Girona-Costa Brava Airport, located just 12.5 kilometres southwest of Girona, serves as a convenient gateway to the Costa Brava region and a secondary hub for travellers heading to Barcelona, 92 kilometres away. Handling around 2.4 million passengers annually, this compact airport connects to 48 destinations across Europe, primarily through low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Its straightforward design and welcoming atmosphere make it an appealing choice for those exploring Catalonia or the Pyrenees.
The passenger experience at Girona Airport is efficient and approachable. The single two-storey terminal keeps navigation simple, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures split between both levels. Passengers typically disembark via steps to the tarmac and walk a short distance to the terminal, a process that feels refreshingly uncomplicated. The 33 check-in desks and self-service kiosks handle check-in smoothly, though some travellers note that kiosks can be slow to load, taking up to 15 seconds per page.
Security checks are generally quick, with minimal queues outside peak summer months, and staff are described as friendly, particularly for those requiring mobility assistance, which can be pre-booked 48 hours in advance for a seamless journey.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options from Girona’s city centre. Bus routes 605, 607, and L-28, operated by Sagales and ATM Girona, connect the airport to the city in 20–25 minutes for €2.75–€3.
00, departing every 40–60 minutes from the Estaciَ d’Autobusos de Girona. These services are reliable but limited on weekends, with Route 607 not operating.
Taxis to the city centre cost around €25–€30 and take about 20 minutes, while ride-sharing services like Uber are less common but available. For those driving, the airport offers a six-storey car park with 3,500 spaces, including short- and long-term options, with online reservations recommended for convenience. Car hire desks from Europcar, Budget, and others are located in the arrivals area, though booking ahead avoids delays. Late-night arrivals may face reduced public transport, so taxis or pre-arranged transfers are advisable.
The airport’s layout is compact and well-organised, with 11 boarding gates on the first floor and clear signage in Spanish, English, and Catalan. The ground floor houses check-in and baggage claim, while the departure lounge upstairs offers seating and three terraces for outdoor relaxation. Recent upgrades, including a remodelled terminal, ensure ample space, though seating can feel limited during busy periods. Digital screens provide real-time flight updates, and the airport’s single runway, extended to 2,400 metres, supports efficient operations. Passengers note the ease of moving through the terminal, with most gates within a five-minute walk from security.
Delays are infrequent but can occur, particularly during the busy summer months of July and August, when passenger traffic peaks. Weather conditions, such as strong winds or fog, may cause minor disruptions, with average delays around 15–20 minutes. On-time performance is generally strong, especially for Ryanair, which operates most flights. Travellers are advised to arrive 90 minutes early for Schengen flights and two hours for non-Schengen to account for potential security or check-in queues, particularly during midday rushes.
Dining and retail options are practical for a smaller airport. The departures area features Medas, McDonald’s, Subway, and Lavazza, offering coffee, pastries, fast food, and sandwiches, with hours from 7 am. to 11 pm. daily. A duty-free shop and Divers store provide souvenirs, travel essentials, and local products, open from 5 am. to 10 pm. Vending machines are available for quick snacks, but options for specific dietary needs are limited, so passengers may want to plan ahead. The airport’s compact size means all outlets are easily accessible from the departure lounge.
Facilities cater well to traveller needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though connectivity may require a boarding pass scan or email registration for unlimited access. Charging stations and conference rooms support business travellers, while clean restrooms, including family and accessible options, are well-maintained. A children’s play area and pet relief zones, both indoors and in the parking area, add convenience. The airport offers a VIP lounge with comfy seating, snacks, and Wi-Fi, accessible via booking with services like airssist.aero, and a private suite with chef-prepared meals for a premium experience. Three smoking terraces and an information desk staffed with multilingual representatives enhance the experience, while lost luggage services and ATMs are readily available.
Connections at Girona Airport are limited, as it primarily serves point-to-point leisure routes rather than acting as a transfer hub. The minimum connection time is 35 minutes for all flight types, but passengers on non-connected flights must clear security and passport control, requiring at least an hour for smooth transfers. Popular routes to cities like London, Amsterdam, and Budapest are frequent, but tight schedules should be avoided due to potential weather-related delays or crowded security checks during peak times.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates daily flights to Dublin from Girona. Check-in is in the main terminal, desks 1-33 (dynamic; self-service kiosks available). Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-11 (non-Schengen; dynamic, shown on screens ~30-40 minutes before departure).
