Traveling between Barcelona and Girona by train is fast, convenient, and affordable. Here’s what you need to know:
- Travel Time: High-speed trains (AVE/Avant) take 38 minutes, while regional options take up to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cost: Tickets range from $11.50 to $45, with discounts for seniors, families, and youth.
- Frequency: Around 25–30 trains daily, with departures every 30 minutes during peak hours.
- Stations: Trains depart from Barcelona Sants and arrive at Girona, close to the city center.
Quick Tips:
- Book high-speed tickets early to save up to 65%.
- Take advantage of discounts for groups, seniors, and youth.
- Interrail passes are valid but require reservations for high-speed trains.
Whether you’re looking for speed, savings, or flexibility, the train is a great way to travel between these two cities.
How to take the train from Barcelona, Spain
Available Train Tickets and Discounts
Regional trains on the Barcelona–Girona route (lines R11 and RG1, part of the Rodalies de Catalunya network) provide several ways to save on fares.
- Family Discounts
- Large families get a 20% discount, while those with special status enjoy 50% off.
- Children under 4 can travel for free.
- Age-Based Discounts
- Golden Card holders (passengers over 60, pensioners with disabilities, or individuals with a disability of 33% or more) receive 40% off base fares.
- The Golden Card costs $6.50 and may also include a companion discount if specified.
- Youth Discounts
- Travelers under 25 with a Carnet Jove (Youth Travel Card) can save 20%.
Make sure to have the necessary identification or discount cards with you to take advantage of these offers. Additional details on ticket types, pricing, and booking can be found in later sections.
Train Companies and Services
Renfe, Spain’s main railway operator, offers several train options for traveling between Barcelona and Girona.
AVE and Avant Trains
Renfe’s high-speed options include AVE and Avant trains. AVE trains provide a fast and comfortable ride with premium amenities. Avant trains, on the other hand, cater to regional high-speed travel, offering a reliable option for frequent travelers.
For those looking to save money, slower and more affordable options are also available.
Local Train Services
Renfe also operates local and regional trains, often called Media Distancia. These trains run on regular schedules, making stops along the way. They are a budget-friendly choice while still offering a comfortable and timely travel experience.
Renfe’s variety of services ensures plenty of convenient and reliable connections.
How to Buy Tickets
To book tickets without extra fees, visit Renfe’s official website. Here, you can compare train schedules and prices, choose your seat, apply discounts, and get your e-tickets instantly. The Renfe app is another handy option, offering quick booking, real-time updates, digital ticket storage, and schedule alerts.
For a broader overview of your travel option, search for the journey and our AI-powered search shows all train connections between Barcelona and Girona, provides tailored travel suggestions, explains which rail passes are valid, and displays clear pricing details.
If you’d rather buy tickets in person, head to the train station. At Barcelona Sants station, you can use self-service machines for Cercanías and Media Distancia tickets or visit ticket counters for other services. For long-distance trains (Larga Distancia), it’s smart to book ahead during busy seasons since seating is limited. Station staff are available to assist near the machines, but if lines are long, using the self-service machines can save time.
Train Times and Duration
Each day, around 25–30 trains operate from early morning until late evening. During peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM), trains depart every 30 minutes. Outside these times, departures are scheduled hourly.
Travel Time
The length of your journey depends on the type of train service you choose. Here’s a breakdown:
| Train Type | Travel Time | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| AVE/Avant | 38 minutes | Non-stop |
| Regional MD | 1 hour 15 minutes | 3–4 stops |
| Cercanías R11 | 1 hour 30 minutes | Stops at all stations |
First and Last Trains
Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday)
- First train from Barcelona: 6:15 AM
- Last train from Barcelona: 10:40 PM
Weekend Schedule (Saturday–Sunday)
- First train from Barcelona: 7:05 AM
- Last train from Barcelona: 9:40 PM
Schedules may change on holidays, so double-check timetables if you’re traveling early or late in the day.
Ticket Prices and Savings
Current Prices
Ticket prices for travel between Barcelona and Girona vary based on the service you choose and when you book. Rodalies de Catalunya provides several options, including single tickets, round trips, and travel cards like 10-trip or monthly passes [1]. The cost can differ depending on your travel date and how you book. You can also lower your expenses by taking advantage of advance bookings or seasonal promotions.
Early Booking Deals
Booking your tickets ahead of time can help you save money. Renfe frequently offers discounts for early bookings on this route, with the best prices usually available weeks before your travel date. In addition to these early booking deals, there are other promotions that can further reduce your travel costs.
Special Offers
Rodalies de Catalunya also has discount programs for families, young travelers, and seniors [1]. These programs work alongside early booking discounts, giving you more opportunities to cut down on expenses when traveling between Barcelona and Girona.
Extra Fees and Rules
Changes and Refunds
Renfe offers options to modify or cancel tickets directly on its website using the "Change your ticket" or "Cancel your ticket" features. The fees for these services depend on the ticket type and how close the request is to the departure time. Additionally, Renfe has specific guidelines regarding baggage.
Baggage Rules
For standard tickets, passengers can bring up to three pieces of hand luggage with a combined weight limit of 25 kg (55 lbs). Each item must stay within 33.5 x 21.7 x 13.8 inches (85 x 55 x 35 cm), and the total dimensions of all pieces must not exceed 114.2 inches (290 cm).
Avlo services have different baggage policies:
| Included in Ticket | Size Limits | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hand Luggage | 14.2 x 10.6 x 9.8 inches (36 x 27 x 25 cm) | Included in base fare |
| 1 Cabin Bag | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm) | Included in base fare |
| Extra Large Bag | 33.5 x 23.6 x 13.8 inches (85 x 60 x 35 cm) | €10 if purchased with the ticket, €15 if added later |
Since December 12, 2023, electric scooters, unicycles, and similar devices are no longer allowed on Renfe trains, with exceptions for mobility aids and electric bicycles[2].
Folded bicycles and kick scooters in carrying cases are permitted as hand luggage as long as their total dimensions do not exceed 70.9 inches (180 cm). Rules for regular bicycles vary depending on the train type.
Using Interrail Passes
Interrail passes are a convenient option for travelers with varied itineraries, especially on routes like Barcelona–Girona.
Pass Coverage
The Barcelona–Girona route is fully included in both the Interrail Spain Pass and the Global Pass. Most local and regional trains on this route accept Interrail passes without requiring extra reservations[3]. However, high-speed AVE and Avant trains do require seat reservations and additional fees[3].
Here are the available Interrail Spain Pass options for traveling within Spain:
| Pass Duration | Validity Period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 1 month | $158 |
| 4 days | 1 month | $182 |
| 5 days | 1 month | $205 |
| 6 days | 1 month | $224 |
| 8 days | 1 month | $260 |
These passes are a great choice for exploring multiple destinations, including the Barcelona–Girona route, while adhering to the reservation rules below.
Seat Bookings
For high-speed trains on this route, pass holders need to reserve seats. Fees depend on the class of service[6]:
- Standard Class (Elige Estándar): $11
- First Class (Elige Confort): $14
- Premium Class (includes meal): $25.50
You can book your seat through the following methods:
- Self-Service System: Charges a $2.20 processing fee per person per train. Paper ticket orders add a $10 fee[5]. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance[5].
- Train Stations: Book directly at Spanish train stations to avoid online processing fees[5].
The Rail Planner App is a helpful tool for identifying trains covered by your pass and checking if reservations are needed[4].
Quick Guide Summary
Here’s a brief overview of the key details for traveling by train from Barcelona to Girona:
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Journey Time | 38 minutes (high-speed) to 1 hour 30 minutes (local) |
| Distance | 62 miles (100 km) |
| Price Range | $11.50 – $45 |
| Daily Trains | 25-30 services |
| Main Operators | AVE, Avant, Local Services |
| Station Names | Barcelona Sants to Girona |
| Booking Window | Up to 120 days ahead |
Tips for Travel
- Book AVE and Avant tickets early to secure lower fares.
- High-speed trains offer both Standard and First Class seating options.
- Seat reservations are required for all high-speed trains.
- Local trains provide flexible travel options with open tickets.
- Most departures leave from Barcelona Sants, and trains arrive at Girona station, close to the historic center.
Ways to Save
- Save up to 65% with early bookings.
- Interrail passes are valid on this route, but reservations are needed for high-speed trains.
- Discounts are available for groups of 4 or more.
- Children under 4 travel for free.
- Special discounts apply for seniors (60+) and youth (under 26).
