25/11/2018
For many UK travellers, the allure of Spain’s Costa Brava and the stunning Pyrenees begins with a flight into Girona. This vibrant region, rich in history and natural beauty, offers a captivating experience, whether you're heading straight for the beaches or delving into the cultural gems of cities like Figueres. Understanding the local transport landscape is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. While trains offer rapid connections, the role of local taxis often provides that crucial last-mile convenience, especially for those seeking direct, hassle-free transfers with luggage in tow.
This guide aims to equip the discerning UK traveller with practical insights into navigating this beautiful part of Catalonia, focusing on key transport hubs and connections, and how taxis integrate into the broader travel picture.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport: Your Gateway to Catalonia
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) stands as a pivotal entry point for millions of international passengers each year, a significant portion of whom hail from the United Kingdom. Located approximately 13 kilometres from the city of Girona and about 100 kilometres from the bustling metropolis of Barcelona, GRO has experienced remarkable growth, largely due to its strategic position as a primary base for low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
With around 5 million passengers passing through its gates annually, the airport serves as a vital hub, fostering air routes that open up the stunning Pyrenees and the picturesque Costa Brava to tourism. It boasts an impressive network of 64 regular routes operated by six airlines, including new destinations such as Ibiza, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Seville, Leeds, London-Gatwick, Memmingen, and Västerås, predominantly facilitated by Ryanair. Beyond scheduled flights, the airport also handles charter operations connecting Girona-Costa Brava with 29 diverse destinations, including popular spots like Eindhoven, Edinburgh, Munich, Bologna, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Nador.
Airport Facilities for the UK Traveller
Girona Airport is designed to provide a comprehensive and comfortable experience for travellers. Its infrastructure includes a substantial 2,400-metre runway and 50 aircraft platforms, ensuring efficient operations. The single passenger terminal is well-equipped, featuring 25 check-in counters and 8 boarding gates, streamlining the departure process. For those with cargo, a dedicated cargo terminal is also available.
Parking facilities are ample, with 1,020 spaces for general vehicles and 35 designated spots for buses, catering to various transport needs. Within the commercial zone, passengers can find two shops offering a wide selection of national and international newspapers, books, stationery, sweets, and various kiosk items – perfect for last-minute travel essentials or a bit of reading material for your journey. For those needing a quick bite or a refreshing drink before their flight, a McDonald's restaurant is conveniently located just a few metres from the boarding area on the first floor, a popular choice for many travellers.
Staying connected is easy with internet access available at four multimedia terminals in both the arrivals hall and the boarding area. These terminals provide access to email, chat services, webcams, and card readers, ensuring passengers can manage their digital needs on the go. Furthermore, for added peace of mind regarding your luggage, a baggage wrapping service is available in the check-in lobby, offering protection for your suitcases during transit.
Taxis at Girona Airport: Your Onward Journey
While the provided information offers an excellent overview of Girona Airport's facilities and operational capacity, specific instructions on *how to call a taxi* or details regarding the services offered by individual taxi companies at the airport are not explicitly outlined. However, based on standard international airport operations, UK travellers can expect taxis to be readily available directly outside the arrivals terminal. These official airport taxis typically offer a convenient and direct transfer service to Girona city centre, Figueres, or any other destination in the region. They are often the preferred choice for those with significant luggage, groups, or individuals seeking a door-to-door service without the complexities of public transport transfers. It's always advisable to look for official taxi ranks and confirm fare estimates before commencing your journey, though most airport taxis operate on a metered basis or a fixed tariff for popular destinations.
Seamless Train Travel: Girona to Figueres
Beyond the airport, the train network provides an incredibly efficient and comfortable way to travel within Catalonia. For UK visitors looking to explore both Girona and Figueres, the train journey between these two cities is particularly noteworthy for its speed and convenience.
Trenes.com, an official and verified Renfe travel agency, facilitates the purchase of train tickets for this route, ensuring a seamless booking experience. Once purchased, travellers can simply print their ticket or present the QR code on their mobile phone at Girona station (Gerona) and board their assigned train directly.
A prime example of this efficiency is a specific journey captured by ticket number 7627700648876, with locator MV4DXX. This ticket illustrates a journey from Girona (Gerona) to Figueres Vilafant (Figueras), operated by Renfe using an AVANT train (train number 34705, coach 018). The fare for this particular ticket, purchased with a Tarjeta Dorada in Tourist class for seat 097, was 5.20€ for a departure on 1st June 2016. The train departed Girona at 13:58 h and arrived at Figueres Vilafant station at 14:12 h, making the entire journey a remarkably swift 14 minutes. This incredibly short travel time highlights the efficiency of Spain's high-speed rail network for inter-city connections.
Upon arrival at Figueres Vilafant, travellers will find themselves at the modern high-speed station, which is slightly outside the city centre where the Dalí Theatre-Museum is located. From here, local taxis are an excellent option for a quick transfer directly to your accommodation or to key attractions within Figueres, providing a seamless transition from your rapid train journey.
Understanding Your Transport Choices
When planning your itinerary in the Girona and Figueres region, understanding the strengths of different transport options is crucial for a smooth experience. Both trains and taxis offer distinct advantages, catering to various travel needs and preferences.
| Transport Option | Key Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Girona-Figueres) | Rapid transit (e.g., 14 mins), Fixed fares, Punctuality, Eco-friendly | Inter-city travel between main stations, Budget-conscious travellers, Avoiding traffic, Scenic routes |
| Taxi (General Use) | Door-to-door convenience, Luggage capacity, Direct routes, Available 24/7, Flexibility | Airport transfers, Late-night travel, Group travel, Destinations off main train lines, Specific addresses |
For the journey between Girona and Figueres, the train is undeniably the most efficient choice for speed and cost-effectiveness, especially for those travelling light or heading directly to the city centres served by the main stations. However, for direct transfers from Girona Airport, or for reaching specific, less accessible locations within Figueres from the train station, taxis provide unparalleled convenience and directness. They are particularly valuable when travelling with significant luggage, as part of a group, or when time is of the essence.
Important Considerations for UK Travellers
When travelling in Spain, UK visitors should always keep a few general tips in mind. While currency conversion is now seamless with the Euro, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases or for taxi drivers who might prefer it, though card payments are increasingly common. Basic Spanish phrases can significantly enhance your interactions, especially with taxi drivers or in smaller establishments. Furthermore, for airport transfers or specific long-distance taxi journeys, it can be beneficial to research local taxi companies or pre-book through reputable apps or your accommodation if you prefer, though specific booking details for individual companies are not provided in our source material. Always ensure you are using licensed taxis for safety and fair pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are taxis readily available at Girona-Costa Brava Airport?
While specific booking instructions are not detailed in the provided information, taxis are typically readily available at Girona-Costa Brava Airport. You can generally find them at designated taxi ranks directly outside the arrivals terminal, offering a convenient way to reach your final destination.
How long does the train journey from Girona to Figueres take?
Based on the provided example, the high-speed AVANT train journey from Girona (Gerona) to Figueres Vilafant (Figueras) is remarkably fast, taking approximately 14 minutes. This makes it an incredibly efficient option for inter-city travel.
What facilities can I expect at Girona-Costa Brava Airport?
Girona-Costa Brava Airport boasts a range of facilities for passengers. These include 25 check-in counters, 8 boarding gates, a commercial area with shops, a McDonald's restaurant, internet access terminals, and a baggage wrapping service in the check-in lobby. It also has extensive parking for vehicles and buses.
Is Figueres Vilafant train station in the city centre?
Figueres Vilafant is the high-speed train station for Figueres and is located slightly outside the immediate city centre. Upon arrival, taxis are a convenient option for a quick transfer to the heart of Figueres, including popular attractions like the Dalí Theatre-Museum, or to your accommodation.
Conclusion
Exploring the charming cities of Girona and Figueres from the UK is a straightforward and rewarding experience, especially with the efficient transport links available. From the well-equipped Girona-Costa Brava Airport, offering numerous connections, to the incredibly fast train service between Girona and Figueres, travellers have excellent options at their disposal. While taxis provide invaluable door-to-door convenience for airport transfers and local journeys, the train offers unparalleled speed for inter-city travel. By understanding and utilising these transport choices effectively, UK visitors can ensure their Catalan adventure is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, allowing more time to immerse themselves in the region's unique culture and beauty.
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