Girona Airport (GRO) – Complete Travel Guide 2026

Girona–Costa Brava Airport quick facts

Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is the primary gateway to Catalonia's stunning Costa Brava region and the historic city of Girona. Located roughly 12 kilometers southwest of Girona city center, this single-terminal airport handles over 1.5 million passengers annually. Ryanair operates its largest presence here, connecting travelers to over 34 routes across 13 countries. The airport offers a compact, efficient layout that makes navigating arrivals and departures refreshingly straightforward compared to larger Spanish hubs.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport Terminal Map and Layout

Girona–Costa Brava Airport features a single, well-organized passenger terminal building. The ground floor houses the arrivals hall, baggage claim area, and several car rental desks. The first floor is dedicated to departures, with check-in counters, security screening, and the boarding gate area. The terminal design follows a linear, straightforward flow that reduces confusion and walking distances.

Passengers can walk from the check-in desks through security to the farthest boarding gate in under 5 minutes. The compact nature of the single-terminal layout means no shuttle buses or trains are required between terminals. All gates, shops, and services are accessible on foot. Clear bilingual signage in Spanish and English guides passengers from the parking garage—located just 10 meters opposite the terminal building—to check-in within 2 minutes.

Navigating Girona–Costa Brava Airport Terminals

Main Terminal – Ground Floor (Arrivals)

• Airlines that check in here: All airlines operate from the main terminal. Check-in desks are located on the first floor.
• Key features: Baggage claim carousels, car rental counters (Hertz, SIXT, Europcar, Avis/Budget), tourist information desk, lost and found office, café, and access to the parking garage.
• Dining and shopping: A small café serving coffee, pastries, and light snacks is available in the arrivals hall. Vending machines are positioned near baggage claim.

Main Terminal – First Floor (Departures)

• Airlines: All departing flights check in on this floor, primarily Ryanair with additional seasonal carriers Jet2, Transavia, and Smartwings.
• Key features: Check-in desks open 2 hours before scheduled departures. Security screening leads directly to the departure lounge with duty-free shopping, a VIP lounge, and gates 1–12.
• Dining and shopping: Girona Duty Free, Torrons Vicens for local sweets, a cafeteria, and vending machines operate airside.

Renovations completed in recent years modernized the departure lounge, improving seating capacity and upgrading retail spaces. The entire terminal is wheelchair accessible with ramps and adapted restrooms available.

Transportation to and from Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Transportation options from Girona–Costa Brava Airport connect travelers to Girona city center, Barcelona, and Costa Brava resort towns. Bus services operate frequently, while taxis and rental cars offer door-to-door convenience. The airport sits directly alongside the AP-7 motorway, making road access exceptionally straightforward.

Getting to and from Girona–Costa Brava Airport by Car

Driving to Girona–Costa Brava Airport is remarkably simple thanks to its position adjacent to the AP-7 motorway (Exit 8). From Girona city center, take the N-156 south for approximately 12 kilometers, following airport signs. The journey takes around 15 minutes in normal traffic. From Barcelona, allow approximately 1 hour via the AP-7 northbound.

The newly constructed AENA General parking garage sits just 10 meters from the terminal entrance, offering 3,600 parking spaces with 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, and paved surfaces. The structure accommodates vehicles up to 2.10 meters high and 5 meters long. License plate recognition provides seamless entry and exit. Short-term parking costs approximately $1.30 per hour, with daily rates around $13. Long-term parking delivers better value at roughly $9 per day for stays exceeding one week. Advance online booking secures the best rates, particularly during peak summer months. Electric vehicle charging stations are available on-site. A designated cell phone waiting lot near the terminal entrance allows free short-term waiting for arriving passengers. Curbside drop-off directly outside the departures entrance permits quick unloading, though vehicles may not be left unattended.

Getting to and from Girona–Costa Brava Airport by Rideshare or Taxi

Official taxis are available immediately outside the arrivals hall. Local taxi companies serving the airport include Radio Taxi Girona and associated operators. Rideshare apps such as Uber, Cabify, and Bolt operate in the Girona region, with designated pickup points marked outside the terminal. Fares to Girona city center typically range from $25 to $35, with a travel time of approximately 15–20 minutes. The journey to Barcelona costs around $130–150 and takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic. Payment by cash or credit card is accepted in taxis. Uber and Cabify rides are paid through the app.

Getting to and from Girona–Costa Brava Airport by Public Transportation

Sagalés operates the primary bus route connecting Girona–Costa Brava Airport with Girona's bus and train station. Buses also serve Barcelona Estació del Nord, with additional seasonal services to Costa Brava destinations including Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, and Blanes. The bus stop is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit.

No direct train connection serves the airport. The nearest railway station is Girona Station, approximately 12 kilometers away, reachable by the Sagalés bus service in roughly 25 minutes. From Girona Station, AVE high-speed trains connect to Barcelona in 38 minutes and to France in under an hour.

Key Amenities at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

ATMs

Euronet ATMs are located in the arrivals hall and departure lounge, dispensing euros with standard international card compatibility. Three ATMs serve the terminal.

Lost and Found

Lost property is managed by AENA airport authorities. The lost and found office is located in the main terminal on the ground floor, near the arrivals area. Contact telephone: +34 913 211 000. Items found within the terminal or parking areas are held for 30 days before disposal.

Luggage Services

Luggage carts are available in the terminal for approximately $1.10 (€1 coin deposit). A luggage wrapping service operates near the check-in area during peak departure hours, costing around $6 per bag. No long-term luggage storage facility exists at the airport.

Pets

Pets traveling in the cabin must remain in approved carriers. A small outdoor pet relief area is located near the parking garage entrance. No indoor pet relief facility exists post-security.

Showers

Shower facilities are not generally available to passengers outside the VIP lounge. The lounge offers private restroom facilities but does not advertise dedicated shower access.

Currency Exchange

No dedicated currency exchange bureau operates within the terminal. ATMs dispensing euros represent the primary method for obtaining local currency. Changing money in Girona city center before arriving at the airport is recommended for better rates.

Smoking Area

Smoking is prohibited throughout the terminal interior. Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal building, before security. No smoking facilities exist within the departure lounge.

Terminal Building Features

The terminal spans two floors with a clean, modern design following renovations completed earlier this decade. Seating areas with charging stations are available throughout the departure lounge. Clear bilingual signage ensures smooth navigation for international visitors.

WiFi

Free WiFi operates throughout the terminal. Connect by selecting the AENA network, opening a browser, and accepting the terms of use. No time limit applies. Charging stations with standard European power outlets and USB ports are positioned near departure gates and seating areas.

Other Amenities

An information desk near the arrivals hall provides tourist maps, accommodation booking assistance, and general airport guidance. A small first-aid room is available by contacting airport staff. No dedicated chapel or prayer room exists, though quiet spaces for personal reflection can be found near the departure lounge seating areas.

Airport Lounges at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Girona–Costa Brava Airport offers one VIP lounge within the departure lounge, providing a comfortable retreat from the main terminal bustle with complimentary snacks, drinks, and quiet seating.

Airline Lounges at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

VIP Lounge Girona–Costa Brava

• Location: Departure lounge, first floor, past security and duty-free shopping
• Standout features: Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages including Spanish wines and local pastries, television, flight information display, international press, quiet workspace area
• How to access: Priority Pass membership, Lounge Club access, select credit card programs, day pass purchase ($30), business class ticket holders on participating airlines. The lounge accommodates approximately 40 guests, so advance booking is recommended during peak summer season.

Priority Pass Lounges at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Priority Pass members can access the VIP Lounge Girona–Costa Brava. No additional Priority Pass-branded lounge exists. Some credit card issuers, including American Express, may offer lounge access depending on card tier. No restaurant credit or spa alternative is currently offered through Priority Pass at this airport.

Other Airports in the Region

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)

• Distance to city center: 100 kilometers south of Girona, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car via AP-7
• Best for: Travelers seeking extensive international connections, long-haul flights, and major airline options
• Unique advantages: Two terminals serving over 50 million passengers annually, extensive shopping and dining, direct train to Barcelona city center, wider airline selection including major carriers
• Recommended for: Long-haul international travelers, business travelers needing premium lounges, those connecting to destinations not served from Girona

Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF)

• Distance to city center: 95 kilometers north of Girona, approximately 1 hour by car via AP-7 into France
• Best for: Travelers exploring southern France, combining Costa Brava with Languedoc region visits
• Unique advantages: Smaller crowds, French regional connections, easy access to French Catalonia
• Recommended for: Cross-border itineraries, travelers heading to Perpignan, Carcassonne, or the French Mediterranean coast

Girona–Costa Brava Airport Overview

Girona–Costa Brava Airport opened in 1965 and has grown from a modest regional airfield into a significant low-cost carrier gateway for northeastern Spain. The airport experienced rapid expansion during the Ryanair boom of the 2000s, serving as a secondary Barcelona airport for budget travelers. While traffic has moderated since its peak, Girona–Costa Brava Airport remains a vital access point for the Costa Brava, Pyrenees foothills, and southern France.

Situated in the municipality of Vilobí d'Onyar, the airport sits 143 meters above sea level with a single runway designated 01/19. The facility operates as a civilian airport managed by AENA, Spain's national airport authority. Annual passenger traffic typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 million travelers, concentrated heavily between March and October during the summer season.

The airport's strategic location places travelers within 30 minutes of Girona's medieval center and the beaches of the Costa Brava, 45 minutes from the French border, and roughly 1 hour from Barcelona. This positioning makes Girona–Costa Brava Airport an ideal starting point for multi-destination Catalonia road trips.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport Postal Code

• Full postal code: 17185
• City: Vilobí d'Onyar
• Province/State: Girona, Catalonia
• Country: Spain
• Complete mailing address: Aeropuerto de Girona–Costa Brava, Ctra. del Aeropuerto s/n, 17185 Vilobí d'Onyar, Girona, Spain

Duty Free and Shopping at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Duty-free shopping is available within the departure lounge for passengers traveling to non-EU destinations. The main shop, Girona Duty Free, offers spirits, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery at tax-free prices for eligible travelers. Torrons Vicens, a beloved local brand, sells traditional Catalan turrón (almond nougat) and artisanal sweets perfect for gifts. A convenience store stocks travel essentials, snacks, drinks, and reading materials.

💡 Tip: Purchase turrón and local food products at the airport rather than in tourist-heavy areas of Barcelona, where prices tend to be significantly higher. Torrons Vicens products are authentic and reasonably priced at the airport location.

Security Wait Times Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Security screening at Girona–Costa Brava Airport is typically efficient, with wait times rarely exceeding 15 minutes during normal periods. The single security checkpoint serves all departing flights, and multiple lanes open during peak departure windows. Mornings between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM see the heaviest traffic as Ryanair's first wave of flights prepares for departure. Summer weekends from June through September experience the longest queues, particularly Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Standard EU aviation security regulations apply: liquids in containers of 100ml or less within a single transparent, resealable bag; laptops and tablets removed from cases; jackets and belts placed in trays. TSA PreCheck is not applicable as this is a Spanish airport serving primarily EU destinations. No CLEAR or Global Entry kiosks operate here. Arriving at the airport 2 hours before a Schengen-area flight and 2.5 hours before a non-Schengen departure provides comfortable time for check-in, security, and boarding.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information

The departures drop-off zone is located directly outside the terminal's first-floor entrance. Vehicles may stop briefly for passenger unloading, with a maximum waiting time of roughly 5 minutes. Unattended vehicles are not permitted and may be towed. The arrivals pick-up zone sits outside the ground-floor exit, with short-term waiting permitted. For longer waits, the free cell phone waiting lot near the parking garage entrance allows drivers to wait comfortably until passengers are ready for collection. A designated Kiss and Fly zone near the short-term parking area permits brief goodbyes without parking charges. Commercial vehicles—including taxis, ride-sharing cars, and hotel shuttles—use marked zones directly outside arrivals.

Flight Routes and Airlines at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Ryanair dominates operations at Girona–Costa Brava Airport, operating 34 routes to 13 countries with up to 160 weekly flights during the 2026 summer season. Jet2, Transavia, and Smartwings supplement scheduled services, while TUI Airways, TUI Belgium, Croatia Airlines, Lux Air, and Enter Air operate seasonal charter flights. The 2026 schedule introduced new connections to Bucharest, Edinburgh, and Luxembourg, expanding the airport's network to 49 cities across 14 countries.

Popular domestic destinations from Girona–Costa Brava Airport are limited, as Ryanair primarily connects to international points. Select seasonal flights serve Spanish destinations. Popular international routes include London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, Amsterdam, Milan Bergamo, Frankfurt Hahn, Dublin, Kraków, and the new Bucharest connection. Seasonal charter flights link directly to UK regional airports, Dutch cities, and Eastern European destinations. Flight frequency peaks between April and October, with significantly reduced winter schedules. Booking flights 6–8 weeks in advance typically secures the best fares, especially for summer weekend travel.

💡 Tip: Ryanair flights from Girona–Costa Brava Airport often price significantly lower than equivalent routes from Barcelona–El Prat, particularly for UK, Ireland, and Benelux destinations. The savings can exceed $100 per person on peak-season bookings.

Getting to and from Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Multiple transport options connect Girona–Costa Brava Airport to Catalonia and beyond, with rental cars offering the greatest flexibility for exploring the region's medieval villages, coastal coves, and mountain scenery.

Car Rental at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Car rental companies operating at Girona–Costa Brava Airport include Hertz, SIXT, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and local Spanish provider Centauro. Rental counters are located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, with vehicle collection areas adjacent to the terminal. SIXT operates from a nearby off-airport branch with complimentary shuttle service departing from outside arrivals.

Popular vehicle types include economy cars like the Fiat 500 for city driving, compact SUVs for coastal exploration, and full-size sedans for family road trips. Average daily rental rates start around $30–52 for economy vehicles, with luxury models and larger SUVs ranging from $65–110 per day. Advance booking is strongly recommended during the June–September high season when demand peaks. Renters must be at least 21 years old (25 for certain categories) with a valid driver's license and credit card. International Driving Permits are not mandatory for US or UK license holders but are recommended for non-EU licenses.

Renting a car at Girona–Costa Brava Airport unlocks the Costa Brava's hidden beaches, the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, and the volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa Natural Park—all within easy driving distance.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport Taxi Services

Official taxis wait outside the arrivals terminal exit. Major local operators include Radio Taxi Girona. Uber, Cabify, and Bolt all operate in the Girona metropolitan area, with app-based booking and upfront pricing. Fares to central Girona run $25–35, to Lloret de Mar approximately $45–55, and to Barcelona center roughly $130–150. All taxis accept cash and major credit cards. Rideshare payments process through their respective apps.

Private Car Services at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Pre-booked private transfers offer a premium alternative for business travelers, families with luggage, and groups. Companies including Blacklane and local operators provide fixed-rate airport transfers with meet-and-greet service in the arrivals hall. Barcelona transfers typically cost $140–170 with advance booking. Private transfers can be arranged for destinations throughout Catalonia and into southern France.

Bus Services at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Sagalés operates the principal bus services from the stop directly outside arrivals. The Girona city route connects to the bus and train station in roughly 25 minutes for $3.50. The Barcelona route reaches Estació del Nord in about 1 hour 20 minutes for $17. Seasonal summer services link the airport to Costa Brava resorts. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or via the Sagalés mobile app.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near the airport offer complimentary shuttle service, including Hotel Vilobí located walking distance from the terminal. Hotels in Girona city center generally do not provide airport shuttles, though some Costa Brava resorts arrange seasonal transfer services. Arranging pickup directly with the hotel prior to arrival is essential, as on-demand shuttles are uncommon.

Parking at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

The AENA General parking garage provides 3,600 spaces just 10 meters from the terminal entrance. Open 24/7 with CCTV surveillance and staffed presence, this indoor parking facility offers the most convenient option. Short-term parking starts at approximately $0.07 per minute, with daily rates around $13. Long-term parking delivers better value for multi-day stays. Disabled parking spaces are available near the terminal entrance. Payment is accepted by cash and credit card at automated machines. Electric vehicle charging stations are located on the ground floor of the parking structure. The maximum vehicle height is 2.10 meters, with a length limit of 5 meters. License plate recognition technology provides ticketless entry and exit for pre-booked spaces. Booking online in advance secures discounted rates, especially for summer travel.

Places to explore near Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Girona–Costa Brava Airport's central Catalonia location places travelers within easy reach of medieval cities, Mediterranean beaches, mountain landscapes, and cross-border excursions.

Girona City Center – 12 kilometers, 15 minutes by car. The atmospheric old town features the remarkably preserved Jewish Quarter (El Call), the colorful houses along the Onyar River, and the impressive Girona Cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world. Game of Thrones fans will recognize filming locations throughout the medieval streets.

Costa Brava Beaches – 25–45 minutes by car. The rugged coastline stretches from Blanes to the French border, offering hidden coves like Cala Sa Tuna and Platja de Castell, alongside lively resort towns Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar.

Figueres and the Dalí Theatre-Museum – 45 kilometers, 35 minutes by car. Salvador Dalí's surrealist masterpiece houses the largest collection of his works in a building as eccentric as the artist himself.

Besalú – 35 kilometers, 30 minutes by car. This beautifully preserved medieval village features a stunning 12th-century fortified bridge and one of Catalonia's finest Jewish heritage sites.

La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park – 50 kilometers, 45 minutes by car. Explore extinct volcanic cones, lava flows, and beech forests in this unique landscape dotted with picturesque villages like Santa Pau.

Barcelona – 100 kilometers, 1 hour 15 minutes by car via AP-7. The Catalan capital needs little introduction, offering Gaudí architecture, world-class dining, and Mediterranean urban energy.

Southern France – 65 kilometers to the border, 45 minutes by car. Perpignan, Collioure, and the Languedoc coast await just across the border for a two-country Catalonia experience.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Girona

Girona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant shoulder seasons ideal for outdoor exploration. Spring, from March through May, delivers daytime temperatures of 59–72°F (15–22°C) with blooming wildflowers and comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Summer, June through September, brings warm to hot weather averaging 77–88°F (25–31°C) with July and August occasionally reaching 95°F (35°C). This is peak beach season on the Costa Brava, and accommodations book well in advance. Autumn, October through November, offers mild temperatures of 54–70°F (12–21°C) with fewer crowds and excellent conditions for cycling and wine tasting. Winter, December through February, brings cooler weather of 37–57°F (3–14°C) with occasional rain. Snow is rare in Girona but the Pyrenees offer skiing within a 1.5-hour drive. The best time to visit for balanced weather and manageable crowds is late spring, May to early June, or early autumn, September to October.

Essential Travel Tips

👉 Arrive at the airport 2 hours before Schengen-area flights and 2.5 hours before non-Schengen departures for stress-free check-in and security clearance.

👉 Check flight status on the AENA app or website before departing for the airport, as Ryanair schedules can shift during off-peak seasons.

👉 Pack a light jacket or sweater even in summer, as early morning flights from Girona–Costa Brava Airport can be cool before the Mediterranean sun rises fully.

👉 Carry euros in cash for small purchases in villages and markets, though credit cards are widely accepted throughout Catalonia.

👉 Catalan and Spanish are the local languages. English is spoken at the airport and in tourist areas, but learning a few Catalan phrases such as bon dia (good morning) and gràcies (thank you) is warmly appreciated.

👉 EU citizens need valid national ID cards. Non-EU travelers require passports with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned stay. Check visa requirements based on nationality.

👉 International Driving Permits are not legally required for US or UK license holders renting cars in Spain, but carrying one serves as a useful translation document if stopped by police.

👉 Fuel stations near the airport include a Repsol station at the AP-7 motorway service area (Exit 8) and a Cepsa station in Vilobí d'Onyar, both within 3 kilometers. Refuel before returning rental cars to avoid premium refueling charges.

About the City

Girona, capital of the province bearing its name, ranks among Catalonia's most captivating cities with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Founded by the Romans as Gerunda, the city flourished under medieval rule, leaving remarkably preserved architecture that earned it recognition as one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters. The population of approximately 100,000 creates a vibrant but unhurried atmosphere distinct from Barcelona's intensity.

The city straddles the Onyar River, with brightly painted houses creating one of Spain's most photogenic urban riverfronts. The imposing cathedral, featuring an 86-step Baroque staircase, anchors the old town skyline. Local cuisine reflects Catalonia's rich culinary heritage, with standout dishes including xuixo, a deep-fried pastry filled with crema catalana, available at legendary pastry shops like Pastisseria Tornés. Can Roca, regularly ranked among the world's best restaurants, operates just outside the city center, while traditional taverns in the old town serve hearty escudella stew and fresh seafood from the nearby coast.

Girona serves as an excellent base for exploring both the Costa Brava and the Pyrenean foothills, offering lower accommodation costs than Barcelona with equally rich cultural experiences. The city's compact size means everything is walkable, from the ancient city walls to the modern shopping streets, while the airport's proximity makes arrivals and departures refreshingly stress-free.

Start Your Journey at Girona–Costa Brava Airport

Touching down at Girona–Costa Brava Airport places you in the heart of Catalonia's most diverse region, where medieval history, Mediterranean coves, volcanic landscapes, and Pyrenean peaks converge within an hour's drive. The airport's compact single-terminal design means you move from plane to rental car in record time, bypassing the lengthy walks and crowded shuttles of larger hubs. Booking your rental car in advance ensures the widest vehicle selection and best rates, particularly during the popular summer months. Whether you plan to wander Girona's ancient Jewish Quarter, chase the Costa Brava's turquoise calas, or road-trip into southern France, the journey begins smoothly at Girona–Costa Brava Airport. Compare car rental options now and secure your keys to Catalonia.