Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO): Your Essential Gateway to the Costa Brava and Barcelona
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO/LEGE) is a pivotal international airport strategically situated to serve the beautiful Costa Brava, the Girona Pyrenees, and as a convenient, lower-cost alternative airport for the Barcelona metropolitan area in Catalonia, Spain. In recent years, GRO has cemented its reputation for efficiency and rapid growth, making it a key entry point for millions of tourists seeking the Mediterranean sun and Catalan culture.
GRO Airport: Key Facts and Strategic Overview
Owned and expertly managed by Aena, the Spanish airport authority, GRO has received international recognition for its service quality and passenger experience, positioning itself as a reliable and growing hub.
- Location and Accessibility: The airport is officially located in Vilobí d’Onyar, just 12.5 km (7.8 mi) southwest of Girona city center. It is approximately 85-87 km north of Barcelona, offering a viable alternative for accessing Catalonia’s capital via efficient bus links.
- Performance and Recognition: The airport is a major success story in regional aviation. It handled nearly 2 million passengers (1,997,571) in 2024, reflecting a robust growth rate of over 26% compared to the previous year. For two consecutive years, GRO was recognized by ACI as the “Best Airport in Europe (under 2 million passengers)” in both 2023 and 2024.
- Catchment Area: Its strategic location provides direct access not only to Girona and the mountain resorts of the Pyrenees but also to popular coastal destinations like Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, and the Salvador Dalí hub of Figueres.
Airlines and Extensive Route Network (2025 Season)
Girona Airport is a vital operational base for leading low-cost carriers (LCCs), providing a broad and affordable network, particularly across the UK and Central/Eastern Europe, reinforcing its role as a cheap flights hub.
- Main Operating Airlines: The primary scheduled airlines include Ryanair (the largest operator with the majority of connections), Jet2, Transavia, Smartwings, Wizz Air, and Air Arabia Maroc. The airport also handles a significant number of charter flights, especially during the summer peak.
- 2025 Season Connectivity: For the 2025 Summer season, the airport has programmed an impressive total of 59 routes connecting the region to 16 different countries.
- Exciting New Destinations for 2025: Connectivity has been significantly boosted with the launch of six new services:
- Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Lublin (Poland)
- Ostrava (Czech Republic)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Sofia (Bulgaria)
- London Luton (United Kingdom)
Enhanced Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
The airport operates from a single, continuously improved terminal building designed for quick and efficient processing, offering a streamlined experience for travelers.
- Retail and Dining: A selection of duty-free shops, newsagents, and various food and beverage options are available, including cafés and restaurants located in both the public and airside areas.
- Modern Amenities:
- Connectivity: Free and unlimited Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the entire terminal building.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive barrier-free assistance and dedicated services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) are provided by Aena.
- Practical Services: Device charging stations are conveniently available in both the check-in hall (Ground Floor) and the main boarding gates area (First Floor), ensuring travelers can stay connected.
- Currency: All terminal transactions are conducted in Euros (€).
Seamless Ground Transportation and Connections
Girona Airport is excellently linked by road, providing fast and reliable connections to Girona, Barcelona, and the coastal resorts, making onward travel straightforward.
- Direct Bus Services (The Most Popular Option):
- To Barcelona: Barcelona Bus offers frequent, direct services to the city’s Estació d’Autobusos Nord (North Bus Station). The journey time is approximately 75–90 minutes, with fares typically ranging from €16 to €19.50.
- To Girona City: The shuttle bus service to Girona city centre (Girona Bus Station) takes a quick 20–25 minutes and costs around €2.75, offering the most economical local transfer.
- Coastal Transfers: Dedicated bus routes also connect the airport directly with popular Costa Brava resorts (e.g., Lloret de Mar, Platja d’Aro) and even the French city of Perpignan.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A trip to the Girona city centre usually takes about 20 minutes, with a typical fare of approximately €25.
- Car Rental: Major international and local car hire companies, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Europcar, have desks conveniently located within the terminal building, offering great options for exploring the Costa Brava region.
- Parking: The airport provides both short-term (P1) and long-term parking facilities, with competitive daily rates for extended stays.
Essential Contact Information and Visitor Guidance
| Category | Detail |
| Official Name | Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | GRO / LEGE |
| Address | Aiguaviva, s/n, 17185 Vilobí d’Onyar, Girona, SPAIN |
| Airport Operator | Aena |
| Telephone | +34 91 321 10 00 (Aena Contact Centre) |
| Official Website | www.aena.es |
| Lost Property | Contact Aena directly (+34 91 321 10 00) |
| Travel Note | GRO experiences peak congestion during the high summer season (June–September). Always allow ample time for check-in and security. Check the specific Schengen visa requirements for entry into Spain based on your passport. |