Travelling by train from Barcelona to Girona
Taking a train from Barcelona to Girona may be quite confusing and stressful. Not that the train ride itself would be anything but ordinary and comfortable. It is the Barcelona Sants train station that confuses me every time.
So, let me tell how to buy tickets and how to board the right train.
First, you may want to check Renfe's website for timetables. The website is east to use and provides accurate information. Then, take a subway to Sants. Follow the red R-signs to the station hall. You maybe have to carry your luggage up several fights of stairs. There may be elevators, but I have not found them ever.
In the station hall, go directly to counters 1 - 7. There they usually sell tickets for the regional trains to Girona (terminus Portbou). The ticket costs about 11 euros; the train ride to Girona take 77 minutesYou may also buy tickets fro rapido (express) trains from counters 11 or so. 30+ euros for 38 minutes ride.
Do not try to use the ticket vending machines. They do not sell proper tickets for regional trains to Girona.
The regional trains leave either from track 13 or 14 accross one platform. Make sure you follow the information displays. You must take the R11 train, not the R2 which leaves from the same platform.
Finally, all this takes 20-30 minutes, so arrive well in advance to the station.
So, let me tell how to buy tickets and how to board the right train.
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| Waiting. The train was 20 minutes late. +33C. |
First, you may want to check Renfe's website for timetables. The website is east to use and provides accurate information. Then, take a subway to Sants. Follow the red R-signs to the station hall. You maybe have to carry your luggage up several fights of stairs. There may be elevators, but I have not found them ever.
In the station hall, go directly to counters 1 - 7. There they usually sell tickets for the regional trains to Girona (terminus Portbou). The ticket costs about 11 euros; the train ride to Girona take 77 minutesYou may also buy tickets fro rapido (express) trains from counters 11 or so. 30+ euros for 38 minutes ride.
Do not try to use the ticket vending machines. They do not sell proper tickets for regional trains to Girona.
The regional trains leave either from track 13 or 14 accross one platform. Make sure you follow the information displays. You must take the R11 train, not the R2 which leaves from the same platform.
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| Upstairs waiting room. |
Finally, all this takes 20-30 minutes, so arrive well in advance to the station.
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