Blanes: the gateway to the Costa Brava, and how to actually get there
Blanes opens the Costa Brava: the botanical gardens, the Sa Palomera rock that officially starts the coast, and - uniquely for this coastline - a real train station. From Barcelona El Prat it is 84 km: about an hour and a half's drive by car, private transfer at a fixed price shown before booking per car.
The honest comparison
Blanes is the one Costa Brava resort where the train is a serious option - with caveats.
| Option | Time | Cost | Fine print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | ~1h 20m | from 170 EUR per car | door to door, any luggage |
| Train R2 + R1 | 2h 15m - 2h 45m | ~8 EUR pp | change at Sants or Maçanet; station is 2 km from the beachfront hotels, taxi or city bus needed |
| Bus | 2h 30m+ | ~13 EUR pp | via Barcelona Nord, not from the airport |
| Car hire | ~1h 25m | from 35 EUR/day | seafront parking fills by 10:00 in summer |
The R1 line along the coast is genuinely scenic. If you are one person with a backpack and no schedule, take it. If you are a family with suitcases landing after a 3-hour flight, the two changes and the final 2 km to the hotel are where the savings stop feeling like savings.
Good to know
- Blanes station to the hotel zone is about 2 km - budget a taxi (7-10 EUR) or a 25-minute walk.
- The July fireworks competition (Focs de Blanes) sells out hotels and packs the trains - pre-book everything that week.
- No tolls on the C-32 to Blanes exit; the road is fast year-round.
- Driver contacts you after landing, flight tracked, 60 minutes waiting free, child seats free.
FAQ
Is there a direct train from Barcelona Airport to Blanes? No - at least one change (Sants or Maçanet). Total 2 h 15 m or more, then a taxi from Blanes station to your hotel.
How much is a taxi from Barcelona Airport to Blanes? Metered: typically 175-210 EUR. Pre-booked private transfer: at a fixed price shown before booking.
Blanes or Lloret - which is closer to Barcelona? Blanes, by about 5 km; it is the first resort of the Costa Brava coming from Barcelona.
Book your Barcelona Airport to Blanes transfer - fixed price, licensed VTC drivers, free cancellation 24 h before pickup. Or WhatsApp.
Plan your ride
- Fixed-price booking for this route: check the live fare
- Related reading: Costa Brava beach guide
- Ready to go? Book in a few clicks