By Train
RENFE operates lines out of Barcelona in all directions, making it easy to escape the city. Most regional trains leave from Estació de Sants (see By Train) and Estació Passeig de Gràcia. Call the RENFE information line for destinations and schedules.
Pg de Gràcia
902 24 02 02
RENFE sign
By Bus
Numerous regional bus companies operate all over Catalonia. Most depart from Estació del Nord – call the station for more information.
C/Ali Bei 80
90 226 06 06
By Car
A car is essential if you wish to explore off the beaten track, particularly in the Pyrenees and the Catalonian heartland. There are many car rental companies, including all the big names (Avis, Budget, Hertz), all of which have offices at the airport. Prices range from €300-450 for a medium-sized car for a week. To rent a car, you should be over 25, and have a valid driver’s licence, a credit card and a passport. Booking your rental car from abroad or on-line is often cheaper.
90 218 08 54
93 298 36 00
91 372 93 00
Road sign
By Bike
Mountain bikers will find a wealth of rugged terrain in the Pyrenees. The Turisme de Catalunya has maps and brochures as well as a good website showing regional bike routes. Club Element leads mountain-bike tours through the lush Cerdanya Valley and along the Costa Brava.
Pl Lesseps 33
90 219 04 15
Sea Cruises
“Sightsea” off the Costa Brava aboard glass-bottomed boats and other sea cruisers. L’Aventura del Nautilus conducts coastal sea cruises from L’Estartit to the Medes Islands off the Costa Brava. Excursiones Marítimas plies the Mediterranean from Calella and Blanes to Tossa de Mar, stopping at lovely coves along the way.
L’Estartit, 100km N of Barcelona
972 75 14 89
Calella, 40km N of Barcelona; Blanes, 60 km N of Barcelona
972 35 20 21
Bus Tours
Discover Catalonia on organized bus tours, which include trips to the Monestir de Montserrat, Girona, the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres and the Costa Brava. Also offered is a half-day tour of Montserrat, a half-day tour of the wine and cava regions, and trips to Vic and Manresa. Tours are organised by Barcelona tourist office, and can be booked online. Prices start at €25.
93 285 38 32
Main Roads
These have black and white signs and are designated N (Nacional) plus a number. Most are single lane and generally less busy between 2pm and 5pm.
Avoiding Traffic
The best time to get out of town is in the late morning. Avoid long holiday weekends (pont) and Friday evenings, when traffic is always heavy. Since most Spanish take their holidays in August, motorways are particularly busy around this period.
Tips for Families
RENFE offers a 40 per cent discount for children aged four to 11. Enquire when booking tickets.
Turisme de Catalunya
This well-stocked tourist office offers plenty of material on Catalonia, from maps to information on outdoor sports and festival listings. Changing exhibits on the region are also on display.
Palau Robert, Pg de Gràcia 105
012
Open 10am–7pm Mon–Sat, 10am–2:30pm Sun