Catalonia has an exceptionally well-developed transport network for a European region. From Barcelona, the AVE high-speed rail connects Girona (37 min), Figueres (52 min) and Tarragona (35 min) — making day trips to these cities perfectly feasible without a car.
The Rodalies suburban rail network serves the Barcelona metropolitan area, and the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) connects the city centre to Montserrat via a rack railway from Monistrol — allow 1h15 from central Barcelona. For the Costa Brava, a rental car is the most practical option: the secret coves, clifftop roads and hilltop villages resist public transport. Buses connect the main coastal towns from Girona, but frequencies are limited outside the summer season.
Within Barcelona, the metro network (8 lines) and EMT bus system cover the city centre effectively. The Bus Turístic offers three circular routes covering the main tourist sites — useful for a first visit. Bikes and scooters are available via sharing schemes (Bicing for residents, private operators for tourists) and cycle lanes are extensive. Taxis and ride-hailing (Cabify, Uber) handle night journeys and airport transfers.
Barcelona-El Prat international airport (BCN) is 20 minutes from the city centre by metro (L9 Sud line) or Aerobus (express shuttle, 40 min). Catalan motorways are in excellent condition; the AP-7 toll motorway runs from Barcelona to the French border — allow 10-15 € for a single Barcelona-Girona journey.
Read also
- Barcelona, Catalonia's Modernista capital — Sagrada Família, Gaudí, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria market and nightlife in the Raval.
- The Costa Brava — Secret coves, hilltop villages and cliff paths between Lloret de Mar and Cadaqués.
- Spain — Complete guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and the best time to visit.
- Castile and Madrid — Madrid, Toledo, Segovia and the soul of Castile — the other great Spain.