You have landed at Girona Airport, grabbed your bags, and now you are staring at the signs wondering how to get to Barcelona from here. The good news: it is straightforward. The better news: the most popular option costs just €22 and drops you near the city centre in around 75 minutes. The only thing you need to work out is which option suits your group, your budget, and your patience for connections.
Girona Airport, officially named Girona-Costa Brava, sits about 103 km northeast of Barcelona. It is primarily served by Ryanair, which markets it as “Barcelona Girona” to keep things simple for passengers, and the transfer options into the city are well-established.
The Sagàles Bus: Direct from Girona Airport to Barcelona City Centre
Most people take the Sagàles Line 604 bus. It is direct, comfortable, and runs from right in front of the terminal to Estàció del Nord bus station in central Barcelona. The journey takes around 75 minutes, the bus has free WiFi and air conditioning, and there is a spacious luggage hold underneath for suitcases and bags. Tickets cost €22 per person. Children under 4 travel free.
You can buy tickets at the machines in the airport bus car park, or online in advance at the Sagàles Airport Line website. Booking online is worth doing during peak Ryanair season, when the bus fills up faster than you might expect. Once you arrive at Estàció del Nord, Arc de Triomf metro station (Red Line L1) is about a 5-minute walk away, connecting you to the rest of the city. The station also has luggage lockers if your accommodation is not ready yet and you want to explore first.
Local tip
The Sagàles bus is timed to Ryanair arrivals, which means if your flight is delayed, the bus waits for you. You will not be stranded watching your coach pull away while you are still at baggage claim. It is one of the few airport-to-city transfers that genuinely accounts for budget airline delays.
One thing that catches people out: there are two Sagàles services to Barcelona. One departs directly from the airport terminal. The other departs only from Girona city centre. Make sure you are at the airport bus, or you will find yourself heading in entirely the wrong direction.
Since April 2025, ongoing construction near the Sagrera area has caused temporary changes to some stops on the Barcelona end of the route. Check the Sagàles website or call +34 900 13 00 14 before your trip to confirm the current stop location in Barcelona.
Bus to Girona City, Then Train to Barcelona Sants
If you are flexible and do not mind a two-step journey, the train route can be competitive on time, though it requires more planning. First, take bus 607 from the airport to Girona bus station, right next to the city’s train station. The ride takes around 30 minutes and costs just €2.85. Buses run roughly every hour from 4:30am to 0:30am.
From Girona train station, the AVE high-speed service to Barcelona Sants takes about 40 minutes and costs between €15 and €36 depending on how far in advance you book. Seat reservations are mandatory on AVE, so sort this on the RENFE website before you travel. Regional and suburban trains also cover the route but take up to two hours, and their tickets cannot be bought online.
The main drawback is the connection itself. If bus 607 is running late or you miss your planned train, you are waiting at Girona station with your luggage. For solo travellers happy to be flexible, the price can make it worthwhile. For families, the direct bus to Barcelona city centre wins without much contest.
Taxi or Private Transfer from Girona Airport to Barcelona
A direct taxi from Girona Airport to Barcelona is expensive but hassle-free. Official airport taxis charge around €127 during the day and €140 in the evenings and at weekends. Private transfer companies start from around €120 for a standard car, with larger vehicles costing more.
The fares are per vehicle, not per person, which changes the maths for groups. Four people splitting a €130 taxi works out at €32.50 each: only €10.50 more than the bus per person, with door-to-door service and no luggage juggling. Add young children or a lot of bags, and a private transfer starts to look sensible rather than extravagant.
Taxis are not guaranteed to be queuing outside at all hours. If you are arriving on a late-night flight, booking a private transfer in advance is the safer call.
Quick Comparison: Which Transfer Is Right for You
| Option | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagàles Bus (Line 604) | €22 per person | ~75 min | Solo travellers, couples, budget-conscious groups |
| Bus 607 + AVE Train | €18–39 per person | ~75 min total | Flexible travellers who book train seats in advance |
| Taxi or Private Transfer | €120–160 per vehicle | ~60 min | Groups of 3–4, families with luggage, late arrivals |
Arriving at El Prat instead? See our guide to Barcelona Airport to the city centre for all transport options from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Girona Airport to Barcelona?
No. Girona Airport does not have its own train station. You first take bus 607 to Girona city centre (around 30 minutes, €2.85), then board a RENFE train to Barcelona Sants. The AVE high-speed service takes about 40 minutes but requires a seat reservation booked in advance on the RENFE website.
How much does a taxi from Girona Airport to Barcelona cost?
Official airport taxis charge around €127 during the day and €140 in the evenings and at weekends. Private transfer companies typically start from €120 for a standard car. Fares are per vehicle, so groups of three or four will find the cost per person far more reasonable.
Can I buy a Sagàles bus ticket on the day at the airport?
Yes. Ticket machines are located in the bus car park right in front of the terminal. Buying online in advance is recommended during summer and public holidays, as the bus fills up quickly. Digital e-tickets are accepted on board.
How much luggage can I bring on the Sagàles bus?
Standard suitcases and bags travel free in the under-bus hold. Oversized items may incur an extra charge. Bicycles, strollers, and pets under 10 kg in an approved carrier are permitted, but contact Sagàles in advance to confirm the current rules for your journey.
Where exactly does the Sagàles bus arrive in Barcelona?
The bus terminates at Estàció del Nord in central Barcelona. Arc de Triomf metro station (Red Line L1) is about a 5-minute walk away. The station has luggage lockers if you want to drop your bags and explore before checking in.
