Girona → Figueres
38 kmImagine crossing the Empordà plain in barely a breath, where the landscape shifts from the medieval fabric of Girona to the surrealist avant-garde of Figueres in less time than it takes you to finish a coffee. This short but intense journey is one of the smoothest connections in Catalonia, letting you enjoy the speed of the AVE or the freedom of the motorway as the Pyrenees begin to appear on the horizon, marking the start of a unique cultural adventure.
How to get from Girona to Figueres: quick overview
The fastest and most frequent option for traveling from Girona to Figueres is undoubtedly the high-speed train, although driving offers a flexible alternative for those who want to explore the area at their own pace. For the traveler who prioritizes efficiency and speed, the AVANT or AVE train is the top recommendation, covering the distance in just 13 minutes; however, if your plan involves traveling with bulky luggage or visiting intermediate points with complete freedom, driving along the A-2 motorway is the logical choice, completing the journey in about 30 minutes with no toll costs.
When analyzing the available options, we find a very robust transport offering. According to Renfe data, there are up to 61 daily trains connecting both cities, providing enviable schedule flexibility from 7:17 in the morning until 23:47 at night. On the other hand, driving yourself allows you to avoid fixed timetables, although you must factor in parking management once you arrive at your destination city. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value the extreme speed of the railway or the autonomy of a private vehicle for a journey that is, in any case, very brief.
Driving from Girona to Figueres
Driving from Girona to Figueres is a simple and direct journey made mainly via the A-2 motorway, also known as the Autovía del Nordeste (Northeast Motorway). This road is fundamental for transport in the region and has the great advantage of being a toll-free route, making the trip economically efficient as well as fast. The total distance by road is 38 kilometers, a figure comfortably covered in approximately 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
When taking the A-2, the driver benefits from modern infrastructure designed for smooth flow. Since there are no charges for using this motorway, the cost of the trip is limited exclusively to fuel and vehicle wear and tear, eliminating the need to carry cash or toll payment devices for this specific stretch. It is an ideal route for those traveling with family or in groups, as the driving time is so short that it barely feels like a transfer, but rather a natural extension of the journey.
It is important to consider that, although the drive is quick, reaching the center of Figueres may involve finding parking, especially if you visit the city in high season or on weekends. The A-2 motorway will leave you on the outskirts of the city, but managing the last kilometer to your final destination (whether it is the Dalí Theatre or the old town) will require attention. Even so, the convenience of leaving whenever you want and the possibility of carrying all the luggage you need without weight restrictions make this option very attractive for many travelers.
By train from Girona to Figueres
The train is, according to Renfe’s operational data, the fastest means of transport connecting Girona with Figueres, offering a variety of services ranging from 13 to 44 minutes in duration. The origin station is in Girona, a well-connected central hub, while the destination station is Figueres Vilafant, located on the outskirts of the city, which is an important detail to keep in mind when planning your final transfer to the city center.
The rail offering is extremely extensive, with a frequency of 61 trains per day ensuring that there is almost always an option available close to your preferred time. The service hours are very broad, starting with the first train at 7:17 in the morning and ending with the last at 23:47, allowing you to take full-day excursions without rushing. Below, we break down the types of trains available so you can choose the one that best suits your budget and time needs:
- AVANT: One of the most balanced options, with 17 daily services completing the journey in just 13 minutes.
- AVE: The flagship high-speed service has 9 trains per day, maintaining the record time of 14 minutes.
- AVE INT: Similar to the previous one, it offers 2 daily services with a duration of 14 minutes.
- EUROMED: A less frequent option with only 1 train per day, but just as fast, completing the journey in 14 minutes.
- MD (Media Distancia): With 20 daily trains, it is a very frequent option although somewhat slower, taking 29 minutes to arrive.
- REGIONAL: The most economical option with more intermediate stops, it has 12 daily services and a travel time of 42 to 44 minutes.
The choice of train type can influence your experience. If you are looking for maximum speed, the AVANT, AVE and EUROMED services are unbeatable with their 13-14 minute journeys. However, if your schedule does not coincide with these fast trains, the MD and REGIONAL services remain viable options that allow you to reach your destination in less than three quarters of an hour. Figueres Vilafant station, although modern and efficient, requires you to plan how you will get to the center, whether by local transport or on foot if the weather and your luggage allow it.
Where to stay in Figueres
To choose where to stay in Figueres, the ideal is to look for accommodation in the areas near the old town or in the vicinity of the Dalí Theatre-Museum so you have everything within walking distance. Figueres is a compact and very walkable city, so staying in the historic center will allow you to enjoy the modernist architecture, the lively squares and the local dining scene without needing additional transport.
As for the types of accommodation, the city offers a variety that adapts to different budgets, from charming boutique hotels in historic buildings to more practical and economical options for travelers passing through. Price ranges usually vary significantly depending on the season; in high season, prices can rise considerably due to the large influx of tourists visiting the Dalí museum, while in low season it is possible to find more affordable deals.
If you are traveling by car, it is advisable to look for hotels that offer their own parking or that are close to public car parks, as the center of Figueres can have restricted traffic zones. On the other hand, if you arrive by train at Vilafant station, you may prefer accommodation that is well connected to that area or that offers a shuttle service, although the distance to the center is not excessive. Staying in Figueres allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace, visiting the museum first thing in the morning or enjoying the tranquility of the night when the day-trippers have already left.
Frequently asked questions about the Girona-Figueres route
How long does it take to get from Girona to Figueres?
Travel time varies dramatically depending on the mode of transport you choose. By car, the journey along the A-2 motorway takes approximately 30 minutes to cover the 38 kilometers of distance. By train, the duration ranges from a minimum of 13 minutes using fast services such as AVANT or AVE, to a maximum of 44 minutes if you opt for regional trains with more stops.
Which is cheaper, the train or the bus?
Based strictly on the transport data provided for this route, we do not have specific fare information about bus services or the exact prices of train tickets. However, regional trains generally tend to offer competitive fares for short distances, while the car option involves fuel costs. For an exact price comparison, it would be necessary to check the current fares at the time of purchase, as this data is not included in the verified route information.
Is it worth renting a car?
Renting a car is worth it if you value total flexibility and plan to visit other parts of the Alt Empordà region in addition to Figueres. Although the train is faster (13 minutes compared to 30 minutes by car), having your own vehicle allows you to avoid the fixed schedules of the 61 daily trains and manage your luggage with greater convenience, especially if your accommodation is not near the Figueres Vilafant station.
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to travel depends on your preferences regarding crowds, but train frequency is constant throughout the year, with 61 daily services available from 7:17 to 23:47. Traveling on weekdays can be quieter than weekends, especially if your goal is to visit the Dalí Theatre, as the city receives many day trips. The transport offering is so extensive that you can travel at any time of day with the assurance of finding a seat.