Overview
Traveling from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) to the medieval town of Castello d'Empuries spans approximately 150 km, with a typical journey time of 1 hour 45 minutes by road. This route connects Spain’s second-largest airport to one of Costa Brava’s hidden gems, known for its Gothic architecture and proximity to the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park. Whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or budget, this guide breaks down your options for a seamless Barcelona airport to Castello d'Empuries transfer.
Getting to Know Castello d'Empuries
Nestled in Catalonia’s Alt Empordà region, Castello d'Empuries combines medieval charm with coastal accessibility. Key highlights include:
- Basilica of Santa Maria: A 13th-century Gothic church with a striking unfinished bell tower
- Medieval walls and gates: Walkable remnants of the town’s 10th-century fortifications
- Aiguamolls de l’Empordà: Birdwatching paradise in one of northeastern Spain’s largest wetlands
- Proximity to Roses Bay: 15-minute drive to family-friendly beaches
The town serves as a quieter alternative to bustling coastal resorts while maintaining easy access to Costa Brava’s beaches and Figueres’ Dalí Theatre-Museum.
Arriving at Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona Airport has two terminals (T1 and T2) connected by free shuttles. After baggage claim:
- Follow signs to ground transportation
- Taxi ranks and car rental desks are clearly marked in both terminals
- For pre-booked Barcelona airport private transfer services, drivers typically meet passengers in arrivals halls with name boards
Pro tip: Download offline maps – some rural areas near Castello d'Empuries have spotty mobile coverage.
Main Transfer Options Compared
Public Transport (Budget-Friendly)
- Train + Bus:
- Take R2 Nord train from airport to Barcelona Sants (20 mins, €4.30)
- Transfer to Sarfa bus to Castello d'Empuries (2h 15m, €15-20)
- Best for: Solo travelers with flexible schedules
- Direct Bus:
- No year-round direct routes – requires transfer in Figueres
- Check Moventis for seasonal updates
Taxi & Rideshare
- Metered taxi: €180-220 one-way
- Rideshare apps (BlaBlaCar): €25-40 per seat (availability varies)
- Travel time: 1h 30m-2h
- Watch for: Extra charges for luggage or late-night travel
Car Rentals
- Airport providers: Europcar, Sixt, Avis
- Average cost: €35-65/day (compact car)
- Drive route: AP-7 toll highway (€12-15) or N-II national road (slower, no tolls)
- Parking: Free in most Castello d'Empuries areas
Private Transfer Services
For a luxury transfer from Barcelona airport to Castello d'Empuries, consider:
- Door-to-door service with professional drivers
- Fixed pricing (€150-250 depending on vehicle class)
- Options: Sedans (3 pax), minivans (8 pax), wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- Providers like A2B offer:
- 60 minutes free waiting time for flight delays
- Child seats (€5-10 extra)
- Meet-and-greet service
Choosing Your Transfer Method
Recommendations:
- Families: Pre-book a Castello d'Empuries taxi service with child seats
- Business travelers: Opt for premium sedans with Wi-Fi
- Groups of 6+: Minivans via A2B offer best value
Travel Tips & Local Insights
- Peak seasons: July-August and Easter week – book transfers 72+ hours ahead
- Scenic detour: Exit AP-7 at Figueres to visit Dalí Museum (+30 mins)
- Toll payment: Rental cars need valid credit card; private transfers include tolls
- Language: Learn basic Catalan phrases – “Gràcies” (thank you) goes far
Reaching Your Final Destination
Most transfers drop guests directly at hotels or pre-specified addresses. If staying in Castello d'Empuries’ historic center:
- Vehicles over 7 seats may need to park outside pedestrian zones
- Download Empuriabrava Map for marina-area navigation
Where to Get More Info
FAQ: Barcelona Airport to Castello d'Empuries Transfer
Q: How far is Castello d'Empuries from Barcelona Airport? A: Approximately 150 km (93 miles), 1h 30m-2h by road depending on route.
Q: Are there shared shuttles from Barcelona airport to Castello d'Empuries? A: No regular shared shuttles – private transfers or taxis are recommended.
Q: What’s included in a luxury transfer service? A: Expect bottled water, Wi-Fi, flight tracking, and meet-and-greet service. Providers like A2B offer premium vehicles from Mercedes E-Class to executive vans.
Q: Can I book a taxi from Barcelona airport to Castello d'Empuries last-minute? A: Yes, but fares may surge 20-30% during peak hours. Pre-booking guarantees fixed rates.
Q: Is Uber available for this route? A: Uber operates in Barcelona but rarely serves rural areas. Pre-booked private taxi from Barcelona airport to Castello d'Empuries is more reliable.
Safe travels! With the right transfer choice, your Catalan adventure begins the moment you land.
