First-time traveler guide
Girona, Spain
The facts people look for first, pulled from this guide.
From Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Download the Renfe app: Use the official Renfe app or website to book your tickets in advance. This saves you from waiting in queues at the station and often secures better prices for high-speed (AVE/Avant) trains compared to buying at the last minute.
If you arrive early or want to explore the city before your departure, the station offers automated lockers (consigna) for storing your bags.
If you have heavy luggage, look for the elevators that connect the main concourse to the platforms; escalators are available, but elevators are much easier with bags.
If you need to freshen up, there are paid public restrooms located near the main hall.
The station has free WiFi (registration required).
Whether you are arriving for a quick city break or heading further into Catalonia, here is the most practical information to get you started.
From Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
From City Center
By Taxi
Girona railway station features a straightforward, two-level layout that is easy to navigate once you understand the separation between train types. Think of the station as having two distinct "zones": an elevated upper level for regional services and a deep underground level for high-speed trains. Because the station is compact, you will not need to account for long transit times between platforms, but you must know which level your train departs from to avoid unnecessary movement.
The upper level handles the conventional rail lines, including Rodalies de Catalunya regional trains and medium-distance services (Media Distancia) that connect Girona to the wider Catalonia region. These platforms are accessed directly from the main station building via stairs, escalators, and elevators.
The underground level, located approximately 26 meters below ground, is dedicated exclusively to high-speed rail. This is where you will find the platforms for the AVE and international TGV services traveling to Barcelona, Madrid, or across the border into France. Crucially, because these are high-speed services, you must pass through a security and baggage screening area before you can access these platforms. Please ensure you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for this mandatory security check.
The main entrance is located at Plaça d'Espanya. Upon entering, clear signage will direct you toward either the "Regional" (upper) or "Alta Velocidad" (underground) areas. Do not be confused by the numbering; while the station is relatively small, the vertical separation is the most important feature to remember. Elevators and escalators are centrally located, making the transition between the concourse and either level very efficient. Even with luggage, you can comfortably move between the station entrance and any platform in under 10 minutes. If you are transferring between a regional train and a high-speed service, simply follow the signs through the main hall to the appropriate security screening point for the high-speed zone.
I wish someone had told me how straightforward Girona station is, but also how specific the "rules" of the station can be. Don't worry, but do prepare ahead to avoid unnecessary stress.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
AT THE STATION
COMMON MISTAKES
Yes, many passengers sleep overnight to catch early flights. However, seating has armrests and is uncomfortable, so many sleep on the floor. Be aware that security will wake floor sleepers at 5:00 AM as it is against the rules during regular hours. The air conditioning makes it chilly, and vending machines are loud. Bringing a sleeping bag and earplugs is recommended.
At the time of the source's update, one restaurant on the Landside (pre-security) area of the terminal is open 24 hours a day. It is noted that these could be seasonal hours, so availability may vary. Other restaurants and cafes in the small terminal have standard operating hours.
Yes, WiFi is available throughout the airport to help pass the time. There are also power outlets available for charging mobile devices. The airport guide confirms these services, though no specific network name or connection instructions are provided in the given content.
Most shops in Girona are open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Large franchises and shopping centers do not close at lunchtime. Many shops are closed on Monday mornings, as shopkeepers often prefer to stay closed for the first half of the day.
Taxi ranks are located at the railway station and in front of the main Post Office near Plaça de la Independència. You can also call for a taxi. The provided numbers are Taxi Girona at 972 222 323 or 972 203 377, and they offer specially-adapted taxis for accessibility.
Girona's cuisine is creative and open to new influences but rooted in traditional Catalan cooking. Its location between mountains and the sea provides excellent quality ingredients. City restaurants offer a wide variety classified by cuisine type, with approximate prices available in the "Restaurants and cafés" section of the tourism site.
Through station serving Girona, Spain. Originally opened in 1862 and later rebuilt in 1973, the station is a vital transit point for travelers moving between Barcelona, France, and the wider Catalonia region. The facility features a distinctive multi-level design: high-level platforms on an elevated viaduct serve conventional regional lines, while a modern, subterranean section—constructed as part of the high-speed rail expansion—handles high-speed AVE and international TGV services.
If you are a first-time visitor feeling nervous about navigating a European hub, rest assured that this station is compact and straightforward. The main passenger building is well-signposted, and the layout is designed for efficient transfers between the different track levels. When planning your journey, remember that while the station is generally easy to navigate, you must pass through a security check to access the underground high-speed platforms.
To ensure a stress-free experience, allow extra time for your arrival, especially if you are connecting to an international service. Monitor the digital displays in the main hall, as specific platform assignments for your train are typically confirmed 30–60 minutes before departure. With its clear signage and intuitive design, the station is highly accessible for all travelers.
