes about 75 minutes, and the schedule is coordinated with flight arrivals and departures.
TLDR: Your Quick Guide to a Girona Day Trip
Don’t have time for the full article? Here’s the deal. Yes, you should absolutely go. Take the 38-minute high-speed train from Barcelona-Sants (book ahead!). Once there, walk the City Walls for great views, climb the Cathedral steps (Great Sept of Baelor from GoT), get lost in the Jewish Quarter, and take a photo on the red Eiffel Bridge over the Onyar River. It’s a beautiful, historic, and easy day trip. Wear comfy shoes. You’ll love it.
Girona is more than just a day trip; it’s an experience that transports you. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, look up, and appreciate the layers of history etched into its ancient stones. From its Roman past to its modern culinary fame, Girona offers a rich and rewarding contrast to the energy of Barcelona, making it an essential addition to any Catalonia itinerary. Have you been to Girona? Share your favorite spots in the comments below!
