Getting to Andorra from major cities
Andorra, a small principality wedged between France and Spain in the heart of the Pyrenees, is a jewel with plenty to do.
This small country, known for its magnificent mountain scenery, ski resorts and shops, attracts more and more visitors every year. Its three unspoilt nature parks make it a perfect destination for travellers looking for green and natural spaces, or for adventurers with a wide range of outdoor activities.
However, with no airport or train station, getting to Andorra can be tricky. Here's a guide to the different routes available from the nearest major cities to reach this small, authentic principality, which is growing in popularity.
Find a complete guide to the different ways of travelling to Andorra from major European cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Toulouse, Madrid and Bordeaux.
From Barcelona
Barcelona is located almost 200 km from the border with Andorra, making it one of the closest major cities and a popular starting point for visitors. Here are some suggestions for the best routes to Andorra from Barcelona:
- By car
The journey by car from Barcelona to Andorra will take between 2? and 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Take the C-31 and then the C-16 motorways to Bellver de Cerdanya, then continue on the N-260 and the N145, which will take you to the Duana Andorrana de Sant Julià de Lòria, the Andorran customs office that marks the entrance to the Pyrenean principality on the Spanish side.
- By bus
Barcelona-El Prat international airport and Barcelona-Sants train station are around 200 kilometres from Andorra's capital, Andorra la Vella. Every day, several bus companies offer direct connections from Barcelona airport or station to Andorra.
Andorra Direct Bus and Andbus provide a daily shuttle service between Barcelona T1 or T2 airport and Andorra la Vella or Sant Julià de Lòria. These journeys cost €30 and €36 per person respectively, and will take you to Andorra in 3 hours 45 minutes.
Alsa offers a daily service from the Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord bus station, just a few kilometres from Barcelona-Sants station. From €31, the journey will take between 3.00 and 4.30 hours, depending on the number of stops on the route selected.
From Valencia (Spain)
By car, it will take you around 5h30 to reach the Andorran capital. Drive along the Mediterranean coast, passing through Tarragona and then Barcelona, where you can take a break and try out one or more outdoor activities. Finally, enjoy a wonderful stay in the principality nestling in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Prefer to make the journey without using the car? Take the train from Valencia and stop off in Catalonia. Take the opportunity to discover the many outdoor activities available in Barcelona : horse riding, cycling, helicopter tours, sea excursions... activities to suit all tastes and budgets.
After so many adventures and visits, head to Andorra for even more discoveries thanks to the many shuttles that link the Principality and Spain's second-largest city!
From Toulouse
Toulouse is another major European city close to the principality, located around 180 km north of Andorra.
- By car
The journey by car takes between 2h15 and 3h. To get to Andorra from Toulouse, take the A61 motorway to Foix, then the A66 to Foix, and continue on the N20, which will take you directly to l'Hospitalet-prés-l'Andorre. This road passes through magnificent mountain scenery and is generally less busy than Spanish roads.
On your car journey, you'll pass through the heart of the Ariège countryside, so don't hesitate to take a break and let yourself be tempted by some outdoor adventures in the Ariège!
Finally, take the N22 to the customs office to enter Andorra via Pas de la Case, the famous Andorran ski resort in the Pyrenees. Then, to reach the capital Andorra la Vella, take the general road CG-2 via the Envalira tunnel, considered to be the highest in Europe at over 2,000 metres.
- By bus
Toulouse-Blagnac international airport and Toulouse Matabiau railway station are around 165 km from the border and 195 km from the Andorran capital. If you hire a car, it will take you 3 hours to reach the capital.
Prefer to take the shuttle bus? Every day, several bus companies provide shuttle services between Toulouse-Blagnac airport and Andorra. Andbus runs a daily service from Toulouse airport to Andorra la Vella bus station. The journey costs €36 per person and takes 3? hours.
From Madrid
Madrid is further away, more than 600 km from Andorra, but there are several options for getting to the principality.
- By car
The journey by car from Madrid to Andorra takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. Take the motorway towards Zaragoza, then follow the AP-2 to Lleida. From there, continue on the C-12, then the C-26 and the C-14. Finally, follow the 260 and 145 national roads to the Duana de Sant Julià de Lòria, which marks the entrance to the Principality of Andorra on the Spanish side. Although longer, this journey takes you through some of Spain's most picturesque regions, such as the Huesca region, where you can try your hand at canyoning or via ferrata in the Sierra de Guara.
- By bus and train
There are no direct train or bus connections from Madrid to Andorra. However, you can take a train or bus to Barcelona, Lérida in Catalonia (Lleida in Catalan) or La Seu d'Urgell and then continue to Andorra using a hire car or bus. Andbus runs a daily shuttle bus service from Lérida station, costing €25 per person and taking 2 hours 15 minutes.
Arrive at Andorra-La Seu d'Urgell airport: its name is misleading, as it's not really in Andorra, but about fifteen kilometres from the border. All you need to do is take a bus and you'll reach the capital in just 30 minutes.
From Bordeaux
Bordeaux is one of the furthest cities from Andorra, at just over 400 km, but it's still a fairly logical starting point thanks to its proximity to Spain and its transport links. Getting to Andorra from Bordeaux is not as difficult as it sounds!
- By train and bus
The quickest way to get to Andorra from Bordeaux is to take a 2h15 train to Toulouse, then continue by bus from Toulouse to Andorra as described above.
- By car
If you prefer to drive, the journey from Bordeaux to Andorra takes between 4? and 5 hours, depending on your destination. Take the A62 motorway to Toulouse. Once in Toulouse, you can take a short break and try out some of the activities available in the Toulouse area. After a well-earned break, get back on the A61 and A66 towards Ariège and its famous mountain roads and winter sports resorts. You will enter Andorra via the Pas de la Case after making a diversion to the customs office.
A few more tips for travellers
- Documentation
Andorra is not part of the European Union, but the currency used is the euro. EU citizens can only enter the Principality with a valid national identity card or passport.
- Going through customs
Some products purchased in Andorra are subject to duty-free allowances, so we advise you to check the quantity and value before crossing the border.
Although the lack of an airport and train station may seem to complicate access to Andorra, the transport options available make the journey quite feasible. Getting to Andorra from major cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Toulouse, Madrid or Bordeaux is relatively straightforward. If you're coming to Andorra from another city, you can make a stopover in Barcelona, Toulouse or Lleida, from where there are daily shuttle buses to the capital. Whether you choose to drive, take a bus or combine plane and bus, each option offers a unique way to discover the magnificent scenery of the Pyrenees.
So whether you're a winter sports fan, a nature lover or a hiker, Andorra can offer you a unique experience, with plenty of outdoor activities to suit everyone.