New AVE High-Speed Train Connection to Girona-Costa Brava Airport: A Strategic Boost for Intermodal Travel and Tourism
Published: February 26, 2025 — Official State Gazette (BOE)
Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has officially approved the final study and public consultation phase for the new AVE high-speed railway station at Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO). This project marks a major step forward in intermodal connectivity, offering a seamless rail link between Barcelona, southern France, and the airport infrastructure of northern Catalonia.
Importantly, the station will be located just 500 meters from the existing AVE line between Barcelona and the French border — significantly improving air-rail connectivity in the region. This development will reduce travel times and increase efficiency for both passengers and industry operators.
Key Project Highlights
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💶 Investment: €126.7 million (VAT included)
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🚄 Design: Extension of existing PAET (Train Passing and Parking Point) with:
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4 tracks and two 400-meter through platforms
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2 tracks and one 220-meter shuttle platform
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🚶♂️ Pedestrian walkway: 493 meters long, 5 meters high, equipped with moving walkways — directly connecting the station to the airport terminal
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📈 Estimated usage: Up to 3.1 million passengers annually, including both regional users and airport-rail transfers.
Phased Development
The new HST station will be built in two stages:
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Phase One: Focus on through traffic, optimizing current AVE line usage.
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Phase Two: Construction of a dedicated shuttle branch line (starting 3.8 km south of the PAET) exclusively for fast BCN–GRO connections — enhancing airport access without interrupting mainline traffic.
🧭 A Game-Changer for Airlines, Tour Operators, and the Region
Ultimately, the AVE connection to Girona-Costa Brava Airport is more than a transportation upgrade — it’s a strategic investment in regional mobility, sustainable tourism, and aviation sector growth.
In addition, the revised Airport Master Plan aims to expand connectivity with Barcelona, positioning Girona as a complementary hub to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This mirrors successful models already implemented in major European cities with multi-airport systems.
✈️ What This Means for the Aviation and Travel Industry
For airlines and tour operators, the new connection offers a range of tangible advantages:
Enhanced passenger connectivity
Faster, direct access from Barcelona, southern France, and the broader AVE network
Integration with Spain’s high-speed rail system for seamless national and international connections
A competitive, well-connected alternative airport for expanding or diversifying operations
🌍 The Future of Sustainable, Intermodal Mobility Starts Here
In short, Girona is preparing to become a major player in Europe’s intermodal transport map.
>This high-speed rail link represents a clear step toward greener, more efficient travel, while boosting the region’s attractiveness as a tourism and aviation hub.
👉 Click here for official project documents and updates.
