Barcelona – Andorra: how to get there on your own 2021
It is very difficult to visit Barcelona and resist the temptation to visit the independent Principality of Andorra, located just 215 km away. Tourists come here for various reasons: someone wants to see the sights located here, someone wants to walk along the streets of one of the smallest states in Europe, and someone is driven to buy something interesting in local shops and stores.
Peculiarities
It should be noted right away that it will not work to be in the principality either by rail or by plane. Andorra is connected to Spanish cities only by roads, which means that you will have to choose between regular buses, shuttle minibuses and private cars.
It is also worth remembering that the principality is not part of the European Union, although the euro currency and the Schengen visa required for traveling around Europe are valid on its territory.
When setting off, remember that the main distance will have to be driven along mountain serpentines, so driving a car is recommended for those who are confident in their abilities. If your company does not have experienced drivers, it is better to use a transfer, which can be ordered from almost any travel company and even a hotel.
Bus
The most popular mode of transport for those who decide to go to Andorra is the bus. Thus, you can not only save on the road, but also enjoy the amazing landscapes that change one after another. For the convenience of passengers, 8 regular buses leave from Barcelona to Andorra daily.
If you want to get to the first one, then you will have to arrive at the station no later than 6.30, because it is at this time that the first flight departs from the platform. The last bus leaves at 19 pm. The fare will not exceed 50 euros per passenger, and it will take no more than three hours to find yourself in a fabulous principality.
Do not forget that, despite its proximity to Catalonia, tourists will not be able to see all the sights of Andorra and visit all the shops (of which there are more than 1000!) in one day. In this case, we are ready to offer you a room in one of the hotels.
To find the bus station in Barcelona, you need to go to the metro station called Arc de Triomf. Further, following the signs, you can easily find a place to land on regular route buses, which, with a breeze, will drive you to a tiny state.
You can take a bus from the Catalan airport. The first bus departs from the platform at 10 am, and then every two hours until 22.00.
You can also buy tickets online at andorradirectbus.es or alsa.es. Drive 3.5 – 4 hours.
You can also hire a private minibus that runs in taxi mode. But the cost of such a journey will cost about five times more.
Automobile
If you wish, you can rent a car, which specialized companies are ready to offer. You will be offered several options of vehicles to choose from, some of which are suitable for traveling with a large company or the whole family, while others will appeal to those who are used to traveling light.
But this type of travel also has a significant disadvantage. Do not forget that you will not only have to refuel the car yourself, but also pay a special fee for the passage of certain sections of the route. For overcoming the tunnels you will have to pay about 50 euros one way. Yes, and for the rent itself, different companies will ask for their price. For example, at Barcelona airport you can rent a car for 15-17 euros per day, regardless of the distance you plan to cover.
At the same time, you will be able to travel in comfort, make your own route and not overpay for luggage on buses.
The easiest way to get to your destination is along the E-9 and C-16 highways. Along the way, you will find amazing landscapes, ancient churches and compact houses, which everyone wants to stop and admire. Even if this is your first time in these parts, you will never get lost, because information signs and signs are installed along the road.
If you are planning a trip during the cold season, do not forget to take care of your own safety. Since snow often falls in the mountains, it is worth driving carefully and responding to weather changes in a timely manner. To do this, many car rental companies offer additional equipment in the form of special wheel chains.
Why visit Andorra
It is worth getting acquainted with a tiny state, if only because prices here are much lower than in Spain, a special visa is not required, and it is not difficult to cross the border between the two countries. Therefore, many tourists rush here for interesting purchases, never ceasing to enjoy numerous promotions and discounts.
And if you decide to come here in winter, then do not miss the chance to personally try out the ski slopes, which are considered among the best in all of mainland Europe.
As you can see for yourself, getting from Barcelona to Andorra on your own is not difficult. Although the choice of transport is limited, it still does not spoil your impression of getting to know a tiny country.