How to Get from Figueres to Girona: Distance, Train, Bus and Car

Imagine swapping Dalí’s dreamlike universe for the medieval stones of Girona in the time it takes a coffee to cool; this route isn’t just a transfer, it’s a quick leap between two of Catalonia’s brightest jewels. Covering these 38 kilometers means venturing into the heart of the Empordà, where the highway blends into the landscape and the high-speed train turns the distance into a mere breath, letting you enjoy the view of fields and mountains without worrying about the wheel.

How to get from Figueres to Girona: quick overview

The fastest and most frequent option for traveling from Figueres to Girona is undoubtedly the high-speed train, although driving offers a flexible and budget-friendly alternative since there are no tolls.

If you’re a traveler who values time above all else and wants to arrive in central Girona ready to walk, the train is your best ally. With 52 daily trains operated by Renfe, you have enviable flexibility to adapt your schedule. The high-speed services like the AVE or Euromed in particular plant you in Girona in just 14 minutes, a record time that’s barely enough to check your phone’s email. On the other hand, if you’re traveling in a group, with a lot of luggage, or planning to explore the towns in between with total freedom, driving is a very solid option. The distance is short, only 38 km, and the road is excellent, making the journey a pleasant half-hour drive without the stress of urban traffic jams or the added cost of tolls.

For the backpacker or the traveler seeking economy without rushing, the Regional or Media Distancia (MD) trains are perfect, doubling the travel time to 31 minutes but offering a more relaxed experience. In short, for pure speed choose the AVE/Euromed; for freedom of movement and zero road infrastructure costs, choose your own car.

Driving from Figueres to Girona

Driving from Figueres to Girona is a simple and direct journey that takes place mainly on the A-2 motorway, known as the Autovía del Nordeste (Northeast Motorway), and best of all, it’s toll-free.

Leaving Figueres heading toward Girona is a smooth experience. When you take the A-2, you merge onto a fast road designed to connect the northeast of the peninsula with Barcelona, but on this particular stretch it feels more like an expanded local road than a congested highway. The 38 kilometers separating the two cities are covered in an estimated time of 30 minutes, as long as traffic flows normally. This means you can leave Figueres after visiting the Dalí Theatre-Museum and be eating tapas in Girona before your first beer gets warm.

The absence of tolls on the A-2 is a major plus for the driver. Unlike other routes in Spain where every kilometer has a cost, here the road is free, which means your travel budget goes entirely to gas and enjoying the destination. The landscape along this stretch is typical of the Empordà: a mix of agricultural plains that give way to the first foothills of the Gavarres as you approach Girona. It’s a relaxed drive, with no tricky curves or mountain passes, ideal for those who have just landed and need to get the hang of local driving or for families traveling with children who need easy stops.

Upon arriving in Girona, the connection to the city is immediate. The motorway leaves you very close to the main access points, making it easy to reach hotels or public parking lots. However, keep in mind that Girona’s historic center is a difficult area for vehicles to access, so the most practical approach is to leave your car in a park-and-ride lot or at the hotel and get around on foot. The advantage of driving on this route is the possibility of making a slight detour if you want to visit a nearby town before reaching the provincial capital, something the train, however fast, doesn’t allow you to do with the same spontaneity.

By train from Figueres to Girona

The train is the undisputed king of this route, offering up to 52 daily connections operated by Renfe linking Figueres Vilafant station with Girona station in journey times ranging from 14 to 31 minutes.

The rail offering is so extensive that it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know how to tell the services apart, but once you understand it, it’s the most efficient way to get around. The departure station is Figueres Vilafant, a modern station located on the outskirts of the city, designed specifically to serve the high-speed line. From there, trains shoot southward. The destination station is Girona, which is very well connected to the city center by urban buses or a pleasant walk if you enjoy stretching your legs.

The highlight of this connection is the speed of the high-speed trains. If you catch an EUROMED, an AVE, an AVANT, or an AVE INT, you’ll be in Girona in just 14 minutes. It’s such a short journey that you barely have time to settle in. There are 2 EUROMED trains a day, 5 AVE, 15 AVANT, and 2 AVE INT offering this express service. These trains are ideal for business travelers or tourists on a very tight schedule who want to make the most of their visit. Onboard comfort is superior, with spacious seats and onboard services that make those 14 minutes a luxury.

On the other hand, if you’re not in a hurry or you’re looking for a generally cheaper option, the MD (Media Distancia) and REGIONAL trains are excellent alternatives. There are 15 MD and 13 REGIONAL trains a day. These trains take 31 minutes to cover the distance. Although double the time of the AVE, 31 minutes is still a very short journey. The advantage of these trains is that they often have intermediate stops or a more leisurely pace that allows you to enjoy the Catalan landscape through the window. With a total of 52 daily trains, the frequency is extremely high, covering a schedule that runs from 5:28 in the morning, perfect for early risers, to 20:49 at night, allowing for relaxed dinners in Figueres before heading back.

Where to stay in Girona

To stay in Girona, the most recommended areas are the Barri Vell (Old Town) to experience the history, and the Eixample to be close to the station and modern services, with price ranges varying from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Choosing where to stay in Girona depends entirely on the experience you are looking for. If your priority is atmosphere, medieval charm, and being able to step out of your hotel surrounded by cobblestone streets, the Barri Vell is the only option. Staying here means waking up to the sound of the Cathedral bells and being able to stroll along the Rambla de la Llibertat at any time. Accommodations in this area tend to be restored buildings, boutique hotels with plenty of character, or tourist apartments with views over the red rooftops. Prices here tend to be higher due to high demand and the privileged location, but the experience of living inside the monument makes the investment worthwhile.

If you are traveling by train and arriving late, or if you prefer the comfort of wider, more modern streets, the Eixample area or the surroundings of the train station are ideal. This area is more functional, with international chain hotels and more standardized options. It is perfect for those who use a car and need easy parking, or for travelers who want to be steps away from department stores and busier restaurants. Prices in this area can be more competitive, offering good value for money for short stays.

As for price ranges, Girona is a top-tier tourist city. You can find budget options such as hostels or shared rooms for tight budgets, ideal for backpackers coming to do the train route. In the mid-range, there is a wide offer of 3-star hotels and apartments that provide full amenities. For those seeking luxury, Girona has 5-star hotels and paradores that offer spa services and high-level gastronomy, especially attractive for couples or travelers celebrating special occasions. Regardless of your budget, the proximity of Figueres makes Girona a very accessible destination for weekend getaways.

Frequently asked questions about the Figueres-Girona route