Economize viajando com a Buser
October 3, 2025
Just a short hop from Barcelona’s buzz, the Costa Brava unfurls a rugged coastline of turquoise coves, medieval towns, dramatic cliffside hiking and some of Spain’s most picture-perfect fishing villages. Whether you want lazy beaches, castle-backed promenades, Salvador Dalí’s bohemian towns, or seafood feasts with a sea view — the Costa Brava delivers. Best of all: many of the classic spots are day-trip friendly from Barcelona by train or bus, and Omio makes booking those connections quick, trustworthy and often budget-friendly.
Omio aggregates trains, buses and ferries from multiple operators in one search so you can compare schedules, travel times and prices without opening a dozen provider sites. It shows real-time availability, often highlights cheaper advance fares, and displays multiple operators (Renfe, AVE/Avant, SARFA, Sagales, FlixBus, Moventis etc.) in one place — handy when planning a tight day-trip schedule. Omio also runs promotions periodically, which can lower your cost further. For first-time Omio users there’s currently a new-customer discount code (see details below).
New-customer discount: Omio currently lists a 10% new-customer discount code OMIONEW25, valid on qualifying bookings (check terms and expiry). This can apply to bookings up to a set amount and may be limited to first-time customers — perfect if you’re trying Omio for the first time.
Seasonal / government programs: Spain’s seasonal youth travel program (“Verano Joven”) has offered steep reductions on trains and buses during summer windows in partnership with transport authorities — Omio lists details for such summer programs when active, which can drastically reduce prices for eligible travellers. If you meet eligibility (nationality/residency and birth year ranges), it’s worth checking dates and requirements.
Operator sales & advance fares: Many Renfe and AVLO train tickets (for Girona, Figueres etc.) can be found for very low advance fares (from around €7–€9) if you book early. Omio surfaces those cheap advance fares as it searches the operators. Always compare flexible vs. non-refundable fares.
Quick booking tip: try entering different departure times and both one-way and return searches on Omio — some cheap advance fares show only in one direction or on specific trains/buses.
Below I cover the most popular day-trip targets, realistic travel times, typical prices you’ll see on Omio, and what to do there.
Why go: Beautiful, compact medieval centre; the colourful houses along the Onyar river; the cathedral and Jewish Quarter; great cafés; quick access to nearby coastal routes. Ideal for history-lovers and photographers.
Getting there on Omio: Frequent Renfe and Avant trains from Barcelona Sants. Travel time ~40–60 minutes depending on service. Advance fares can be as low as €7–€9 one-way. Last-minute or day-of prices can climb, so book ahead if you want the cheapest tickets.
What to do in a day: Walk the old city (Barri Vell), visit Girona Cathedral and the Arab baths, stroll along the Onyar riverside, eat tapas, and if you have energy, walk a bit of the city walls for views.
Why go: Figueres is home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum — a must for surrealism fans — plus a lively town centre and easy access from Barcelona.
Getting there on Omio: High-speed trains (AVE/Avant) take roughly 55–70 minutes. Omio often shows fares from €7–€15 if you snag advance Renfe/AVLO tickets; bus options (FlixBus, Sagales) occasionally run cheaper but take longer. Book Dalí museum tickets separately and aim for morning trains to maximize time.
What to do: Dalí Theatre-Museum (reserve ahead), stroll Carrer Monturiol, enjoy Catalan cuisine.
Why go: Tossa de Mar mixes a fortified old town (Vila Vella) with a beautiful sandy beach — one of the few Costa Brava towns with a preserved medieval castle overlooking the sea.
Getting there on Omio: No direct Renfe train — you’ll typically take a bus (SARFA/Infobus/Moventis) from Barcelona. Omio lists buses from about €13–€27 one-way depending on operator and season. Travel time is usually ~1–1.5 hours.
What to do: Walk the walled Vila Vella, sunbathe on Platja Gran, hike the coastal path for spectacular viewpoints, and savor seafood near the marina.
Why go: Popular both for beaches and nightlife; good if you want a lively coastal scene close to Barcelona.
Getting there on Omio: Regular Rodalies trains and buses connect Barcelona and Lloret; Omio shows options from €6–€18 one-way depending on service and booking time. Journey time ~1–1.5 hours.
What to do: Relax on the wide sandy beaches, visit Santa Clotilde Gardens, or explore nearby coves by foot. Lloret is busier in summer.
Why go: Whitewashed Cadaqués has that Dalí-era bohemian charm and is perched in a protected natural park (Cap de Creus) with dramatic coastal scenery. It’s definitely a scenic highlight.
Getting there on Omio: There’s no single fast train route. Typical public transport is bus from Barcelona (or train to Figueres + bus/taxi). Expect travel times of ~2.5–3 hours each way by public transport; Omio and other sites quote bus fares €28–€60 depending on operator and season. Because of the longer travel time, Cadaqués is best for travelers willing to start early.
What to do: Wander the maze-like streets, visit the Dalí-related spots, take a coastal walk in Cap de Creus or relax at small coves.
Why go: If you want pristine turquoise coves and a less-crowded day, head to Begur’s Aiguablava or the Tamariu/Palamós coast. These are slightly less straightforward by train but reachable by bus or car.
Getting there on Omio: Bus connections appear seasonally; Omio lists regionally operated services and combinations (train to Girona/Figueres + bus/taxi/local bus). Expect a bit more travel planning but excellent rewards in the coves.
I give three sample itineraries — choose based on energy and travel style. For each: start early, use Omio to lock your outbound and return travel times, and check operator cancellation/flex rules.
07:30 — depart Barcelona Sants on an Avant/Regional train (arrive ~09:00). Book on Omio (advance fares often cheapest).
09:15–13:30 — explore the old town, cathedral, Arab baths, and riverside cafés.
13:30–15:00 — lunch at a local tapas bar.
15:30–18:00 — optionally visit the railway museum, walk the walls, pick a pastry shop.
18:30 — train back to Barcelona (arrive ~20:00).
07:50 — high-speed train Barcelona → Figueres (arrive ~09:30). Book an early AVE/Avant on Omio to maximize time.
09:45–12:30 — Dalí Theatre-Museum (reserve tickets separately) and lunch.
13:30–16:00 — stroll Figueres centre, small museums, or nearby Fort de la Parda views.
17:00 — return train to Barcelona.
08:00 — bus Barcelona → Tossa de Mar (book SARFA/Infobus/Sagales on Omio; 1–1.5 hours).
09:30–14:30 — explore Vila Vella, swim at Platja Gran, lunch seaside.
15:30 — coastal walk to viewpoint or quick museum visit.
18:00 — bus return to Barcelona.
Search both one-way and return: sometimes splitting into two one-ways is cheaper.
Try “earliest” / “latest” filters: off-peak trains can be cheaper.
Compare operators: Renfe/AVLO for trains; FlixBus/SARFA/Moventis for buses. Omio shows them side-by-side.
Book early for low advance fares: cheapest Renfe AVLO/Avant tickets are limited and sell out.
Check ticket flexibility: cheap fares are often non-refundable — decide if you need change protection.
Use Omio promo codes when eligible: e.g., the new-customer code OMIONEW25 if active for your booking. Confirm expiry and terms on Omio’s offers page.
Seasonal frequency: buses/trains run more frequently in summer; off-season service may be reduced. Use Omio’s date selector to verify exact timetables.
Connections & transfers: Some towns (Cadaqués especially) require train + bus or a taxi from the nearest station — check total travel time before committing.
Peak-season crowds: July–August bring crowds; book trains and Dalí museum tickets in advance.
Luggage & comfort: regional trains are comfortable; buses vary. If you want legroom for a relaxed day-trip, compare operator reviews on Omio.
Accessibility & walking: many old towns have cobbled streets and steps — wear comfortable shoes.
Book outbound + return together when prices allow — sometimes return fares included discounts.
Travel mid-week to avoid weekend price spikes and tourist crowds.
Use Omio alerts: Omio can show price trends and notify when prices drop for some routes.
Check for local passes: if you plan multiple train trips in Catalonia, Renfe regional passes or combined tickets may offer savings (Omio links to operator options).
Student/youth & senior discounts: check eligibility — Spain’s seasonal youth programs (like Verano Joven when active) can offer steep discounts for young travellers. Always confirm eligibility and documentation.
Refund policies differ: low-cost tickets are often non-refundable; Omio displays refund/change rules from each operator at checkout — read them.
Travel insurance: consider it if your trip is non-refundable or during unpredictable periods.
Health rules: always check local guidance for the destination area (e.g., mask or health pass requirements) — Omio won’t replace official national guidelines but will reflect operator policies.
Low-budget: €20–€45 (advance train/bus €7–€15 return + picnic/lunch €8–€15 + local transit/small entry fees).
Mid-range: €50–€90 (return transport €15–€35 + sit-down lunch €20–€35 + attractions).
Comfort: €100+ (flexible/faster trains, nicer restaurants, taxis for convenience).
Omio sometimes links to tours or local transfers as part of search results or partners — for example guided Dalí tours or boat trips along the Costa Brava. If you want a guided experience, check Omio and compare with local tour operators for price/availability.
Q: Can I do Figueres and Girona in the same day?
A: It’s technically possible but tight — both are worth a full day. Figueres (Dalí museum) and Girona both deserve 3–5 hours each; travel time between them adds up. Better to pick one per day unless you’re on a very early start and late return.
Q: Are train tickets cheaper than buses?
A: Often trains (Renfe/AVLO) can be cheaper if you book advance advance fares (€7–€15 for Girona/Figueres) — but bus operators sometimes run promotional fares. Use Omio to compare both.
Q: Is Cadaqués worth a day trip?
A: Yes, if you don’t mind longer travel (2.5–3 hours each way). It’s one of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Brava and ideal for photographers and Dalí fans.
Q: What’s the best time of year?
A: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (Sept) balance warm weather and fewer crowds. July–August are peak season (more buses/trains but crowded beaches and higher prices).
Confirm travel times and total journey (including transfer time if needed).
Check fare rules: refund/change policy.
Apply any eligible Omio promo code (e.g., OMIONEW25 for new users) and verify the expiration and T&Cs.
Reserve museum tickets (Dalí Theatre-Museum sells out).
Pack comfortable shoes, swim stuff if visiting beaches, sun protection, and a printed or digital copy of your tickets.
Booking Barcelona → Costa Brava day trips on Omio saves time while letting you focus on the fun stuff: which cove to swim in, which terrace to sip sangria on, and which medieval lane to wander. With Omio you compare operators (rail, bus and sometimes ferry), find advance fares, and apply current promotions like the new-customer discount — all in one place. For spontaneous travellers, Omio’s mobile booking is handy; for planners, securing cheap advance train tickets can reduce your trip cost considerably.
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