How to Plan the Perfect Girona Day Trip from Barcelona

If you’re looking for a charming medieval town with stunning architecture, delicious food, and a relaxed vibe, a Girona day trip from Barcelona is the perfect choice.

I’ve explored Girona multiple times, walking its historic streets, discovering hidden corners, and tasting the best local dishes.

From Game of Thrones filming locations to ancient city walls and colorful riverside houses, this city has something for everyone.

Ready to plan your day trip from Barcelona to Girona?

Here’s everything you need to know!

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Where is Girona, Spain, and How Far Is It from Barcelona

Girona is a historic city in northeastern Catalonia, Spain, located about 100 km (62 mi) northeast of Barcelona.

It sits along the Onyar River and is the capital of the Girona province.

Girona is roughly 1 hour away from Barcelona, making it a perfect day trip destination. You can easily reach it by train, bus, or car, with high-speed trains cutting the travel time to just 38 minutes.

💡 Tip: Girona has an airport (Girona-Costa Brava Airport), which serves budget airlines like Ryanair. It’s a convenient option if you’re traveling to or from other European destinations.

How to Get from Barcelona to Girona, Spain

Here are all available transportation options for a day trip from Barcelona to Girona (from easiest to hardest to organize):

Mode of Transport	Duration	Book via
Day Tour	~6 – 8 hours (round trip)	GetYourGuide
Train	~38 min (high-speed, each way), ~1:30 hours (regular, each way)	Omio
Bus	~1:30 hours (each way)	GetYourGuide
Car	~1:15 hours (each way)	Discover Cars

Joining a Day Tour to Girona from Barcelona

If you want a hassle-free way to explore Girona, booking a guided day tour is the easiest option.

My recommended tour lasts 6 hours and includes round-trip transportation by bus, a 2-hour guided walking tour, and free time to explore on your own.

A guide will take you through Girona’s most famous sights, including the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and Onyar River while sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history.

After the tour, you’ll have time to wander the medieval streets, grab a coffee in Plaça de la Independència, or try Girona’s famous xuixo pastry.

💡 Tip: This tour is perfect if you want to see Girona without worrying about transport or planning your itinerary.

Traveling to Girona from Barcelona by Train

If you want to organize your Girona day trip independently, going by train is my recommended option.

It’s fast, comfortable, and reliable, with multiple departures throughout the day. There are two different trains you can take between Barcelona and Girona:

• High-Speed Train (AVE/Avant): The high-speed trains are the fastest option, getting you to Girona in just 38 minutes. These trains depart from Barcelona Sants Station and offer a smooth, comfortable ride with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. These trains are ideal if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get to Girona but are more expensive than the next option.
• Medium-Distance Train (Regional or MD): The medium-distance trains take a bit longer, around 1:30 hours. These trains are a bit slower but still comfortable. They depart from Barcelona Sants or Sant Andreu stations. They are cheaper than the high-speed option and make a good choice if you’re not in a rush. However, you can’t reserve a seat and might end up standing if the train gets full.

💡 Tip: Be sure to book your train tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting on weekends or holidays, as they can sell out quickly.

Taking a Bus from Barcelona to Girona

Traveling by bus from Barcelona to Girona is the least convenient and flexible option for a day trip. The only bus company operating this route is Sagalés.

Buses depart from Barcelona Airport at 10:00 AM and from Barcelona Nord at 10:45 AM. The journey takes around 1:30 hours, depending on traffic.

The return bus to Barcelona leaves at 3:30 PM, which gives you just about 3 hours to explore Girona.

Given the limited time for sightseeing, I wouldn’t recommend this option if you’re planning a day trip to Girona. The train offers a much faster and more flexible alternative.

💡 Tip:  This bus line is convenient as a transfer option between Barcelona and Girona Airport or Barcelona Airport and Girona City Center.

Renting a Car for Your Day Trip to Girona

Going to Girona by car is, of course, the most flexible option. It allows you to travel at your own pace and explore the surrounding areas, but there are a few things to consider:

• Parking: Finding parking in Girona’s city center can be tricky, especially around the historic Old Town. There are some public parking lots, but they can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Be prepared for limited options and higher fees near popular spots.
• Driving in Barcelona: Driving in Barcelona can be challenging, especially in the city center with its narrow streets and heavy traffic. If you’re not familiar with city driving in Europe, be ready for a bit of stress when leaving or entering the city.
• Highways: The drive to Girona is straightforward, taking the AP-7 highway. It’s well-maintained and easy to navigate. The journey takes around 1:15 hours without heavy traffic, making it a fairly quick and scenic drive. However, the AP-7 is a toll road, so keep some cash or a card handy for payment.

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to visit other destinations near Girona, renting a car can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Just be sure to plan for parking and the potential stress of driving through Barcelona.

7 Best Things to Do in Girona on a Day Trip from Barcelona

1. Marvel at the Girona Cathedral

Girona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, is the city’s most iconic landmark.

Its massive Baroque staircase and towering Gothic nave make it one of the most impressive churches in Spain. In fact, its nave is the widest of any Gothic cathedral in the world.

Step inside to admire the stunning stained-glass windows, the intricate cloister, and the famous Tapestry of Creation, a medieval masterpiece.

And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize the cathedral’s steps from season six, when it appeared as the Great Sept of Baelor.

💡 Tip: Climb to the top of the steps for a breathtaking view over Girona’s Old Town.

2. Explore the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter of Girona, known as El Call, is one of the best preserved in Europe.

Its narrow, winding streets, stone archways, and hidden courtyards take you back in time to when Girona had a thriving Jewish community before their expulsion in 1492.

Wander through the maze-like alleys and step into the Museum of Jewish History to learn about the community’s rich heritage. The museum displays ancient artifacts, tombstones, and documents that reveal the history of Jewish life in Girona.

💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to experience El Call’s peaceful atmosphere without the crowds.

3. Admire the Onyar River and Its Bridges

The Onyar River runs through the heart of Girona, lined with the city’s famous colorful houses that reflect beautifully in the water.

The bright facades have become one of Girona’s most iconic sights.

Several bridges cross the river, but the most famous is the Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles).

The famous architect Gustave Eiffel designed it just before he built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its striking red iron structure contrasts perfectly with the pastel-colored houses.

Another must-see is the Stone Bridge (Pont de Pedra), which offers a postcard-perfect view of the river and the cathedral.

💡 Tip: For the best photos, visit in the morning when the light hits the colorful houses just right.

4. Walk the Medieval Girona Walls

For the best panoramic views of Girona, take a walk along the Medieval City Walls (Muralles de Girona).

Originally built by the Romans and expanded in the Middle Ages, these ancient fortifications surround the Old Town and offer a unique perspective of the city.

The walls stretch for about 2.5 km (1.5 mi), and walking the full length typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Girona on a day trip from Barcelona.

The path is free to visit, well-maintained, and mostly uninterrupted, though there are a few stairs and slight elevation changes along the way.

As you follow the walkway, you’ll pass several watchtowers where you can stop and take in breathtaking views of Girona’s rooftops, the Cathedral, and even the distant Pyrenees on a clear day.

💡 Tip: Walk the walls just before sunset for stunning golden-hour views over Girona.

5. Discover the Historical Arab Baths

Tucked away near the Girona Cathedral, the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) are a hidden historical gem dating back to the 12th century.

Despite their name, the baths were built in the Romanesque style but were inspired by traditional Islamic, Roman, and Jewish bathhouses.

Inside, you’ll find well-preserved rooms, including a cold-water pool (frigidarium), warm bath (tepidarium), and steam room (caldarium). The highlight is the central hall, featuring a stunning domed ceiling supported by elegant columns.

💡 Tip: The entrance fee is just a few euros, making it one of the most affordable historical sites in Girona. It’s also a great place to hide from the heat on a summer day 😉

6. Chill at the Plaça de la Independència

If you need a break from sightseeing, head to Plaça de la Independència, Girona’s most famous square.

Surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings, the lively plaza is packed with cafés, restaurants, and terraces where you can sit back and soak in the atmosphere of everyday life in Girona.

The square is named after Girona’s fight for independence during the Napoleonic Wars. At its center stands a monument honoring the city’s defenders.

It’s a great spot to grab a coffee, enjoy some tapas, or simply people-watch while resting your feet during your Girona day trip.

7. Savor the Most Famous Girona Delicacies

No Girona day trip is complete without tasting its local specialties.

The city is known for its rich culinary scene, from traditional Catalan dishes to famous sweet treats.

Start your exploration with a xuixo, Girona’s signature pastry. The deep-fried, sugar-coated delight is filled with creamy custard and pairs perfectly with coffee.

If you’re in the mood for something savory, try butifarra dulce, a traditional Catalan sausage, or anything with beef. The meat from Girona is famous for its incredible taste and tenderness.

For a more upscale experience, Girona is home to the world-famous El Celler de Can Roca, one of the best restaurants on the planet. While a reservation is hard to get, many local eateries serve incredible Catalan cuisine at more affordable prices.

💡 Tip: Stop by a local bakery as soon as you arrive for the freshest xuixos. They’ll fuel your Girona day trip exploration for hours.

FAQ about a Girona Day Trip from Barcelona

Is Girona a day trip from Barcelona?

Yes! Girona is one of the best day trips from Barcelona. It’s only about 38 minutes away by high-speed train or about 1:30 hours using the other transportation options.

This makes it easy to visit in a single day while still having time to explore Girona’s historic sites, stunning architecture, and delicious food.

Is Girona worth visiting for a day?

Absolutely! Girona is a beautiful medieval city with colorful riverside houses, well-preserved city walls, and historic sites like the Cathedral of Girona and the Jewish Quarter. Its center is walkable, and you can explore its main sites in a few hours.

Whether you’re a history buff, a Game of Thrones fan, or just looking for a charming escape, Girona is well worth a visit on a day trip from Barcelona.

What is the best way to travel from Barcelona to Girona?

The high-speed train is the fastest way to get to Girona. It departs from Barcelona Sants Station and takes only 38 minutes.

However, the ticket price is about the same as the price of an organized tour. The tours have the advantage of taking care of everything for you.

If you’re on a budget, the regional trains are also a good option, but they take longer and you can’t reserve your seat.

Is Girona walkable?

Yes! Girona’s Old Town is very walkable, with most attractions within a short distance. The city has some steep streets, especially near the Cathedral and the city walls, but overall, you can explore easily on foot.

How to get around Girona, Spain?

Walking is the best way to explore Girona’s historic center. If you need to go farther, taxis and local buses are available, but most visitors won’t need them for a day trip from Barcelona. Renting a bike is another great option if you want to explore beyond the city center.

Can I combine a Girona day trip with other places in Catalonia?

Yes, you can add other destinations to your Girona day trip. The most popular combined tours from Barcelona offer a day trip to Girona & Figueres and a day trip to Girona & Costa Brava.

However, keep in mind that these tours are very long and exhausting, and you might be too overwhelmed to even remember the experience. I’d recommend them only if your time is extremely limited.

Now You Know How to Plan the Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Girona

And there you have it – everything you need to plan the perfect Girona day trip from Barcelona.

From its medieval streets and ancient walls to stunning architecture and delicious local cuisine, Girona offers a refreshing change of pace from the city.

Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or just looking for a scenic escape, this charming Catalan city will steal your heart.