Culture
The most beautiful drive from Barcelona Airport to Girona (and back)
Inland from Barcelona Airport to Girona via Rupit, Castellfollit de la Roca and Besalu. Both directions in Google Maps.
See the route →The best drives from Barcelona Airport
Landing at Barcelona (BCN) and picking up a rental car? Turn the arrival day into the first highlight. These three worked-out drives serve three kinds of holiday: inland through the volcanic Garrotxa to Girona, along the coast road to Begur and the Costa Brava, and through the Pyrenees to Andorra. Each is written out both ways, with every stop in Google Maps and a GPX.
Choose your destination
Coast
The most beautiful drive from Barcelona Airport to Begur and the Costa Brava (and back)
The coast drive from Barcelona Airport to Begur via Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell and Aiguablava. Both directions in Google Maps.
See the route →Mountains
The most beautiful drive from Barcelona Airport to Andorra (and back)
The mountain drive from Barcelona Airport to Andorra via Montserrat, Cardona and La Seu d'Urgell. Both directions in Google Maps.
See the route →Which destination suits you
| Destination | Landscape | Distance and driving time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girona and the Garrotxa | culture and volcanoes | approx. 175 km · approx. 3 h 15 | villages, culture, nature |
| Begur and the Costa Brava | coast | approx. 150 km · approx. 3 h | coast, coves, fishing villages |
| Andorra | Pyrenees | approx. 220 km · approx. 4 h | mountains, tax-free, skiing |
Picking up your rental car at Barcelona
The rental desks are by both terminals of Barcelona Airport (BCN). Book online in advance, almost always cheaper than at the desk. For these drives you usually go there and back from Barcelona, so no drop-off fee. Note: if you want to go to Andorra, check in advance that your rental car may go there and is insured. Fill up before you bring the car back.
Advice for your landing time
With a morning flight you can take one of the longer drives (Andorra or the full Costa Brava) at ease. If you land in the afternoon, choose Girona or a shortened coast drive. After a late landing, do not drive a long mountain route in the dark and plan the Andorra border in daylight; otherwise take the fast road and drive the scenic route the next day.
Frequently asked questions
Which route suits my holiday?
For culture and nature, choose the inland route to Girona and the Garrotxa. For beaches and coves, the Costa Brava to Begur. For mountains, winter sports or tax-free shopping, Andorra. The comparison table above sets them side by side.
Can you drive from Barcelona to Andorra in a rental car?
Usually yes, but not every provider allows it and insurance does not always cover Andorra automatically. Arrange permission and a green card if needed in advance, and bring your ID; Andorra is not an EU member.
Are the routes and exports free?
Yes. You open each route free in Google Maps with every stop in it, and there is a GPX per direction. You never pay us for exports.