What you should know before hiring a car in Gerona
| Gerona city centre | ||
| Girona Costa Brava Airport (GRO): 11 km from city centre | ||
Practical information
Where to rent a car in Girona?
The city of Girona is located in the region of Catalonia, in the north of Spain. Intersected by the River Onyar, it is home to architectural landmarks such as Girona Cathedral; Sant Pere de Rodes; and the Esglesia de Sant Feliu. Girona is served by Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which operates international and domestic services. From the airport, visitors can choose from a number of transport options to reach central Girona. These include bus, taxi and rental car. Opting to rent a car in Girona will allow visitors to explore the surrounding areas on their own timetable, visiting beaches along the Costa Brava and nearby cities such as Barcelona without being restricted by public transport timetables and routes. Car rental companies operating at Girona-Costa Brava Airport include Firefly Car Rental, Europcar, Avis, Budget and Hertz. Girona is also located on the AVE high speed rail network, with services stopping at Girona railway station and taking passengers to cities across Spain.
Driving in Girona: parking and other tips
When driving in Girona, be sure to pay attention to the rules of the road. This includes wearing a seatbelt at all times; only using your cell phone if it is in hands free mode; and driving on the right. As a city, the speed limit in Girona is usually around 50km/h; however, be sure to check for road signs indicating the speed limit when driving around Girona.
There is plenty of parking to be found in Girona, with free and paid parking available across the city. For visitors wishing to explore the Old Town, park your rental car in one of the nearby car parks – such as the car park near the La Devesa Park – before continuing on foot. Exploring the Old Town on foot is not only the most scenic way to visit the area, but it's also one of the only ways as driving is not possible in much of the Old Town of Girona.
Road trips from Girona
Located in northern Spain, Girona's proximity to the Cosa Brava and cities such as Barcelona makes it a perfect place in which to begin a road trip around the Catalonia region and beyond. Drive along coastal roads and discover beautiful beaches and popular cities with these three road trips from Girona.
Barcelona
A popular road trip destination from Girona, Barcelona stands around 65 miles away by road. The drive takes travelers through the countryside of the Catalonia region before ending in Barcelona around one and a half hours after departure from Girona. Upon arrival in Barcelona, visit landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral and Park Güell before taking a walk down the bustling La Rambla street. If weather allows, be sure to take some time to relax on one of Barcelona's beaches, such as the popular Barceloneta beach.
A Road Trip Along The Costa Brava
A picturesque stretch of coastline in Catalonia, the Costa Brava is a stunning destination for a road trip and boasts plenty of beaches and towns to visit along the way. From Girona, the coast is less than one hour's drive away. Destinations including Palafrugell, Begur and Sa Riera are also within easy driving distance from Girona. For those wishing to extend their road trip along the Costa Brava, head south down the coast towards Barcelona, stopping at destinations including Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Lloret de Mar, and Blanes along the way.
Valencia
Around 275 miles from Girona, along roads which wind through Spanish countryside and along the coast, stands the city of Valenica. With the drive from Girona to Valencia taking over four hours, spend a few days getting to know this Spanish city and exploring the surrounding areas by rental car. In Valencia itself, don't miss a trip to the City of Arts and Sciences which is known for its modern architecture. The city is also home to beaches, markets such as the Mercado Central, and natural areas such as the Albufera Park.