How to Get Around in Girona Without a Car?
1. Overview
Getting around Girona without a car is not only possible but also very convenient. The city is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and well-connected by public transportation. Most of Girona’s main attractions are located close to one another, especially within the Old Town and central districts, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances or day trips, buses and trains provide reliable and affordable options.
2. Walking – The Best Way to Explore the City
Girona is a city made for walking. Its layout, especially around the Old Town (Barri Vell), is designed for pedestrians, with narrow cobblestone streets and plenty of shaded paths. Most key attractions, including the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Arab Baths, and city walls, are within a short walking distance from one another.
Walking through Girona not only allows you to reach all major sights easily but also lets you appreciate the atmosphere of the medieval streets, colorful riverfront houses, and charming local squares.
Tips for walking in Girona:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as many streets are cobblestoned or hilly.
- The city is safe for pedestrians, even at night, particularly in central areas.
- During the summer months, plan walks in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
3. Cycling – An Excellent Eco-Friendly Option
Girona is known as one of Europe’s cycling capitals. The city and its surroundings are extremely popular among professional and recreational cyclists due to the mild climate, scenic routes, and good infrastructure.
For getting around the city itself:
- You can rent bicycles from several local shops, often located near the train station or city center.
- There are designated cycle paths that connect key areas, including the modern neighborhoods, the Devesa Park, and the university area.
- Many hotels and guesthouses offer bike rentals or storage for visitors.
For those who want to explore further afield, cycling routes lead from Girona into the countryside and toward the Costa Brava or the nearby hills.
4. Public Buses – Affordable and Efficient
Girona’s urban bus network, operated by TMG (Transports Municipals de Girona), covers most areas of the city and nearby districts. Buses are clean, safe, and run frequently throughout the day.
Key details:
- Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or via rechargeable travel cards.
- Most routes connect the train and bus stations with the Old Town, Devesa Park, and residential neighborhoods.
- Timetables are posted at bus stops, and routes are easy to follow.
For visitors staying a few days, using the bus is an inexpensive way to reach parts of the city that are farther from the historic center.
5. Taxis – Convenient for Short Trips
Taxis in Girona are reliable, metered, and easily available throughout the city. You can find them at official taxi stands (such as near the train station, Rambla de la Llibertat, or Plaça de la Independència) or book one by phone or app.
Taxis are a good option for:
- Late-night travel when buses are less frequent.
- Trips to areas outside the city center.
- Travelers carrying luggage or those with limited mobility.
While more expensive than buses, taxis in Girona are reasonably priced compared to many European cities.
6. Trains – Ideal for Day Trips
Girona’s train station connects the city with other major destinations in Catalonia and beyond. Even without a car, visitors can easily plan day trips using the efficient rail system.
- Regional trains (Rodalies de Catalunya) connect Girona with nearby towns such as Figueres, Blanes, and Barcelona.
- High-speed AVE trains link Girona to Barcelona in under 40 minutes, and to Madrid in about 3.5 hours.
- The station is located within walking distance (about 10–15 minutes) from the Old Town.
This makes Girona a great base for exploring Catalonia without needing to drive.
7. Intercity Buses – Exploring Beyond Girona
For destinations not served directly by train, intercity buses are an excellent option. The Girona Bus Station, located next to the train station, provides connections to the Costa Brava, smaller Catalan towns, and even neighboring regions. Buses are comfortable, punctual, and affordable.
Popular bus routes include:
- Girona to Tossa de Mar or Lloret de Mar (for beaches on the Costa Brava).
- Girona to Besalú (a beautiful medieval village).
- Girona to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres.
8. Taxis and Ride Apps
While Girona doesn’t have as many ride-sharing options as larger cities, local taxi companies provide efficient service. Some smaller ride-hailing apps and local services may operate, but traditional taxis remain the main on-demand transport choice.
9. Car-Free Day Trips
Even without a car, Girona offers plenty of easy excursions:
- Figueres (for Dalí’s museum) – 40 minutes by train.
- Besalú – about an hour by bus.
- Costa Brava (Tossa de Mar or Calella de Palafrugell) – reachable by bus in 60–90 minutes.
Public transport connections make it simple to enjoy both the cultural and coastal sides of the region.
10. Summary of Transportation Options
| Mode of Transport | Ideal For | Cost Level | Notes |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------ | -------------------------------- |
| Walking | Sightseeing in city center | Free | Best way to explore the Old Town |
| Cycling | Exploring city and nearby countryside | Low–Moderate | Bike rentals widely available |
| Public Bus | Reaching neighborhoods beyond center | Low | Reliable and safe |
| Taxi | Short trips, late nights | Moderate | Metered and easy to find |
| Train | Day trips to other cities | Moderate | Fast and efficient |
| Intercity Bus | Coastal and rural day trips | Low | Frequent and comfortable |
11. Conclusion
Girona is one of the easiest cities in Spain to explore without a car. Its compact layout, pedestrian-friendly streets, and well-connected transport options make getting around simple and stress-free. Whether you prefer walking through the medieval lanes, cycling through Devesa Park, or taking a short train ride to nearby towns, Girona offers a seamless travel experience for car-free visitors. With a bit of planning, you can see everything this historic and charming city has to offer—no car required.
