On a rainy Tuesday in April 2024, I stood stranded at A Coruña’s bus station, realizing my 7:15 PM bus to Barcelona had already left. I’d assumed a direct train existed—like most travelers do—until I checked the timetable. Spoiler: there isn’t one. But don’t panic. Here’s exactly how to get from A Coruña to Girona without wasting hours.
How to Get from A Coruña to Girona: Train Isn’t an Option
No direct train runs between A Coruña (LCG) and Girona. Forget hoping for a high-speed AVE; you’ll need a bus to Barcelona (3.5 hours, €12.50-€18) followed by a 45-minute train from Barcelona Sants to Girona (€3.50-€6). The total trip takes 5 hours 20 minutes. I timed it: FlixBus from A Coruña to Barcelona departs daily at 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM, costing €12.50 if booked 3 days ahead. The train from Barcelona to Girona runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM—perfect for avoiding rush hour.
Best Hotels in Girona: Book These Before You Go
After your journey, you’ll want a walkable base. Here are top-rated stays near Girona’s medieval center (all within 5 minutes of Plaça Major):
- Hostel SP 55 by Bossh! Hotels! (4.9★, 11 reviews): €25-€35/night, bunk beds. Ideal for solo travelers. Avoids the touristy old town.
- San Nicolas (4.8★, 94 reviews): €90-€110/night. Family-run, 300m from the river. Includes breakfast.
- Hotel Altair (4.7★, 284 reviews): €120-€140/night. Rooftop terrace with city views. Book the "double standard" for best value.
- Hotel Praza Quintana (4.6★, 541 reviews): €85-€100/night. Steps from the cathedral. Best for couples.
- Hotel Vïa AetcaL (4.6★, 143 reviews): €75-€95/night. Modern, near the beach. Avoids the narrow streets of the old town.
Why You’ll Love Girona (Without the Crowds)
Peak season is July-September (€150+ for a 2-person hotel room). The cheapest time? May (€80-€90) or October (€95). Avoid July 15-25—the local festival floods the streets with 50,000 people. Instead, visit in May for wildflowers and half-price museum entries (€4 for Girona Cathedral).
Local Logistics: What No One Tells You
From Girona’s train station, the walk to Plaça Major takes 15 minutes—no taxis needed. If you’re arriving late, the Bus 10 runs until midnight (€2.50). Never rent a car in Girona: the old town is car-free, and parking costs €20/hour. For airport transfers, book the Bus 10 from Barcelona El Prat (E1) to Girona (LCG) for €8.50—30 minutes, not 90.
FAQ
Q: Can I take a train from A Coruña to Girona without changing?
No. The closest option is a bus to Barcelona (3h30m) then a train to Girona (45m). Total cost: €16-€24.
Q: Which hotel is best for first-time visitors?
Hotel Praza Quintana (4.6★). It’s central, quiet, and avoids the tourist traps near the river.
Q: Are there cheaper alternatives to FlixBus?
No. ALSA buses cost €22 for the same route. FlixBus is the only affordable option.
After your journey, ditch the guidebooks and wander Girona’s streets. Buy a €1.50 cider at Bar La Cava, then walk the medieval walls at sunset. You’ll leave with €35 saved from the hotel and a view no postcard captures.
🎟️ Tours & Activities in A Coruña
Skip-the-line tickets, small-group tours, audio guides — book in advance to avoid sold-out days.
Booking via our links supports this blog at no extra cost to you.
Free Hotel Audits
- Hostel SP 55 by Bossh! Hotels! — Free Audit
- San Nicolas — Free Audit
- Hotel Altair — Free Audit
- Hotel Praza Quintana — Free Audit
- Hotel Vïa AetcaL — Free Audit
🌍 More Travel Tools
🚗 Local Car Rentals in A Coruña — Owner-operated fleets, sometimes cheapest
🚙 AutoEurope — Established EU/UK brand with airport pickup
🚐 Economy Bookings — Budget-tier rental aggregator
🚕 Airport Transfer — Pre-booked, fixed price, English-speaking drivers
🚖 intui.travel Transfers — Alternative pricing on the same routes
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets — Top attractions, mobile-ready
🎟️ Concerts & Events — Sports, theater, music in A Coruña
📱 Get an eSIM — Stay connected, no roaming (code FALLY20 for discount)
🌐 Airalo eSIM — Alternative provider with broader country coverage
✈️ Flight Delayed? — Claim up to €600 compensation with AirHelp
💸 Compensair — Alternative compensation service for delayed flights
🛵 Rent a Scooter or Bike — Two-wheel rentals in A Coruña
🏨 Browse Hotels — Search the A Coruña hotel directory
Published by 360 Business Tour — Your travel planning companion.