Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is a secondary airport 105 km northeast of Barcelona, used primarily by Ryanair and other low-cost carriers. The route between the two airports follows the AP-7 motorway along the Catalan coast through the scenic Maresme and Selva regions.

About Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)

Girona-Costa Brava Airport serves as an alternative gateway to both Barcelona and the Costa Brava, the rugged coastal region of northeastern Catalonia. Many budget travelers use Girona as their entry point to Barcelona, taking advantage of lower flight costs despite the longer transfer. The airport is small, modern, and efficient compared to Barcelona\'s larger El Prat.

The city of Girona itself — just 12 km from the airport — is a stunning medieval city that deserves more than a layover. Its colorful riverside houses along the Onyar River, the Jewish Quarter (Call) — one of the best-preserved in Europe — and the imposing Girona Cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world make it a rewarding destination in its own right. Game of Thrones fans will recognize several Girona locations used for King\'s Landing and Braavos scenes.

The Costa Brava coastline north of Girona features dramatic cliff-backed coves, pine-fringed beaches, and charming fishing villages like Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués (where Dalí lived), and Calella de Palafrugell. It offers a more authentic, less developed coastal experience than the Costa del Sol to the south.

Nearby Landmarks

Girona Old Town Girona Cathedral Costa Brava beaches Dalí Museum (Figueres)

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €150-180
Time 1.5-2 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (AVE/Avant to Girona station)

Cost €12-15
Time 38 minutes to Girona
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Girona-Costa Brava Airport and find the Sagalés/Barcelona Bus stop.
2. Option A: Barcelona Bus to Barcelona Nord station (EUR 16, every 30-60 min, 75-90 min).
3. Option B: Take a bus or taxi to Girona city train station (12 km, 15 min).
4. From Girona station, take AVE high-speed train to Barcelona Sants (38 min, EUR 12-25).
5. The AVE train is faster and more comfortable, but requires the extra Girona city transfer.
6. Pre-booked private transfers between airports cost EUR 150-200 (90 min drive).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €150-180 1.5-2 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train €12-15 38 minutes to Girona Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, there is no public transport between Girona Airport and Barcelona. A private transfer or taxi costs EUR 150-200 for the 105 km trip. The Barcelona Bus (Sagalés) from Girona Airport to Barcelona runs until approximately 11:00 PM. For late arrivals at Girona, consider overnighting in Girona city (12 km, EUR 15-20 taxi) and taking the morning train to Barcelona.

Luggage Tips

The Sagalés Barcelona Bus has under-bus luggage storage for large bags. If taking the AVE train from Girona station, there are luggage racks on board. For a direct transfer between the two airports, a pre-booked shuttle or private car is most practical. Girona Airport is compact — the walk from arrivals to the bus stop is short.

Accessibility

Girona Airport is small and accessible with wheelchair assistance. The Sagalés bus has luggage compartments but limited wheelchair access — call ahead to confirm. The AVE high-speed train from Girona has wheelchair spaces and accessible carriages. Girona's old town has cobblestones and hills that challenge wheelchair users, though the newer areas are accessible.