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Going On A Barcelona To Andorra Day Trip

If you’re like me, you love exploring and you want to see as many countries as possible. I’m a bit of a geography nerd and I adore seeing new and exciting locations. I also love places that are under the radar and not typically visited by most tourists. Enter the country of Andorra.

Taking a trip to Barcelona, Spain puts you in a unique spot to visit Andorra, one of the world’s smallest countries, located just a few hours away. There are a few ways you can do this, either by taking an Andorra tour, or hopping on a bus, train, or car, and making the journey by yourself. I opted to take a one day Andorra tour. It offered the unique experience of stopping in three countries in one day. I thought how many times does one get to do that?

Below I’ll go through the various options for how to get from Barcelona to Andorra so you can choose which option is right for you.

What Is The Country of Andorra Known For?

Located in The eastern Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is the sixth smallest state in Europe. The charming city of Andorra la Vella is the capital. This quaint microstate is known for its stunning natural landscapes and ski resorts. With its rugged mountains, beautiful valleys, and numerous hiking trails, Andorra is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Sadly, I am not exactly an outdoor enthusiast owing mostly to my disability, but I do love beautiful views, so I was game to explore Andorra.

In addition to its picturesque scenery, the country also offers visitors the chance to explore its rich history and culture, with attractions such as the Romanesque Sant Joan de Caselles church and the Casa de la Vall, a historic house in the capital city of Andorra la Vella. It also offers tax-free shopping and amazing prices. So, whether you're looking to hit the slopes in the winter, embark on a scenic hike in the summer, or score some great deals, Andorra has something to offer every traveler.

How Far Is Andorra From Barcelona?

Andorra is about 3 hours by car, bus, or train from Barcelona. It’s 200 kilometers, or 124 miles away.

What Does A Barcelona To Andorra Day Trip Cost?

I’ll go through the bus and train prices below, but if you’re looking for a guided tour, it will cost you about $128. This price allows you to see 3 countries in one day and gives you a coffee and pastry breakfast in Baga, Spain.

Is There A Train From Barcelona To Andorra?

Yes. Sort of. You can take the train to France where you’ll transfer to a bus to Andorra. I’ll go through that option below.

Barcelona To Andorra Day Tour

There are several tour companies that offer day trips to Andorra. All of them arrange their tours so that you’ll spend time in three countries, Spain, France, and Andorra. I opted for a tour stopping in the old town of Baga Spain, the mountain town of Ax Les Thermes, France, and the capital of Andorra, Andorra La Vella.

I went into my one day in Andorra trip thinking Andorra would be the stand-out highlight of the trip. How wrong I was. It’s definitely well worth visiting Baga and Ax Les Thermes, both of which have amazing food and a unique charm. You’ll only get this experience if you book a group tour or drive yourself by rental car.

Below I’ll go through each stop.

Click Here For A Guided Tour Of Andorra, France And Spain

Is The Barcelona To Andorra Day Trip Accessible?

Sadly, neither tour company that provides day trips to Andorra offers a wheelchair-accessible tour. If you are a wheelchair user you will need to take the bus or train options and visit on your own. This is owing to the fact that the charter buses are not wheelchair-accessible. Once you are in Andorra the city of Andorra La Vella is filled with wheelchair-accessible shops and restaurants.

Since my mobility issues only require me to use a cane, I was able to make the trip easily on a group tour, but it was frustrating and annoying to see that the only thing standing in the way of wheelchair users getting to enjoy the experience was the charter bus.

Baga Spain

Located in the province of Barcelona, Baga is a charming town nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees. Known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning mountain views, Baga is a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Word of warning, while picturesque, cobblestone streets are difficult for those of us with mobility impairments. Be sure to wear solid walking shoes. I definitely needed my cane for this part of the trip to assist with stability. However, even then, it was difficult to evenly place my cane on solid ground given the uneven nature of cobblestones.

Visitors can wander through the town's medieval quarter, visit the 13th-century Sant Esteve church, or explore the nearby Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park for outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the winter months.

If you visit on a guided tour, you’ll stop at a local coffee shop for a delicious Spanish coffee and pastry (included in ticket price.) If you’re gluten-free, you may choose to visit Forn de Pa Obiols, which offers a nice variety of gluten-free pastries and breads.

With its rich history, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere, Baga offers a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees. It’s a quaint departure from bustling Barcelona and well worth the trip.

The town can be quite hilly, but the church and most sites and restaurants don’t require a climb. You can see the cobblestone in the pictures above as well as the wide open walkways.

Ax Les Thermes, France

Our second stop, the French town of Ax Les Thermes is known for its healing hot springs. Being that this is Sick Girl Travels and my joints are constantly in pain, I couldn’t wait to get some healing therapy from these magic springs. I was not disappointed in these hot, healing waters. After traveling for a week, it felt amazing to dip my feet in the hot spring water.

Ax Les Thermes is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. I know that’s a mouthful. Basically, it’s a very pretty small town in France.

Known for its thermal hot springs, Ax Les Thermes is a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and wellness.

The streets here were a lot flatter and more level than in Baga, so it was easier to get around and do some exploring.

The town is surrounded by the picturesque Pyrenees mountains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling. Additionally, Ax Les Thermes is home to a charming historic town center with traditional French architecture, quaint cafes, and local markets.

If you visit on a guided tour you only get a couple of hours. This is enough time to dip your feet in the hot springs and do some shopping or eating. There are a number of amazing butchers, markets, restaurants, and cheese shops in Ax Les Thermes. I took the opportunity to buy some foie gras, paté, and jarred cassoulet to take home. You can sample a wide variety of meats and cheeses in these shops. Each one is mind-blowingly delicious. French food is amazing and I was happy to load up on some tasty French treats to take back home.

Whether you're looking to unwind in the natural hot springs or eat your way through France, Ax Les Thermes provides a tranquil setting for a peaceful getaway. It’s a great spot to spend a few hours before hopping on a tour bus and heading to Andorra.

Andorra La Vella, Andorra

Andorra La Vella, the capital of the small European country of Andorra, is known for its prime location in the Pyrenees mountains and its duty-free shopping options. If you’re looking to score inexpensive perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, cigarettes, liquor, and other duty-free staples, you’ll love the city as the streets are lined with shops giving big discounts on these products. To be totally honest though, if you’re not into shopping and you didn’t come to ski, Andorra may be a bit of a disappointment.

I was driven to visit primarily to say I did it. I wanted to snap a few photos and get that much-coveted Andorra passport stamp. If this is your goal, you’ll leave happy. But if you’re expecting tons of excitement and memorable cultural sites, Andorra is not the place.

The city offers a mix of a few historic sites like the Casa de la Vall and modern infrastructure including the Caldea spa complex. If you’re doing a solo trip by train, bus, or car you can explore the surrounding mountains through activities such as skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer.

If you’re interested in outdoor experiences in Andorra, the group tour is not a good option as it only allows you 2 hours in the city which is barely enough time to explore its shopping options and take a few photos of the views.

Barcelona To Andorra Bus

To travel from Barcelona to Andorra by bus, you will first need to head to the Barcelona Nord bus station. From there, you can take a direct bus operated by ALSA or Novatel that runs several times a day. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Make sure to check the current bus schedule and purchase your ticket in advance to secure your seat. Upon arrival in Andorra, you will be dropped off at the main bus station in Andorra la Vella, the capital city, from where you can easily reach your accommodation or explore the beautiful surroundings of this small but picturesque country.

Barcelona To Andorra Bus Timetable

Barcelona To Andorra bus price: The average price is $36 however that varies according to the time of day.

Barcelona To Andorra By Car

To get from Barcelona to Andorra by car, you need to take the C-16 road towards the north. Continue on this road until you reach the C-14 road, which will take you directly to Andorra. The total driving distance is approximately 124 miles and takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Remember to check the latest road conditions and weather forecasts before starting your journey if you are visiting in winter. The snow gets incredibly deep and will close roads.

How To Get To Andorra From Barcelona By Train

If you’re looking to make your day trip to Andorra from Barcelona by train, you must first take a train from Barcelona Sants station to L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre in France. From there, you need to transfer to a bus operated by Novatel that runs between L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and Andorra la Vella. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours to reach Andorra la Vella from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre. It is important to check the bus schedule in advance as there are a limited number of daily departures.

Barcelona To Andorra Train Price: The train/bus combo price can be $70+. It takes longer and costs more and in my opinion, is the worst option for how to visit Andorra.

In Conclusion - Day Trips From Barcelona To Andorra

Is a Barcelona to Andorra day trip worth it? Honestly, if you’re just going for the day and you don’t ski and don’t want to buy things like cigarettes and booze at ridiculously low prices, probably not. But if you run a travel blog like me or are just looking to check Andorra off your list of countries visited, one day is the perfect amount of time to spend in Andorra, just to say you did it. The country is very pretty, but it was by no means the highlight of the trip.

Have you been to Andorra? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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