Girona: Day Trips and Tours from Barcelona

In Girona, you’ll be treated to ancient wonders, scenic countryside and a whole host of stories. Girona’s medieval heart is where you’ll be exploring with your expert local guide.

The winding, narrow streets and colorful architecture make perfect camera fodder, while the Gothic cathedral is a sight to behold. On a day trip to Girona from Barcelona, you’ll get a glimpse into the past and learn about the city’s turbulent history.

Check out our traveler's guide on Girona, one of the most exciting day trips from Barcelona.

What are your travel options to Girona from Barcelona?

Girona is located in Catalonia, about 100 kilometers northeast of Barcelona. Its proximity to the latter makes it a popular day trip destination for visitors to the Catalan capital.

From Barcelona to Girona by car

If you want to drive there yourself, the journey to Girona from Barcelona is fairly straightforward. Just bear in mind that parking is always at a premium in city centers.

You’ll need to head north on the B-10 before picking up the C-33 and then the AP-7. Come off at exit 7 and continue to Girona on the C-65. It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel between the two cities.

From Barcelona to Girona by public transport

If you prefer to use public transport, there are several trains a day that run between Barcelona and Girona. Make sure you book one of the direct trains to save on travel time. The route takes just over an hour, although some of the faster AVE trains are even quicker.

Trains depart from Barcelona’s main station, known as Barcelona Sants. Girona train station is about 1 kilometer from the historical center – you can either walk there or take a taxi.

There are also several coach companies offering direct bus transfers between Barcelona and Girona. These take a couple of hours, with FlixBus and Renfe Viajeros being popular operators.

Guided tour to Girona from Barcelona

By far the easiest way to enjoy a day tour to Girona from Barcelona is by booking a guided excursion. Some providers offer hotel pickups, while others will give you a convenient meeting place in the city.

Trips last a full day and often take in bonus destinations along the way, like Figueres and the Costa Brava. You’ll be returned to the starting point at the end of the day for seamless round-trip transfers.

How will your day trip to Girona unfold?

Your Girona day trip from Barcelona begins with a hotel pickup after breakfast. Alternatively, some providers ask you to make your way to a central meeting point in Barcelona, like the Estación del Norte. You’ll be traveling by air-conditioned coach or minivan to Girona – the drive takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

After driving through the idyllic Spanish countryside, the first stop of the day is Girona. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour around the historic center, taking in the major sights. There will often be a bit of leisure time afterward, so you can explore at your own pace or grab a bite to eat.

Then it’s time to hop back on the coach to continue your adventure. Next up is either the town of Figueres or the villages of the Costa Brava depending on which tour you have chosen. In each location, you’ll be able to visit attractions and soak up the scenery.

On the Costa Brava trips, stops include the medieval village of Pals and the traditional fishing settlement of Calella de Palafrugell. While exploring the latter, you will discover the ancient trails known as the Caminos de Ronda. Along this stretch of coast, you can go for a swim in the sea if you fancy cooling off in the afternoon heat.

If you’ve opted for the trip that visits Figueres, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Dali Museum. The famous Surrealist artist was born here in Figueres and founded the museum himself. You’ll get to see the “Dali Jewels” as well as the iconic sculpted eggs up on the roof.

After a fun day out, you’ll be transferred back to Barcelona, usually to your original departure point. You will be there in time for dinner in the evening.

What kinds of tours go to Girona?

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a day trip to Girona from Barcelona. Most tours take in additional locations for a comprehensive experience, with Figueres and the Costa Brava featuring heavily.

Guided tour to Girona plus Figueres from Barcelona

These small group tours are a cost-effective way to explore Girona and meet like-minded travelers at the same time. Excursions are limited to a certain number of passengers to keep the experience personal. There will be an experienced guide leading the tour, so you’ll be able to tap into lots of insider knowledge.

You’ll learn about the history of Girona and swing by some of the best photo spots too. A visit to the town of Figueres and the famous Dali Museum is also included in the excursion. This is the most popular day tour to Girona thanks to its affordability and conviviality.

Day trip to Girona plus the Costa Brava from Barcelona

For a fun-packed excursion on the Catalan coast, consider booking a day trip from Barcelona to Girona with a visit to Costa Brava along the way. These group tours are kept to a maximum of eight people, so it’ll feel pretty exclusive.

Your group will have a guide to steer you through the day and answer your questions. They will show you all the key attractions and give you the history of the places you visit, along with the opportunity to check out some of Europe’s finest beaches.

Game of Thrones tour to Girona from Barcelona

Some Girona excursions are themed on the popular “Game of Thrones” TV show. These group tours focus on famous filming locations from the sixth season, following in the footsteps of the iconic characters.

Transport is by coach, with a guided tour around the city center on arrival. You’ll learn about the real stories behind the monuments and landmarks, as well as see where all the filming action unfolded. See how many spots you can recognize from the big screen!

Private day trip to Girona from Barcelona

Travelers looking for a more intimate experience should book a private day tour to Girona. On these adventures, you’ll have your own vehicle and guide, giving you more flexibility and independence than on group tours.

There is a set itinerary, but if you’d like to focus on something in particular, just ask. Most trips also take in either Figueres or the Costa Brava, but there are also tours available that solely cover Girona. You’ll also be able to spend longer at some spots and avoid the crowds at others during a private Girona excursion.

What are the prices for a day trip to Girona from Barcelona?

The “Game of Thrones” themed jaunt to Girona costs €60 per person. These group walking tours last about 6.5 hours, with return transport from Barcelona provided. If you’d like a longer excursion that includes lunch, the price rises to €110 per person.

A group day tour to Girona from Barcelona with a bonus visit to Figueres starts at €80 per participant. You will be traveling with other explorers by coach or minivan. Attraction admissions are usually included in the price, as well as a guided tour of Girona.

The Girona excursions that also include the Costa Brava are more expensive, as more stops and activities are offered. Expect to pay €100 each for this full-day extravaganza with just eight participants. Pickups and drop-offs at central Barcelona hotels are covered in the price.

For a private Girona day tour from Barcelona, the prices vary depending on which other locations are included in the itinerary. The cheapest option is to book a trip that just focuses on Girona – these cost €230 per person. Meanwhile, private excursions to Girona and the Costa Brava are €240 per person, and the trips that stop in Figueres cost €300.

On private Girona tours, you’ll have an exclusive vehicle and guide, plus hotel pickups and entry to the Dali Museum where applicable.

What is there to see in Girona?

Founded centuries ago by the Romans, Girona has a rich heritage, with plenty to see and do for the culturally curious visitor. During a guided tour of the center, you’ll discover ancient monuments, atmospheric districts and charming squares.

Old Town

The “Barri Vell”, or Old Town, is the historic heart of Girona. Deep in the medieval district, you’ll feel like you’ve journeyed through time, with ornate architecture and secret plazas delighting at every turn. You’ll also pass by the Arab Baths and Museum of Archaeology during your tour.

You can still see the original city walls, which are a constant reminder of the city’s ancient legacy. The panoramic city views from the top of the walls are far-reaching, so keep your camera handy.

Girona is home to one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and the narrow alleyways present endless opportunities for exploration. This is a particularly atmospheric part of the city and a place with many stories to reveal. Your guide will tell you about the past inhabitants of this ghetto as you wander along the streets.

Girona Cathedral

The Old Town is also where you’ll find the cathedral, with its photogenic steps that were used for a famous scene in “Game of Thrones”. Dating to the 11th century, the Cathedral of Girona represents a range of architectural styles including Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque.

Inside, the cathedral is known for having the widest Gothic nave in the world – it’s 23 meters across! There are precious artworks here too, as well as the Tapestry of Creation, which is one of the finest such pieces in Europe. The cathedral will undoubtedly be the highlight of your day trip to Girona from Barcelona.

Onyar River

One of the most appealing scenes in Girona can be found along the banks of the Onyar River. Here, colorful houses line the waterway, with ochres, oranges and reds all reflecting beautifully in the water on a sunny day.

This is a bit of an iconic sight and emblematic of the types of historic residences found here in Girona. The river itself divides the old and new towns, and a stroll over any of the bridges will give you the view you’re looking for.

When should you visit Girona?

A day trip to Girona is a joy at any time of year. If you prefer warmth, then come in the summer between June and September. Just bear in mind that this is when the city is at its busiest.

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall can be lovely – there are fewer tourists about and temperatures remain pleasant. Winters are cooler but quieter, so if you don’t mind a bit of rain, this can be a very enjoyable time of year to visit.

Travel tips

• To get the best deals, book your day trip to Girona from Barcelona online so you can compare prices. Places can sell out in peak season, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
• Comfortable footwear is a must – you will be doing a lot of walking around the cobbled city streets.
• Pack sunscreen and water if you’re visiting in the summer, plus swimwear if you will be heading to the Costa Brava.
• Lunch is not usually provided on these Girona tours, but you will have plenty of opportunity to buy food during the day.