Europe > Spain > Girona (GRO)
The Car or no Car advice for Girona can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Girona ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Girona ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Girona?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Girona without a car 🚶♂️🚆
Girona is one of the most walkable historic cities in Spain. The old town (Barri Vell) is compact, atmospheric, and best explored on foot. The cathedral, Jewish Quarter, medieval walls, and riverside houses are all within easy walking distance. Cars add no value here and are often a hindrance.
The city is also exceptionally well connected by rail. High-speed AVE services link Girona directly with Barcelona in around 40 minutes, making it an easy day trip or alternative base. Trains also run north into France, which is relatively unusual for a city of this size. Girona therefore works extremely well as a no-car destination for short breaks.
Game of Thrones and cultural appeal 🎬
Girona gained international recognition as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Many of the most recognisable scenes are right in the historic centre and can be visited easily on foot. This reinforces the idea that, for most visitors, a car is unnecessary during the city stay itself.
Day trips by train 🚄
Several worthwhile trips can be done by public transport. Barcelona is the obvious one, while Figueres, home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, is also easy by train. Coastal towns such as Blanes can be reached by rail, although journey times increase once you leave the main corridors.
When a rental car becomes useful 🚗
A rental car starts to make sense if you want to explore the Costa Brava properly. Many of the most beautiful coves, beaches, and hilltop villages are difficult or slow to reach by bus. The same applies to inland routes towards the Pyrenees, where flexibility matters.
Car rental prices in Girona are usually reasonable, especially compared with Barcelona. Picking up a car for just one or two days can unlock far more of the region.
Conclusion – should you rent a car in Girona? ✅
Not for the city itself. Girona is ideal on foot and by train. However, if your plans include the Costa Brava or rural Catalonia, a short car rental can be extremely worthwhile 🚗🌄.
