Barcelona Airport to Girona by Train – Step-by-Step Guide
Travelling from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Girona? This simple step-by-step guide takes you through the entire journey – from your arrival terminal to Girona railway station.
There is no direct train from Barcelona Airport to Girona. First, take the R2 Nord train to Barcelona Sants, then change to a high-speed or regional train to Girona.
Barcelona Airport to Girona by train: price and travel time
Transport | Total price | Total travel time |
Taxi directly to Girona | Approx. €200 per vehicle – up to 4 people | Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes |
Train via Barcelona Sants with a high-speed train | Approx. €22.50–€37.50 per person | Approx. 1.5–3 hours |
Train via Barcelona Sants with a regional train | Approx. €14.50–€17.50 per person | Approx. 2.5–4.5 hours |
The total train travel time is calculated from when you leave the baggage reclaim area at the airport. It depends heavily on timing – both when the R2 Nord departs and whether you catch your connection at Barcelona Sants or the train to Girona has just left. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you must also allow time for the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2.
Part of the journey | Travel time |
Shuttle bus from T1 to T2 | Approx. 15 minutes |
T2 to Barcelona Sants | Approx. 20 minutes |
Change at Barcelona Sants | Allow at least 10–30 minutes |
Barcelona Sants to Girona by high-speed train | Approx. 40 minutes |
Barcelona Sants to Girona by regional train | Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes–2 hours |
If you arrive at Terminal 2
Go directly to Step 2.
If you arrive at Terminal 1
Step 1: Take the shuttle bus to Terminal 2
Follow the signs for “Shuttle T1–T2”
The bus is free
It departs every 5–10 minutes
The journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes
Get off at T2B
The transfer takes 10–15 minutes because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located on opposite sides of the airport. The shuttle travels between them on public roads.
Step 2: Find the railway station at Terminal 2B
Follow the signs for “Renfe”
The railway station is located next to T2B
Reach the station via the covered walkway
Buy your ticket to Barcelona Sants at the station
The video below shows you exactly how to walk through Terminal 2 and reach the railway station.
Step 3: Take the R2 Nord to Barcelona Sants
Take the R2 Nord towards Barcelona
The train departs every 30 minutes
Travel time is approximately 20 minutes
There are two stops before Barcelona Sants:
El Prat de Llobregat
Bellvitge–Gornal
Barcelona Sants is the third stop, where you need to get off.
Step 4: Change trains at Barcelona Sants
Find your train to Girona on the large departure screens.
You can choose between a high-speed train or a regional train.
High-speed train - AVE or Avant
Direct to Girona
Travel time: approximately 40 minutes
Seat reservation included
We recommend buying your ticket in advance
Girona is not always shown as the final destination on the departure screens. The high-speed train may display Figueres Vilafant or another destination further north.
Check that Girona is listed as one of the stops, or ask a member of staff if you are unsure. Always check the departure screens for the current platform.
Allow time for security
When travelling on a high-speed train, your luggage must pass through a scanner. Queues are possible, so arrive at the security checkpoint 20–30 minutes before departure.
Identity checks may also take place, so keep your passport or another valid photo ID easily accessible.
Regional trains
Direct to Girona
Travel time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes–2 hours, depending on the service
Cheaper than the high-speed train
Many stops along the way
Girona is not always shown as the final destination. The departure screen may show Portbou, Cerbère or Figueres instead.
Check that Girona is listed among the stops or ask a member of staff. Regional trains often leave from platform 13 or 14, but always check the departure screens, as platforms can change.
Step 5: From Girona railway station to the city centre
Girona railway station is centrally located.
Hotel Ciutat de Girona, Hotel Nord 1901 and Hotel Ultonia are approximately 900 metres from the station
Walking time: approximately 12 minutes
Taxis are normally available outside the station
Travelling with a bicycle?
If you are travelling with a bicycle, check the rules before selecting your train and purchasing your ticket.
AVE and Avant are two different types of high-speed train, but for most travellers the difference is not important. Both travel directly between Barcelona Sants and Girona in approximately 40 minutes. However, the bicycle rules are slightly different.
On high-speed trains, bicycles must be partially dismantled and packed inside a bicycle bag or box measuring no more than 140 × 90 × 40 cm. At least one wheel must be removed, and the handlebars must be turned parallel to the frame.
Avant: A packed bicycle can be carried free of charge.
AVE: The bicycle must be added to your booking as special luggage. There is currently no additional charge.
Regional trains: Travelling with a bicycle is usually easier, although space may be limited. Bicycles can normally be carried fully assembled and free of charge.
Where can you buy tickets?
Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants
Buy your R2 Nord ticket at the railway station next to Terminal 2B.
Tickets are available:
From the ticket machines
From the staffed ticket office, when open
A single ticket to Barcelona Sants costs €5.50.
Barcelona Sants to Girona
Tickets to Girona can be purchased:
At Barcelona Sants
Through the Renfe app
On the Renfe website
If you want to travel by AVE or Avant, we recommend booking in advance. These trains require a seat reservation, and popular departures can sell out.
However, booking in advance also involves some risk if your flight or airport train is delayed and you miss your reserved departure.
Regional train tickets can normally be purchased from the machines or ticket office at Barcelona Sants.
Ticket price breakdown
Part of the journey | Price | Time on the train |
Barcelona Airport T2 to Barcelona Sants | €5.50 | Approx. 20 minutes |
Barcelona Sants to Girona by AVE or Avant | Approx. €17–€32 | Approx. 40 minutes |
Barcelona Sants → Girona by regional train | Approx. €9–€12 | Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes–2 hours |
Useful links
Would you like to experience Girona by bike?
Bike Camp Spain organises guided cycling camps in Girona for road and gravel cyclists. We have lived in Girona since 2018 and show our guests both the iconic climbs and the lesser-known cycling routes around the city.
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