Guide roses

How to get to Roses from France, Barcelona or Girona?

Roses It is situated at the far north of the Costa Brava, only 25 km from the French border, 60 km from Girona, and 160 km from Barcelona. This privileged position makes it a particularly accessible destination, whether you are coming from France, Spain, or anywhere in Europe. Here is our comprehensive guide to Plan your arrival serenely.

From France - The nearest entrance

Rosas is the first major seaside resort after the Franco-Spanish border. From the south of France, it is a much more accessible destination than most other Spanish resorts.

🚗 By car from the south of France

It's the most popular choice for French holidaymakers, and the most comfortable.

Perpignan: Take the A9 motorway towards Spain, cross the border at Perthus, then take the N-II and finally the C-260 towards Roses. Allow approximately 1h30 for 90 km.

Montpellier: Environment 3 hours via the A9.

Toulouse: Environment 3:30 via the A61 then the A9.

Lyon: Forecast 6 hours the route with a possible break.

Paris Count 9am – a stopover in Perpignan or Narbonne is recommended.

⚠️ Peak season advice: On Saturdays between mid-July and mid-August, traffic jams at the Perthus border can be very significant in both directions. It is advisable to travel during the week or very early in the morning (before 8 am).

💡 Diversion suggestion: To avoid traffic jams at the entrance to Figueres, take the road from Roses to Pau-Saverdera, Palau, Vilajuïga – it’s much less busy during peak season.

🚆 By TGV from Paris or Lyon - Less than 5 hours in total

It's the big surprise For many travellers, it's possible to reach Roses from Paris in under 5 hours thanks to the TGV.

Directions from Paris:

  1. Paris Gare de Lyon Figueres-Vilafant Gare du Nord (TGV station) 3:15 no match
  2. Figueres-Vilafant to Roses by Sarfa bus: approximately 30 minutes, with buses running from 5:30 AM.
  • TGV/Renfe tickets SNCF Connect You Renfe
  • Train fares from €25 when booking early
  • Bus Figueres → Roses From €4.15, 27-minute journey

The train station Figueres-Vilafant is the TGV station — not to be confused with the conventional Figueres-Centre railway station, located 2 km away.

From Lyon: Count approximately 2 hours from the TGV to Figueres-Vilafant, then 30 minutes by bus.

✈️ By low-cost plane from France

Several companies fly directly from France to l’Girona Airport, 1 hour from Roses: 

DepartureCompanyPeriod
Paris BeauvaisRyanairAll year round
Paris OrlyTransaviaIn season
LyonRyanairIn season
NantesRyanairIn season
BordeauxRyanairIn season

From Girona Airport, a bus connects directly to Roses – allow about 1 hour for the journey.

From Barcelona - By Car

It's the most comfortable way to come to Roses from Barcelona, especially with family or luggage.

Take the motorway AP-7 towards Girona then Figueres, then the road C-260 Roses. The journey is about 160 km 1 hour 40 minutes with no traffic.

⚠️ In high season: Avoid departing on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings – traffic jams on the AP-7 can double journey times. Consider checking Traffic forecasts

💡 Good to know Our apartments have a private parking space included – real comfort during peak season when parking in town is difficult.

🚌 From Barcelona - Direct bus

The company Moventis Sarfa There are regular bus services from Barcelona directly to Roses.

  • Departure: Barcelona North Bus Station (Metro L1 – Arc de Triomf)
  • Arrival: Roses – La Ciutadella (city centre)
  • Duration: around 2h10
  • Price: from €11
  • Booking: Moventis

Book in advance for July-August, buses are often fully booked several days before departure.

✈️ From Barcelona Airport (El Prat)

There is no direct bus from Barcelona Airport to Roses. You first need to get to the Barcelona North bus station (approximately 30 minutes by metro or taxi), then take the Moventis Sarfa bus to Roses.

✈️ From Girona Airport - The best option from Europe

Girona-Costa Brava Airport is served by many European low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Transavia, Jet2…). A bus route directly connects Girona Airport to Roses, making it the simplest option if you are coming from anywhere in Europe.

  • Duration: About 1 hour from the airport
  • Price: check the timetables on sales

🚆 From Barcelona - By train + bus

There is no train station in Roses. The closest town served by train is Figueres, 22 km away.

  1. Barcelona-Sants → Figueres by Renfe train: between 55 minutes (AVE) and 2 hours (regional)
  2. Figueres to Roses by Sarfa bus: 27 minutes, from €4.15, with frequent departures throughout the day.
  • Renfe Tickets Renfe
  • Total duration: around 2 hours 30 to 3 hours depending on the connection

Taxi or VTC

For maximum comfort, especially on a late arrival or with young children:

JourneyIndicative price
Girona Airport → Roses80-100€
Barcelona → Roses200-230€
Figueres to Roses25-30€

🗺️ Summary Table

Means of transportSinceDurationEstimated priceIdeal for
CarPerpignan1h3015-20€ fuelFamilies
CarBarcelona1 hour 40 minutes£25-£40 fuelFamilies, luggage
TGV + busParis~5 hours30-80€Without a car
TGV + busLyonAbout 3 hours25-60€Without a car
✈️ Plane + busParis BeauvaisAbout 3 hoursVariableTight budget
Direct busNorth Barcelona2 hours and 10 minutes11-26€Without a car
TaxiGirona Airport1 hour80-100€Comfort, late arrival

💡 Our advice based on your profile

As a family from the south of France: The car remains the most practical solution for your holiday rental in Rosas – you'll need freedom on-site to explore the coves and surrounding areas.

From Paris without a car: The TGV to Figueres-Vilafant followed by the Sarfa bus is an excellent option, both fast and economical.

From across Europe: Fly directly to Girona with Ryanair You Transavia – it's often much cheaper than a flight to Barcelona.

Late arrival No problem – our apartments have a Secure key box system allowing for self check-in at any hour.

Planning a short getaway? Check out our Weekend guide to Roses, Costa Brava to optimise your route.

Ready to book your stay in Roses?

Our apartments with sea views are available for direct booking, without service charge. Enjoy the best prices by booking here. Once you arrive, our Sea view apartment with terrace and our Renovated apartment await you 100 metres from the beach, parking included.

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