Which airport is closer to the Costa Brava — Barcelona or Girona?

Girona Airport (GRO) is much closer: about 50 km from Palafrugell (40 min). Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is 145 km away (100 min). If you have a choice of flights, Girona is far more convenient and the taxi fare is less than half the price.

Is there a direct bus from Barcelona Airport to Palafrugell?

No direct bus exists. You would need to take the Aerobus to Barcelona Sants, then an interurban bus to Girona or Palafrugell, with waiting times. The total journey can easily exceed 3-4 hours. A private taxi is door-to-door in under 2 hours.

How much is a private taxi from Girona Airport to Palafrugell?

The indicative price is €95 for up to 8 passengers, including VAT and luggage. Free flight tracking means we adjust for delays at no extra charge. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

Can I take a train from the airports to the Costa Brava?

From Barcelona airport there are trains to Barcelona Sants and then to Girona city (45 min on AVE). From Girona city you would need a taxi or local bus to reach Palafrugell (another 45 min). It works but requires two connections and coordination with luggage.

Barcelona Airport to Costa Brava 2026: Best Transfer Options

Arriving at Barcelona El Prat (BCN) or Girona Airport (GRO) and heading to the Costa Brava? Here's a clear comparison of all your options — so you can choose based on budget, time and convenience, not guesswork.

Option 1: Private taxi (recommended)

A private taxi is the most convenient option for most travellers, especially with luggage, children or a group.

From Girona Airport (GRO) to Palafrugell: from €95, 40 min, up to 8 passengers.
From Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Palafrugell: from €235, 100 min, up to 8 passengers.

Both include VAT, luggage and free flight tracking (we wait for you if your flight is delayed). Your driver meets you in arrivals with a personalised sign.

Option 2: Train from Barcelona to Girona + local taxi

If you arrive at BCN and want to save money, the hybrid train-plus-taxi option is a popular choice:

Aerobus or metro from BCN to Barcelona Sants station (~30 min, €6).
AVE or regional train from Sants to Girona (~45 min, €10-20).
Taxi from Girona to Palafrugell: ~€100 (35 min).

Total estimated cost for 2 people: ~€130-160. Total time: 2.5-3.5 hours depending on train connections. Works well for budget-conscious solo travellers but becomes complicated with luggage or children.

Option 3: Bus from Barcelona to Girona/Palafrugell

SARFA/Moventis buses connect Barcelona Estació del Nord with Palafrugell in around 2.5–3 hours. The service runs several times daily in summer and less frequently in winter. Price: ~€17/person one way.

Limitations: buses don't go to the coves or beach areas, have restricted luggage space, and don't run at night. You also still need a taxi for the last mile to your accommodation if it's outside the town centre.

Option 4: Hire car from the airport

Rental cars are available at both airports. In high season (July–August), a compact car costs €80–150/day with full insurance. Add fuel, parking in coves (€10-20/day) and the stress of narrow coastal roads. For short stays (1-4 nights), a private taxi typically works out cheaper. See our detailed hire car vs taxi cost comparison.

Which airport should I fly into?

Girona Airport (GRO) is the better choice if you have flexibility with airlines and dates. It's half the distance, the taxi fare is less than half, and the journey is significantly faster. Ryanair operates most routes from GRO; check their network first.

If your best flight option is via Barcelona, don't worry — a private transfer from BCN is smooth and door-to-door in under 2 hours.

Booking your transfer

To book a taxi from either airport, share your flight number when you reserve. We monitor arrivals in real time and adjust pick-up times for free if your flight is delayed. Booking takes under 60 seconds via WhatsApp, phone or our online form.

See all available routes at our Costa Brava taxi routes page.