Girona is a straightforward city to visit, but a few local specifics will save you time and money. The city is served by its own airport (Girona-Costa Brava, GRO), the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona and France, and an efficient bus network covering the Costa Brava. Below you will find practical answers to common travel questions about Girona, from airport transfers to tipping customs. For more details, see our weather by month.
Girona Travel Tips and FAQ: Getting Here and Getting Around
Which Airport Should I Fly Into?
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is 12km south of the city. It is a Ryanair hub with direct flights from about 50 European cities including London Stansted, Paris Beauvais, Brussels Charleroi, Frankfurt Hahn, and Milan Bergamo. The Sagales bus runs from the airport to Girona bus station in about 25 minutes for €2.75 one-way. A taxi costs about €25 and takes 15 minutes. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is 100km south and has far more international connections. From BCN, take the RENFE R2 Nord train to Barcelona Sants (20 minutes, €4.60), then the AVE high-speed train to Girona (38 minutes, from €12.50 on Avant services). Total journey about 90 minutes. For more details, see our best time to visit.
How Do I Get from Barcelona to Girona?
The AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Girona takes 38 minutes and costs from €12.50 for an Avant ticket (book at renfe.com or the Renfe app). Regional MD trains take 75 minutes and cost about €9. Trains run roughly hourly from 06:00 to 22:00. The bus from Barcelona Nord station to Girona takes 90 minutes and costs about €15 on Sagales or Flixbus. If you are driving, the AP-7 motorway takes about 75 minutes and tolls cost approximately €8. Train is the best option for speed and comfort. For more details, see our things to do.
How Do I Get Around Girona?
Girona is a walking city. The Barri Vell is entirely pedestrianised and you can reach everything in the centre on foot. The main sights are within a 1.5km radius. The local bus network (Transports Municipals del Girones, TMG) operates 12 lines across the city with single tickets at €1.40 (pay on board). Buses run from about 06:30 to 22:00. Taxis are metered with a typical city-centre trip costing €6 to €10. For cycling, dedicated bike lanes run along Carrer de Barcelona and through Devesa Park. Girona has a bike-share scheme called Girocleta with stations across the city; registration is online and costs about €15 per year but weekly passes are available at the tourist office. For more details, see our events and festivals.
Can I Drink the Tap Water?
Yes, Girona’s tap water is safe to drink and meets EU quality standards. The water comes from the Ter River and is moderately hard. It has a slight mineral taste that some visitors notice but it is perfectly safe. Restaurants serve tap water on request. For more details, see our neighborhoods guide.
What Is the Tipping Custom?
Spain does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, leaving small change (5 to 10 percent) is appreciated for good service but not expected. If you pay by card, you cannot add a tip electronically, so carry a few coins. Round up to the nearest euro for taxis. No tip is expected in bars for just drinks. For more details, see our where to stay.
Is Girona Safe?
Girona is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing can occur in the busy Old Town during Temps de Flors and around the train station, so keep valuables in front pockets or a cross-body bag. The Old Town streets are well lit at night. The area around the train station late at night is the only spot to exercise normal caution. The Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan police) maintain a visible presence in the centre.
What Languages Are Spoken?
Catalan and Spanish are both official languages. Catalan is the primary everyday language in Girona and most signage is in Catalan. Everyone speaks Spanish as well, and in tourist-facing businesses staff speak good English. Learning a few Catalan phrases (bon dia for good morning, gracies for thank you, si us plau for please) is appreciated.
Do I Need a Visa?
Spain is in the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. From 2026, the ETIAS travel authorisation (€7, valid 3 years) is required for visa-exempt non-EU travellers. Check the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality.
What Currency and Payment Methods Are Used?
Spain uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. American Express is accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants but not everywhere. Smaller tapas bars, market stalls, and some Old Town shops are cash-only, so carry €20 to €40 in cash. ATMs are plentiful around Placa de la Independencia and Carrer de Barcelona. Avoid Euronet ATMs (high fees); use bank ATMs from CaixaBank, BBVA, or Santander.
Suggested Hotels in Girona
Hotel Gran Ultonia
An upscale 4-star hotel on the edge of the Old Town with modern rooms, a rooftop terrace with cathedral views, and secure underground parking. A 3-minute walk from the cathedral and Arab Baths. Best for couples wanting Old Town proximity with modern amenities. Check rates and availability
Hotel Ciutat de Girona
A stylish 4-star hotel in the historic centre with a spinning room for cyclists, soundproofed rooms, and free WiFi. Perfect for cyclists and design-conscious travellers. Check rates and availability
Ibis Budget Girona Costa Brava
A clean, modern budget hotel 15 minutes on foot from the Old Town with free parking and functional rooms. Best for road-trippers and value-focused travellers. Check rates and availability
