So you’ve just landed at what your boarding pass called “Barcelona” airport, you’re feeling pleased with yourself for finding that cheap Ryanair fare, and then you glance at the signs. Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Girona? Hang on, where’s Barcelona?
Welcome to one of budget aviation’s most persistent sources of confusion. You’re not in Barcelona. You’re not even particularly close to Barcelona. You’re 90 km away in a completely different city, and that “bargain” flight is about to involve transfer logistics you probably didn’t budget for.
But here’s the thing – if you’re actually heading to Girona, the Costa Brava or the Pyrenees, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. Girona Airport handles nearly 3 million passengers annually, mostly on Ryanair flights from across Europe. It’s compact, efficiently run and refreshingly straightforward compared to the chaos of major hubs. No endless terminals, no confusing layouts, no spending 20 minutes finding ground transport.
The critical question is: where are you actually trying to go? Because that determines whether this airport works brilliantly for you or has just complicated your life considerably.
Is Girona Airport the Same as Barcelona Airport?
No. Absolutely not. This is the single most important thing to understand.
Budget airlines – particularly Ryanair – market flights to Girona Airport as “Barcelona (Girona)” or sometimes just “Barcelona” in their booking systems. This has caused confusion, missed connections and considerable frustration amongst passengers who genuinely believed they were flying to Barcelona’s actual airport.
If your destination is genuinely Barcelona, you want Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), which sits 12 km from the city centre. Girona Airport is 90 km from Barcelona – about 75-90 minutes by road depending on traffic.
That cheap fare suddenly looks less appealing once you factor in:
- 70-75 minutes on the airport bus to Barcelona (longer in traffic)
- Additional transfer costs each way
- Time spent waiting for connections
- The stress of coordinating return journeys with flight times
However, if you’re heading to Girona itself, the Costa Brava resorts, the Dalí triangle or the Pyrenees, this airport is actually brilliant – well-positioned, uncongested and easy to navigate.
Where Exactly is Girona Airport?
Girona-Costa Brava Airport sits 12 km southwest of Girona city. Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- To Girona city: 15-20 minutes by car/taxi, 20-25 minutes by bus
- To Barcelona: 90 km away, 75-90 minutes depending on traffic
- To Costa Brava resorts: Varies by destination – Lloret de Mar (30 mins), Tossa de Mar (40 mins), Cadaqués (90 mins)
- To Andorra ski resorts: About 2.5 hours
The airport itself is small and efficiently organised. You’ll clear arrivals quickly, and all ground transport options are immediately visible as you exit the terminal. No hunting around massive car parks or deciphering complex signage.
How to Get from Girona Airport to Barcelona
Right, this is where it gets complicated and potentially expensive. That bargain Ryanair fare might not look quite so clever once you’ve factored in getting to Barcelona.
Girona Airport to Barcelona by Bus (Cheapest Option)
Sagalés operates the “Barcelonabus” service directly from Girona Airport to Barcelona’s Estació del Nord bus station. This is the most economical option for most travellers.
Journey time: 70-75 minutes in decent traffic, significantly longer during Barcelona rush hour or summer weekend beach traffic
How it works: Buses are coordinated with flight arrivals. Look for “Barcelonabus” signage in the airport car park area. Book e-tickets in advance on the Sagalés website to avoid queues.
Critical warning: This bus is NOT operated by Ryanair, despite widespread passenger confusion on this point. If you’re catching a return flight and the bus is delayed, Ryanair will not hold the aircraft. Leave substantial buffer time for your return journey.
Once you arrive: Estació del Nord is about a 10-minute walk from Arc de Triomf metro station, from where Barcelona’s entire metro network is accessible.
Girona Airport to Barcelona by Train
There’s no direct train from the airport, but you can take a bus or taxi into Girona city (20 minutes), then catch a train to Barcelona.
High-speed trains: 38 minutes to Barcelona Sants
Regional trains: Around 90 minutes
Check current timetables on the RENFE website.
This option makes sense if you’re not rushed, want to see Girona briefly, or train times align better with your schedule. It doesn’t make financial sense if you’re trying to save money – the combined bus/taxi plus train fare exceeds the direct Barcelonabus cost.
Girona Airport to Barcelona by Taxi or Private Transfer
A taxi directly from Girona Airport to Barcelona will cost €120-150 depending on traffic and your final destination. Private transfer companies offer slightly better rates if booked in advance (€80-100 minimum).
This only makes financial sense if you’re splitting costs amongst 3-4 people, have excessive luggage, or value time and convenience above everything else. For most solo travellers or couples, it’s an expensive option that doesn’t really save that much time given Barcelona’s unpredictable traffic.
How to Get from Girona Airport to Girona City
If Girona’s actually your destination, you’re in luck – it’s straightforward and quick.
By Bus to Girona
Sagalés operates frequent buses between the airport and Girona’s main bus/train station. Services coordinate with flight arrivals, so there’s usually a bus waiting even for late arrivals.
Journey time: 20-25 minutes
Where it drops you: Girona’s transport hub, 10-15 minute walk to the old town
Book e-tickets in advance on the Sagalés website or pay the driver (cash and cards accepted). Pre-booking eliminates airport faff, though it’s hardly essential given the frequency.
By Taxi to Girona
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Journey time to central Girona is 15-20 minutes. Considerably more expensive than the bus but makes sense if you’ve got lots of luggage, are travelling as a group, or your accommodation’s awkwardly located.
The airport taxi rank is well organised – no dodgy unlicensed drivers hassling you as you exit.
Private Airport Transfers
Check whether your hotel offers airport pickup – some provide this service, particularly for multiple-night stays. Otherwise, numerous transfer companies operate from Girona Airport across the region. Search “Girona airport transfers” for competitive options.
Getting from Girona Airport to Costa Brava Resorts
Sagalés operates bus services to major Costa Brava destinations including Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Platja d’Aro. These are seasonal services – frequent in summer, reduced or non-existent in winter. Check schedules in advance on their website.
Private transfer companies also serve Costa Brava resorts. For groups or families, a private transfer often works out more cost-effective than multiple bus tickets whilst being considerably more convenient. Search “Costa Brava airport transfers” for operators offering competitive rates to popular destinations.
Car Rental from Girona Airport
All major car rental companies operate from Girona Airport – desks are immediately visible as you exit arrivals. Having a car makes excellent sense if you’re planning to explore the Costa Brava properly, visit medieval villages inland, or head to the Dalí triangle. Roads are generally good, traffic outside Barcelona is manageable, and you’re not dependent on seasonal bus schedules.
However: Driving into Barcelona from Girona Airport is genuinely inadvisable unless you enjoy sitting in traffic. Barcelona’s congestion is legendary, parking costs are extortionate (€25-40 per night in central areas), and the city’s excellent public transport makes a car redundant. If Barcelona’s your destination, take the bus.
Book car rental in advance online rather than at the airport desk – you’ll get better rates and can compare options properly rather than making rushed decisions after a flight.
Girona Airport Facilities
The terminal is compact, which means facilities are limited compared to major international hubs. What you’ve got:
- Basic cafés and snack bars (overpriced, as airport food invariably is)
- Small duty-free shopping area
- Currency exchange (poor rates – use ATMs instead)
- Free WiFi throughout the terminal
- ATMs for cash withdrawal
- Left luggage facility
It’s not somewhere you’d want to spend hours killing time, but for a regional airport it’s perfectly adequate. Everything’s clearly signposted in Catalan, Spanish and English.
Should You Stay Near Girona Airport?
Probably not. Most visitors head straight to their final destination. There are a few airport hotels for early flights or late arrivals, but they’re functional rather than appealing – the sort of places you sleep before moving on, not destinations in themselves.
Staying in Girona city itself is far more rewarding. You’re only 20 minutes from the airport by bus or taxi, so early flights are perfectly manageable. Meanwhile you actually get to experience Girona – medieval walls, atmospheric lanes, excellent restaurants – rather than just passing through a soulless airport hotel.
The old town has characterful boutique hotels within walking distance of major sights. The modern city around the train/bus station offers larger hotels at competitive rates whilst still being only a 10-minute walk to the medieval quarter.
Girona Airport: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Girona Airport near Barcelona?
Girona Airport is 90 km from Barcelona – about 75-90 minutes by road depending on traffic. It’s marketed as “Barcelona Girona” by budget airlines, but it’s not Barcelona’s airport. Barcelona’s actual airport is Barcelona El Prat (BCN), which sits 12 km from the city centre.
How long does it take to get from Girona Airport to Barcelona?
The direct Barcelonabus takes 70-75 minutes in decent traffic, longer during rush hour or summer weekends. By car or taxi it’s similar – 75-90 minutes depending on Barcelona traffic conditions. Via train through Girona city, allow 90-120 minutes total including connections.
How much is a bus from Girona Airport to Barcelona?
The Sagalés Barcelonabus costs significantly less than a taxi (which runs €120-150). Check current fares on the Sagalés website as prices vary seasonally. Book e-tickets in advance to avoid queues at the airport.
Can I get a train from Girona Airport to Barcelona?
There’s no direct train from the airport. You’d need to take a bus or taxi into Girona city (20 minutes), then catch a train to Barcelona. High-speed trains take 38 minutes to Barcelona Sants, regional services around 90 minutes. This isn’t the most efficient option for most travellers.
How far is Girona Airport from Girona city?
Just 12 km – about 15-20 minutes by car or taxi, 20-25 minutes by the Sagalés bus service. If Girona’s your actual destination, the airport is brilliantly convenient.
Is it better to fly to Girona or Barcelona Airport?
If Barcelona’s your destination, fly to Barcelona El Prat Airport. The time and cost of transferring from Girona often negates any savings from cheaper flights. If you’re heading to the Costa Brava, Girona itself, or the Pyrenees, Girona Airport is the better choice – smaller, less stressful and well-positioned for the region.
What time should I arrive at Girona Airport for my flight?
Budget airlines typically recommend 2 hours before departure for international flights. Given Girona’s compact size, you can often get away with less, but don’t cut it too fine. If you’re travelling from Barcelona, leave substantial buffer time – traffic on the AP-7 motorway can be unpredictable, particularly on summer weekends.
Does Girona Airport have car rental?
Yes, all major car rental companies operate from Girona Airport with desks immediately visible as you exit arrivals. Book in advance online for better rates. A car is excellent for exploring the Costa Brava and surrounding region, though inadvisable if Barcelona’s your destination.
The Bottom Line on Girona Airport
Girona Airport works brilliantly as a gateway to Catalonia’s northeastern region – the Costa Brava, Girona itself, the Dalí sites, medieval villages and the Pyrenees. It’s small, efficiently run and significantly less stressful than Barcelona El Prat. The compact terminal means you’re in and out quickly, ground transport is straightforward, and you avoid the chaos of a major international hub.
Just be realistic about where you’re actually going. Those budget fares to “Barcelona” come with 90-minute transfers and additional costs that might eliminate any savings. Factor in the bus fare both ways, the journey time and the stress of coordinating connections with flight times. For many travellers, flying directly to Barcelona El Prat makes more sense despite slightly higher fares.
But if Girona or the Costa Brava was genuinely your plan, this airport delivers exactly what you need – quick access to one of Spain’s most appealing regions without the institutional feel of major hubs. You’ll be exploring medieval lanes or relaxing on Mediterranean beaches whilst Barcelona-bound passengers are still sitting on the airport bus.