Trains are a miracle of not-so-modern convenience: relatively fast and straightforward, without having to deal with the inconveniences of traffic or security lines. Their main downside is how restricted they are in where they can take you. If you’re like me, trying to get from Barcelona to Andorra by train, you’re straight out of luck. Instead, try out three other routes that will make things quicker, easier, and cheaper.
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Where To Stay in Andorra
If you do decide to overnight in Andorra, Acta Arthotel is an easy win. It is a four-star spot right on the river in the center of Andorra la Vella, a short walk from Parc Central, the main shopping strip on Avinguda Meritxell, and sights like the old town, Sant Esteve Church, and Dalรญโs La Noblesse du Temps sculpture.
Rooms are big by European standards, with wood floors, mountain or river views, and bathrooms that reviewers keep calling out as spacious and spotless. People love the generous breakfast buffet, the friendly, efficient staff, and the overall value for a capital-city hotel.
There is free Wi-Fi, a gym, a bar and restaurant with top-floor views, but there are also lots of highly-rated restaurants nearby, too. Plus, there’s an on-site spa with sauna and Turkish bath, so you can go from duty-free shopping to soaking in about five minutes flat.
PHOTO CREDITS: ACTA ARTHOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM
PLANNING A TRIP TO ANDORRA SOON?
Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!
Popular Tours & Activities in Andorra:
- Three Countries Tour: Andorra, France, and Spain
- Andorra la Vella Private Walking Tour
- Guided Tour of Canillo
Top Places to Stay in Andorra:
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Why Can’t I Go from Barcelona to Andorra by Train?
Okay, technically, you can take a train partway, then hop on a bus or rent a car… but I don’t recommend that route. For one, it takes longer than going the whole way by bus (four hours instead of three).
For another, it’s a lot to keep track of. You’ve got to look up train schedules, then either look up a brand new set of bus schedules or research a decent rental place, and then coordinate everything together.
Maybe you can do it (I know I’ve got plenty of capable fellow adventurers reading this), but when it comes to travel, the most straightforward route is best. Life always throws an unexpected wrench into the works, and over-complicating transportation is a recipe for getting lost in a foreign country.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
3 Best Routes to Andorra from Barcelona
So, trains are out of the question. But don’t worry; like I said before, three alternative routes can take you to Andorra. Each has its pros and cons, so pick the one that best suits your needs and sense of adventure.
| Method | Travel Time (one way) | Approx. Cost (US dollars) | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus | ~4 hours | $75-$100 | Curious travelers who want to experience both rail and road | Scenic, part train experience | Longer, requires transfers |
| Bus | 3-3.5 hours | ~$65 round trip | Budget-conscious travelers | Affordable, comfortable, WiFi and USB ports | Can take longer in traffic |
| Car Rental | 3-3.5 hours | From ~$30/day + gas | Independent travelers or groups | Flexible stops, scenic mountain route | Requires international driving permit, tolls |
| Guided Tour | Full day (8-12 hours) | From ~$110 | Stress-free day trippers | All-inclusive, multiple stops, expert guide | Limited flexibility, no overnight stay |
Rent a Car and Drive to Andorra from Barcelona
For the independent soul and adventurer, the DIY route of renting and driving yourself is probably ideal. Travel time is roughly the same as bus at 3-3.5 hours, but you can take detours or rest stops at your leisure.
Before you decide to rent a car, ensure you can meet the local requirements for drivers from the U.S. In addition to being over 21 years old to rent a car, according to the U.S. Department of State, you must have:
- proof of car insurance
- an International Driving Permit
- a credit card
Additionally, your valid driver’s license from your home state must be at least one year, and your passport should be valid for at least six months.
There is a wide range of car rentals to choose from – Avis, Budget, rentalplus – and most have pick-ups at the Barcelona Airport (Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport) or the train station. Pick whatever makes the most sense for your itinerary and drive to your heart’s content!
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Hop on a Bus
Two bus lines travel between Barcelona and Andorra: Directbus and ANDBUS. Both have stops at the Barcelona Airport and a few other spots closer to the city center.
For Directbus, the easiest is Sants Station, and for ANDBUS, it’s the corner of Diagonal Ave and Dr Maroรฑรณn Ave, by the Zona Universitร ria metro stop.
As of publication, the cost is the same – Directbus and ANDBUS are both around 60โฌ (US$70) for a round-trip ticket. Both have Wi-Fi, toilets, and USB ports.
I had a hard time finding recent reviews on Directbus (mostly because there’s another company in Bratislava with the same name), but ANDBUS had a lot of positive feedback.
Either way, the trip will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes, but I’d schedule for more in case of traffic, as the occasional reviewer said it took 4 hours. For either bus line, book at least a couple of weeks ahead of time because tickets can sell out.
TIP: Use the Barcelona Metro (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, TMB for short) to get to any of the stations in the city. Check their fares to see what works best for you. Or taxis are always an option.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
My Personal Favorite: Book a Guided Tour
I’m a big fan of taking the hassle out of travel. Hard to enjoy yourself if you’re stressing over every little thing, you know?
Booking a tour is an easy way to minimize stress for the more complicated legs of your journey. And frankly, if you’re not planning on staying the night in Andorra, a tour is probably your best bet.
I’d highly recommend going with Viator. I’ve used them loads of times when traveling all over the world.
They offer good-quality tours without draining your wallet. You can also choose between group tours (best if you’re on a budget) and private tours (when you want to splurge a little).
On one tour, you visit three countries in one day – breakfast in Spain, lunch in France, and an afternoon snack in Andorra!
Trains May Fail, but Adventure Never Does
Even though you canโt technically travel from Barcelona to Andorra by train, the journey is still simpleโand just as scenicโwhether you choose to drive, hop on a bus, or join a guided tour.
However you get there, Andorra rewards you with mountain views, cozy village charm, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
Once you’re there, there will be plenty of adventurous activities to experience, delicious Andorran food to devour, and nightclubs to dance the night away that make up for the roundabout way to get there!
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