From Barcelona to the Costa Brava by Public Transport

Who said you needed a car to discover the crystal-clear waters of the Costa Brava? Nothing could be further from the truth! Today I’ll tell you how you can go from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona to the serenity of the Costa Brava… and all you need is a public transport ticket! 

One of the best ways to get to the Costa Brava is by train. Take note of these names: Sants Estació and Passeig de Gràcia. They are the names of two stations located in the centre of Barcelona, and are the best options for getting around. From here, you can take a train on the R1 line from Renfe to Blanes, which is considered the gateway to the Costa Brava. The journey takes about an hour and a half, which you can take advantage of to enjoy the wonderful views from the train window.

If, on the other hand, your destination further north on the Costa Brava, I recommend taking the R11 train to Figueres. This city is the home of Dalí’s surrealism, a mosaic of art and culture that will take your breath away. 

If you prefer, you can also get around by bus. Sarfa is a road transport company, and offers a direct bus service from Barcelona to the various towns along the Costa Brava. This second option is great if you would like to visit Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar or Palamós, stunning coastal towns where you can enjoy gastronomy and culture. The bus ride takes between an hour and a half and two hours, but it’s a really easy option that will leave you right at the beach. 

I recommend checking schedules in advance and even buying tickets online to avoid surprises. Both Renfe, the train operator, and Sarfa for the bus, have digital platforms for buying tickets. This way you’ll be able to guarantee your place, and all you’ll have to worry about is enjoying the trip!

Can you already feel the sea breeze?