Girona-Costa Brava Airport: The Complete Transfer Guide

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) sits about 13 km south of Girona city and roughly 100 km northeast of Barcelona. If you are heading to Girona, the council's official price for the airport run is EUR 30.10 on weekdays between 08:00 and 20:00, or EUR 32.34 at night, on Saturdays and on holidays; it takes 15-20 minutes. If Barcelona is your final destination, the Sagales airport bus runs direct to Barcelona Nord station for EUR 22 one-way and takes 75-90 minutes depending on traffic. A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable option, typically costing EUR 30-45 to Girona or EUR 130-170 to Barcelona.

GRO is a compact, single-terminal airport used heavily by Ryanair and other low-cost carriers. It is easy to navigate but services thin out quickly once the last evening flight has landed.

You walk off the plane, often down steps onto the tarmac. Passport control is quick for EU citizens and usually manageable for others. Baggage reclaim has a few belts in a small hall. Once through, you enter a modest arrivals area with a tourism desk, an ATM, and car rental counters.

The airport is small enough that you can be outside within 15-25 minutes of touching down. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, though it can be slow. The key thing to know is that GRO feels quiet compared to Barcelona El Prat — there are fewer shops, fewer taxis waiting, and the bus schedule is tied to flight arrivals rather than running continuously.

The airport bus to Girona is reliable and cheap, but it only runs when flights are operating. There is no train station at the airport itself — you need to get to Girona city first to catch the AVE high-speed train. Uber and similar ride-hailing apps do not operate reliably in this area.

Girona taxis are metered, and the fares are regulated rather than improvised. The city council publishes the scale: EUR 0.80 per km on weekdays between 08:00 and 20:00, and EUR 0.87 per km from 20:00 to 08:00, on Saturdays and on public holidays, with a EUR 4.50 airport entry/exit supplement and another EUR 4.50 if there are more than four passengers. Interurban runs are charged on the round-trip distance, because the driver comes back empty. On that scale the council's own published price for the airport-to-Girona-centre run (16 km) is EUR 30.10 on a weekday daytime and EUR 32.34 at night, at weekends or on holidays — a difference of about two euros, not a 20% night hike. Standard luggage costs nothing extra, but note the airport supplement is real and is not a driver inventing a charge.

For Barcelona-bound passengers, the Sagales bus at EUR 22 is the budget standard. A private transfer for up to 4 passengers typically runs EUR 130-160, which splits well among a group. A taxi to Barcelona is charged on the same per-km scale over roughly 100 km — the council's list prices the Girona-to-Barcelona run at EUR 168.00 by day — and drivers are not always willing to make the trip. Always confirm the figure before getting in.

For Costa Brava resort towns like Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar, the same per-km scale applies to the distance run plus the airport supplement. Ask the driver to quote from the official list before you set off. Pre-booked transfers to coastal towns run EUR 40-65.

GRO does not have 24-hour operations. The last flights typically land by 23:00, and the terminal closes shortly after. The airport bus usually covers the last arrival, but double-check the schedule for your specific flight.

Taxis are available for late arrivals but the rank can empty quickly when several flights land close together. If your flight lands after 22:00, a pre-booked transfer is the safest choice. There are no hotels within walking distance of the airport — the nearest accommodation is in Vilobi d'Onyar, about 3 km away.

The airport bus has luggage space underneath but can feel cramped during peak summer months when every Ryanair flight seems to arrive at once. Families with strollers and multiple bags will find a private transfer or taxi much less stressful.

Child car seats are not provided by taxis in Spain. If you need one, either bring your own or book a private transfer and request the correct seat at booking time. Specify the child's age and weight so the company provides the right type. The airport has basic baby-changing facilities in the terminal restrooms.

For groups heading to Barcelona with lots of luggage, a private minivan transfer is often the best value — split among 5-6 people it lands close to the EUR 22-per-head bus fare, with door-to-door service instead of a station transfer.

Taxis wait in a rank directly outside the arrivals exit. Turn right as you come out and you will see them.

Pre-booked transfer drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall holding a name sign. The terminal is small enough that you cannot miss them. Some drivers wait in the parking area just outside — your booking confirmation will specify the exact meeting point.

The Sagales bus stop is to the left as you exit arrivals, clearly signed.

Going to Girona city? Take the airport bus if you travel light, or a taxi for comfort at the council's EUR 30.10 (EUR 32.34 nights, weekends and holidays).

Going to Barcelona? The bus-plus-AVE-train combo is cheapest and sometimes fastest. A private transfer is best for groups of 3 or more.

Going to Costa Brava beaches? Pre-book a transfer or rent a car. Public transport to resort towns is limited and slow.

Arriving late? Book a transfer in advance. Do not count on finding a taxi after midnight.

Travelling with kids? Pre-book a transfer with a child seat. Taxis will not have one.