By Train

RENFE operates lines out of Barcelona in all directions, making it easy to escape the city. Most regional trains leave from Estació de Sants (see By Train) and Estació Passeig de Gràcia. Call the RENFE information line for destinations and schedules.

Estació Passeig de Gràcia

• Pg de Gràcia

RENFE

• 902 24 02 02

By Bus

Numerous regional bus companies operate all over Catalonia. Most depart from Estació del Nord – call the station for more information.

Estació del Nord

• C/Ali Bei 80

• 90 226 06 06

• www.barcelonanord.com

By Car

A car is essential if you wish to explore off the beaten track, particularly in the Pyrenees and the Catalonian heartland. There are many car rental companies, including all the big names (Avis, Budget, Hertz), all of which have offices at the airport. Prices range from €300-450 for a medium-sized car for a week. To rent a car, you should be over 25, and have a valid driver’s licence, a credit card and a passport. Booking your rental car from abroad or on-line is often cheaper.

Avis

• 90 218 08 54

• www.avis.com

Budget

• 93 298 36 00

• www.budget.com

Hertz

• 91 372 93 00

• www.hertz.com

By Bike

Mountain bikers will find a wealth of rugged terrain in the Pyrenees. The Turisme de Catalunya has maps and brochures as well as a good website showing regional bike routes. Club Element leads mountain-bike tours through the lush Cerdanya Valley and along the Costa Brava.

Club Element

• Pl Lesseps 33

• 90 219 04 15

Sea Cruises

“Sightsea” off the Costa Brava aboard glass-bottomed boats and other sea cruisers. L’Aventura del Nautilus conducts coastal sea cruises from L’Estartit to the Medes Islands off the Costa Brava. Excursiones Marítimas plies the Mediterranean from Calella and Blanes to Tossa de Mar, stopping at lovely coves along the way.

L’Aventura del Nautilus

• L’Estartit, 100km N of Barcelona

• 972 75 14 89

Dofi Jet Boats

• Calella, 40km N of Barcelona; Blanes, 60 km N of Barcelona

• 972 35 20 21

Bus Tours

Discover Catalonia on organized bus tours, which include trips to the Monestir de Montserrat, Girona, the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres and the Costa Brava. Also offered is a half-day tour of Montserrat, a half-day tour of the wine and cava regions, and trips to Vic and Manresa. Tours are organised by Barcelona tourist office, and can be booked online. Prices start at €25.

Barcelona Tourism

• 93 285 38 32

• www.barcelonaturisme.com

Main Roads

These have black and white signs and are designated N (Nacional) plus a number. Most are single lane and generally less busy between 2pm and 5pm.

Avoiding Traffic

The best time to get out of town is in the late morning. Avoid long holiday weekends (pont) and Friday evenings, when traffic is always heavy. Since most Spanish take their holidays in August, motorways are particularly busy around this period.

Tips for Families

RENFE offers a 40 per cent discount for children aged four to 11. Enquire when booking tickets.

Turisme de Catalunya

This well-stocked tourist office offers plenty of material on Catalonia, from maps to information on outdoor sports and festival listings. Changing exhibits on the region are also on display.

• Palau Robert, Pg de Gràcia 105

• 012

• www.gencat.es/probert

• Open 10am–7pm Mon–Sat, 10am–2:30pm Sun