English The first part of the journey
Traffic conditions can vary considerably around the metropolitan area. Once the route settles onto the corridor towards Girona, the journey continues northwards.
Barcelona-El Prat → Alt Empordà
Barcelona Airport to Figueres Private Transfer
Private transfers from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Figueres start from €215. The journey covers around 150 km towards the capital of Alt Empordà, with ZoneTransfers giving an indicative driving time of approximately 1 h 35 min. Traffic, season and the exact drop-off point can make the journey longer. In Figueres, the final destination matters: the town centre, conventional railway station and high-speed Figueres-Vilafant station are separate arrival points.
≈ 150 km reference distance
1 h 35–1 h 50 indicative journey time
AP-7 exits 3 and 4
2 stations conventional and high-speed
How the Barcelona Airport–Figueres route works
From Barcelona-El Prat, the journey heads north-east through the metropolitan area before joining the main Barcelona–Girona–France corridor. Figueres lies in Alt Empordà, close to the French border and strategically positioned between the Costa Brava, the Pyrenees and the AP-7.
Beyond Girona towards Alt Empordà
Figueres is further north than Girona, so the AP-7 journey continues towards the French border after passing the Girona area.
Barcelona approach via Exit 4
Turisme de Figueres identifies Exit 4, Figueres Sud, as the usual access for travellers approaching from Barcelona.
Figueres is also linked to the N-II, N-260 and C-260
The N-260 continues towards Portbou and the Pyrenees, while the C-260 provides access towards the Bay of Roses. This makes Figueres a useful road connection for destinations such as Empuriabrava and other parts of Alt Empordà.
Choose the right Figueres railway station
Figueres has two distinct railway stations. The conventional station is integrated into the town centre, while Figueres-Vilafant is approximately 1.5 km west of the centre and serves high-speed rail. For a private airport transfer, specifying the exact station avoids an incorrect final drop-off.
Figueres conventional station
Regional and medium-distance services operate here, and the station is very close to the town's bus station.
Figueres-Vilafant
This station serves national and international high-speed trains. A journey ending here has a different final point from one going to the town centre or accommodation.
Airport pickup at T1 or T2 for the journey to Figueres
For a journey of more than 150 km, having the flight, terminal, passenger details and luggage information correct before departure helps define the transfer properly.
- Provide your flight number This allows the arrival to be associated with the correct terminal, T1 or T2.
- Complete arrivals and collect your luggage The meeting takes place after the usual arrival process.
- Confirm passengers and bags This is particularly relevant for families and groups travelling to Alt Empordà.
- Specify the final address The town centre, Vilafant, hotel or railway station should be defined before the vehicle leaves the airport.
Private transfer or train from Barcelona Airport to Figueres?
Rail is a genuine alternative for this route, particularly because Figueres is served by both conventional and high-speed services from Barcelona. Travelling from Barcelona-El Prat by train, however, means first connecting with the appropriate railway network in Barcelona.
| Aspect | Private transfer | Train |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | T1 or T2 | Requires a prior connection to the railway network |
| Changes | No vehicle change is planned | Depends on the service selected |
| Drop-off | Contracted address | Town centre or Figueres-Vilafant |
| Luggage | Remains in the vehicle | Handled by the passenger during connections |
Rail can make sense when the timetable and luggage requirements fit
The train should not automatically be treated as unsuitable. For one or two passengers travelling with light luggage and a convenient connection, high-speed rail can be a competitive alternative.
Arriving in central Figueres for the Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is one of the reasons travellers visit Figueres as an international cultural destination. If the museum or a nearby central hotel is the actual destination, the transfer should be directed to the town centre rather than Figueres-Vilafant or the bus station.
Your destination matters even when the booking says “Figueres”
A traveller staying near the museum and someone continuing by high-speed train do not have the same final destination. Giving the exact address or station at the time of booking avoids treating every Figueres journey as the same arrival.
Choosing a car, minivan or minibus for the 150 km journey
For a route of this length, the vehicle category should match the actual number of passengers and the amount of luggage travelling with them.
Standard luggage
A suitable option when the number of passengers and their luggage fit the selected vehicle category.
Families and additional luggage
Several suitcases, pushchairs or luggage for a longer stay may make the higher-capacity category more appropriate.
Minibus or bus
Tourist and professional groups can travel together throughout the Barcelona-El Prat–Figueres journey.
Allow extra time for the return journey from Figueres to Barcelona Airport
The AP-7 can experience increased traffic from long-distance travel, weekends and holiday departure or return periods. The 1 h 35 min reference is driving time only and does not include airport check-in, security or boarding procedures.
Return flight
Plan the pickup from your actual location in Figueres
A pickup in Vilafant starts from a different point from one in central Figueres. Allow for the appropriate road journey before the required arrival time at T1 or T2.
Other destinations from Barcelona-El Prat around Figueres
Empuriabrava
Continue beyond Figueres along the C-260 towards the Bay of Roses and its extensive residential marina and canals.
Bay of Roses View transfer →
L’Escala
A coastal destination near Empúries, requiring the journey to leave the main Figueres urban corridor.
Coast View transfer →
Girona
Stop earlier along the AP-7 at the regional capital, with its Barri Vell and high-speed rail station.
Earlier on AP-7 View transfer →
Banyoles
Head inland from the main corridor to reach the town beside the region’s large lake.
Inland View transfer →
Olot
An inland route towards the volcanic area, with no railway station in the town.
Garrotxa View transfer →
Palafrugell
A route towards Calella, Llafranc, Tamariu or the inland centre of Palafrugell.
Central Costa Brava View transfer →
Playa de Aro
A hotel and beach destination considerably further south along the Girona coastline.
Coast View transfer →
Caldes de Malavella
Stop before Girona at this thermal destination, which has its own railway station.
AP-7 corridor View transfer →
Blanes
Leave the AP-7 considerably earlier to reach the southern end of the Costa Brava.
Southern Costa Brava View transfer →
Lloret de Mar
A hotel and beach-focused route that does not continue north towards Alt Empordà.
Hotel area View transfer →
Barcelona Airport to Figueres transfer: practical questions
How long does a private transfer from Barcelona-El Prat to Figueres take?
ZoneTransfers gives a reference distance of 150 km and a driving time of 1 h 35 min. For planning purposes, allow approximately 1 h 35–1 h 50 depending on traffic and the final destination.
How far is Figueres-Vilafant from central Figueres?
The high-speed railway station is approximately 1.5 km west of the town centre and has a local connection with the city.
Can I travel from Barcelona Airport to Figueres by train?
Yes. Figueres has both conventional and high-speed rail services. From the airport, the journey first requires the appropriate connection to Barcelona’s railway network.
Can I book Figueres if my actual destination is Empuriabrava?
It is not recommended. Empuriabrava requires continuing by road towards the Bay of Roses and should be booked as a separate destination.
Can the transfer drop me near the Dalí Theatre-Museum?
Yes, provided the requested point is an access point where stopping is permitted and is compatible with the contracted address and current traffic regulations.
In Figueres, specifying the final destination makes a difference
The conventional station is part of the town centre, while Figueres-Vilafant connects the city to the high-speed rail network. Whether you are heading to a hotel, the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a private address or a specific station, provide the exact destination so the 150 km journey ends at the right place.