Just 40 minutes from Barcelona by high-speed train, Girona is one of Catalonia’s most captivating cities — and one of the most underrated day trips in all of Spain. With its towering medieval walls, rainbow-colored houses clinging to the Onyar River, and winding Jewish Quarter, Girona offers a completely different pace and atmosphere from the bustling Catalan capital.
Whether you’re planning to hop on a train independently or join an organized Girona tour from Barcelona, this complete guide covers everything you need to know — from transport options and ticket tips to the top things to see, where to eat, and how to make the most of your day.
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Why Take a Day Trip to Girona from Barcelona?
Girona is close enough to Barcelona to make a very comfortable day trip, yet different enough to feel like a completely separate world. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your itinerary:
- It’s incredibly easy to reach — frequent, affordable trains run throughout the day
- It’s far less crowded than Barcelona — you can explore without fighting through tourist crowds
- It has a rich, layered history — Roman walls, a medieval Jewish Quarter, and Gothic architecture all coexist in a compact, walkable city
- It’s stunningly photogenic — the famous Casas de l’Onyar (colored houses) along the river are iconic
- It appeared in Game of Thrones — several filming locations are scattered throughout the old city, a huge draw for fans of the show
Even a single day in Girona gives you enough time to explore the highlights, enjoy a long lunch, and return to Barcelona in time for dinner.
Book Your Day Trip to Girona from Barcelona Today!
How to Get from Barcelona to Girona
There are several ways to make the Barcelona to Girona journey, depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style.
1. By Train (Recommended)
Taking the train is by far the most popular and convenient way to travel from Barcelona to Girona. Trains depart regularly from Barcelona Sants station, and there are two main options:
High-Speed AVE/AVANT Train
- Journey time: Approximately 38–40 minutes
- Frequency: Multiple departures throughout the day
- Cost: From around €10–€20 each way (depending on how far in advance you book)
- Operator: Renfe
This is the fastest and most comfortable option. Seats must be reserved in advance, and you should book through the Renfe website (renfe.com) or at the station.
Regional Train (Media Distancia)
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- Frequency: Multiple departures per day
- Cost: Around €7–€11 each way
- Operator: Renfe
The regional train is slower but cheaper and doesn’t always require an advance reservation. It’s a great budget-friendly option if you’re not in a hurry.
Tips for Taking the Train to Girona
- Book in advance for the high-speed train, especially in summer — seats sell out
- Arrive at Barcelona Sants at least 15–20 minutes before departure
- Girona train station is conveniently located a short 10–15 minute walk from the old town
- Return trains run throughout the afternoon and evening, so you have flexibility on when to head back
2. By Organized Tour
Joining an organized Girona tour from Barcelona is a fantastic option if you want a hassle-free experience with built-in context and local expertise. Most tours depart directly from central Barcelona and handle all the logistics for you.
What’s typically included:
- Round-trip transportation from Barcelona
- A guided walking tour of Girona’s highlights
- Commentary on history, culture, and architecture
- Some tours include Game of Thrones filming location stops
- Optional add-ons like lunch or wine tasting
Who should consider a tour:
- First-time visitors who want historical context
- Travelers who prefer not to navigate transport independently
- Game of Thrones fans looking to find specific filming locations
- Those short on time who want to see the highlights efficiently
Tours typically range from €50–€100 per person depending on what’s included. They can be booked through operators like Viator, GetYourGuide, or various Barcelona-based tour companies.
3. By Car
Driving from Barcelona to Girona is also a practical option, particularly for families or groups.
- Distance: Approximately 100 km (62 miles) via the AP-7 motorway
- Journey time: Around 1 hour (traffic dependent)
- Cost: Tolls apply on the AP-7; budget around €10–€15 each way
- Parking: There are several car parks near Girona’s old town
The main downside of driving is dealing with tolls and finding parking, which can be stressful in peak season. The train remains the easier option for most visitors.
4. By Bus
Buses do run between Barcelona and Girona, but they take significantly longer (around 1.5–2 hours) and are generally less comfortable than the train. Bus travel is only really worth considering if train tickets are fully booked.
Top Things to Do in Girona
Once you arrive, Girona’s compact old city is very easy to explore on foot. Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss on your Girona day trip.
1. Walk the Medieval City Walls
Girona’s ancient walls are among the best-preserved in Europe, and walking along the top of them is one of the most rewarding things you can do in the city. The Passeig de la Muralla (Wall Walk) offers sweeping views over the rooftops, gardens, and surrounding countryside.
The walls stretch for nearly 2 km and date back to Roman times, though much of what you see today was built or reinforced during the medieval period. Entry is free, and the walk typically takes around 30–45 minutes at a leisurely pace.
2. Explore the Jewish Quarter (El Call)
Girona was once home to one of the most important Jewish communities in medieval Catalonia, and the old Jewish Quarter (El Call) is one of the most atmospheric and well-preserved in all of Europe.
Wind your way through the labyrinthine alleyways, and be sure to visit the Museum of Jewish History (Museu d’Història dels Jueus), which tells the story of the community that thrived here from the 9th to the 15th century. Entry is affordable (around €4–€6) and the museum is excellent.
3. Visit Girona Cathedral
Dominating the old city skyline, the Catedral de Girona is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with the widest Gothic nave in the world. Climbing the dramatic Baroque staircase leading up to the cathedral is itself a highlight — and yes, fans of Game of Thrones will recognize it as a filming location from the show.
Inside, the cathedral houses a remarkable treasury including the famous Tapestry of the Creation, a Romanesque embroidery considered one of the finest medieval artworks in existence.
Opening hours: Roughly 10am–7pm (varies by season); check in advance Entry: Around €7 adults; reduced prices available
4. Photograph the Casas de l’Onyar
No visit to Girona is complete without admiring — and photographing — the famous Casas de l’Onyar, the brightly colored houses that line the Onyar River. Painted in shades of yellow, orange, red, and ochre, these buildings are reflected in the river below and are the most iconic image of the city.
The best views are from the iron bridges that cross the river, particularly the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same Eiffel of Paris tower fame).
5. Stroll Through the Old Town (Barri Vell)
Simply wandering through Girona’s old town is one of the great pleasures of a visit. The streets are narrow, cobbled, and relatively uncrowded — especially compared to Barcelona — and there’s a wonderful sense of stepping back in time.
Key areas to explore include:
- Plaça de la Independència — a beautiful arcaded square lined with cafés, ideal for a coffee stop
- Carrer de la Força — the main street of the old Jewish Quarter
- Plaça dels Apòstols — the square in front of the cathedral, great for photos
6. Visit the Arab Baths
The Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) are a beautiful 12th-century bathhouse, one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque civil architecture in Catalonia. Despite the name, the baths were actually built by Christian craftsmen drawing on Arab and Roman influences.
Entry: Around €3–€4; a great value stop that takes around 20–30 minutes to explore.
7. Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Girona served as a stand-in for Braavos and other locations during Seasons 6 of Game of Thrones, and several recognizable spots are scattered throughout the old city. Key filming locations include:
- Girona Cathedral steps — used as the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor
- Carrer de la Força — featured as streets of Braavos
- The Arab Baths — used as the House of Black and White interior
- The City Walls — visible in various scenes
If you’re a fan, picking up a self-guided Game of Thrones map (available at the tourist office) is well worth the effort.
Where to Eat in Girona
Girona has a surprisingly excellent food scene for its size — it’s actually home to one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, El Celler de Can Roca, which has held three Michelin stars for years (though booking a table there requires planning months in advance).
For day-trippers, here are some more accessible recommendations:
Lunch Options
- La Fabrica — a hugely popular cyclist-themed café known for excellent coffee and food; a Girona institution
- Nu Restaurant — a well-regarded spot in the old town with creative Catalan cuisine at reasonable prices
- Plaça de la Independència cafés — great for a casual lunch with outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere
Local Foods to Try
- Xuixo — Girona’s signature pastry, a deep-fried cream-filled doughnut; you’ll find them in bakeries throughout the city
- Crema catalana — the Catalan version of crème brûlée, found on almost every menu
- Pa amb tomàquet — bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, a Catalan staple
Girona Day Trip: Suggested Itinerary
Here’s how to structure a perfect day in Girona if you’re arriving by the morning train:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00am | Depart Barcelona Sants on the high-speed train |
| 9:45am | Arrive Girona; walk to the old town |
| 10:00am | Walk the Medieval City Walls |
| 11:00am | Explore El Call (Jewish Quarter) and the Museum of Jewish History |
| 12:00pm | Visit the Arab Baths |
| 12:30pm | Walk to Casas de l’Onyar; photograph from the bridges |
| 1:30pm | Lunch at Plaça de la Independència or a nearby restaurant |
| 3:00pm | Visit Girona Cathedral and explore the old town at leisure |
| 4:30pm | Grab a xuixo pastry and coffee; browse local shops |
| 5:30pm | Walk back to the station |
| 6:00pm | Train back to Barcelona |
This itinerary gives you a full, satisfying day without feeling rushed. If you’re traveling with children or prefer a slower pace, focus on the top three or four highlights rather than trying to do everything.
Practical Tips for Your Girona Day Trip
- Book train tickets in advance — especially in spring and summer, high-speed trains fill up quickly
- Start early — arriving by 10am gives you the most time and helps you avoid the midday crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes — the old town is cobblestoned and hilly in places, so sturdy footwear is essential
- Carry some cash — while most places in Girona accept cards, some smaller cafés, bakeries, and museums prefer cash
- Pick up a map at the tourist office — Girona’s Tourist Office is located near the old town and offers free maps, including a Game of Thrones filming locations guide
- Visit on a weekday if possible — weekends bring more visitors, particularly in summer; a Tuesday or Wednesday visit will be noticeably quieter
- Check museum opening hours in advance — some smaller museums in Girona close on Mondays or have reduced hours outside of peak season
- Bring a light jacket — even in summer, the evenings in Girona can be cooler than Barcelona, and the stone alleyways of the old town can feel breezy
- Allow time to simply wander — some of the best moments in Girona come from getting a little lost in the backstreets; don’t over-schedule your day
Is Girona Worth Visiting as a Day Trip?
Absolutely — and enthusiastically so. Girona consistently ranks as one of the best day trips from Barcelona for good reason. It delivers an experience that feels genuinely different from the capital: quieter, more intimate, and steeped in a history that feels tangible as you walk through it.
Unlike some day trip destinations that feel like they exist purely for tourists, Girona is a thriving, lived-in city with its own identity, culture, and culinary scene. You’ll find locals going about their daily lives alongside visitors, which gives the place an authenticity that’s increasingly hard to find in popular travel destinations.
A few things that make Girona particularly special:
- The scale is just right — the old town is compact enough to explore thoroughly in a day without feeling overwhelmed
- It’s genuinely beautiful — the combination of the colored houses, the river, the cathedral, and the medieval walls creates a setting that feels almost cinematic
- It rewards curiosity — the more you dig into the history (particularly the Jewish Quarter), the richer your experience becomes
- It’s accessible for all types of travelers — families, solo travelers, couples, history buffs, food lovers, and Game of Thrones fans all find something to love here
The only caveat worth mentioning is that Girona deserves more than a rushed half-day. If you can spare a full day — ideally arriving by 9:30–10am and returning by 6–7pm — you’ll have enough time to see the highlights without feeling like you’re racing through them. Some travelers even choose to stay overnight to experience the city in the evening when the day-trippers have left and the streets take on a quieter, more magical quality.
Barcelona to Girona: Getting Back
Returning to Barcelona is just as straightforward as getting there. Trains run frequently throughout the afternoon and evening from Girona station, and the journey back to Barcelona Sants takes the same 38–40 minutes on the high-speed service.
A few things to keep in mind for the return journey:
- Don’t leave your return too late — the last high-speed trains back to Barcelona typically run in the early evening; check the schedule when you book your outbound ticket
- Regional trains run later — if you miss the last high-speed service, regional trains continue operating into the evening, though the journey will take longer
- Buy a return ticket when you book — it’s generally cheaper to buy a return at the same time as your outbound ticket rather than purchasing separately
- Validate your ticket — if you’re using a regional train ticket, make sure to validate it at the platform machines before boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Girona without speaking Spanish or Catalan?
Absolutely. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing businesses, restaurants, and museums throughout Girona. That said, a few words of Spanish or Catalan will always be warmly appreciated by locals.
Is Girona better than Sitges or Montserrat as a day trip from Barcelona?
All three are excellent day trips from Barcelona, but they offer very different experiences. Montserrat is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in the famous mountaintop monastery. Sitges is a charming coastal town best suited to beach lovers. Girona wins for history, architecture, and culture — it’s arguably the richest and most layered day trip destination of the three.
Do I need to book a Girona tour from Barcelona in advance?
If you’re joining an organized tour, it’s strongly recommended to book in advance, especially during the busy summer months (June–September) and around public holidays. Spots fill up quickly on popular tours.
Is one day enough for a Girona day trip?
Yes — one full day is enough to comfortably see the main highlights of Girona, including the city walls, the Jewish Quarter, the cathedral, the Arab Baths, and the famous colored houses. If you want a slower, more relaxed pace or plan to visit El Celler de Can Roca, consider staying overnight.
How much does the train from Barcelona to Girona cost?
Tickets on the high-speed train start from around €10–€20 each way, depending on availability and how far in advance you book. Regional train tickets cost approximately €7–€11 each way (Rome2rio).
How long is the train from Barcelona to Girona?
The high-speed AVE/AVANT train takes approximately 38–40 minutes from Barcelona Sants to Girona. The slower regional train takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
A Girona day trip from Barcelona is one of those travel experiences that tends to exceed expectations. It’s the kind of place that catches you off guard — you arrive expecting a pleasant enough medieval city and leave genuinely enchanted by its beauty, history, and atmosphere.
Whether you choose to hop on a quick train independently, join an organized Girona tour from Barcelona, or make the drive yourself, the effort required is minimal and the reward is considerable. Girona is close, easy, and endlessly rewarding — exactly what a great day trip should be.
So next time you find yourself in Barcelona with a free day on your hands, skip the extra beach afternoon and board that train to Girona. You won’t regret it.