Your driver will meet you at your address in Barcelona.
You’ll travel in comfort for 8 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Granada.
“Who hasn't been to Granada has seen nothing” is a popular saying in Spain referring to Granada’s beauty and historical and cultural significance. Granada is an artsy Bohemian city in Andalusia mainly known for the Alhambra, a fascinating Moorish palace, but the city has so much more to offer. And so does the route from Barcelona to Granada, as each region of Spain has something unique.
As you cross Spain, mainly along the coast, beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, hills, and diverse types of fields will be unveiled. And the best way to explore the beauty of Spain as you make your way to Granada, is by a private car service like Daytrip.
You will be able to add your personal touch to your car trip from Barcelona and Granada by adding any sightseeing stops along the way, such as Tarragona, Valencia, or even the Caves of Villa rich in history from the Muslim period.
Located in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is one of the most popular destinations in Spain, and Alhambra is one of the most visited landmarks in the country. Although Granada is known as a university city, it attracts visitors with its centuries-long history, bohemian atmosphere, and Mediterranean climate.
Granada's beginnings date back to the 8th century when the Moors established the city. Moving forward to the 13th and 15th centuries, the Alhambra was constructed, becoming one of the symbols of the city to this day. In 1492, the city was reclaimed from the Muslims, as Christians took over the territory. These events laid the foundation of Granada, shaping the city we know today, as it is reflected in Granada’s Moorish architecture and unique culture.
Despite Spain's historical ties to coffee and chocolate, Granada has a strong tea culture influenced by the Moors. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to sample Moroccan mint tea at one of the many teterías (tea rooms) which you can mostly find in the Albaicín neighborhood.
Granada is also a very tourist-friendly city. In comparison with other cities in Spain, it is not only relatively affordable but also walkable, with its main attractions located centrally. The best way to explore this Andalusian city is by wandering around with no set plan.
As you stroll around, you will find lovely cobblestoned streets, the emblematic white-washed houses from the Albaicín region, charming squares, flamenco bars, as well as the best cafes or teterías to relax and observe the surroundings after a long day of exploration.
As the distance from Barcelona to Granada is quite long, it's a good idea to be well-prepared. Here are two tips that will come in handy:
Free tapas used to be a tradition across the country, but over the years, this practice has faded away. However, you can still find bars in Granada that offer complementary tapas with the drinks you order. Tapas are snacks or small dishes served alongside beverages at bars.
If you are planning to visit this fascinating palace, make sure you book your tickets online in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially in the peak season. You can also book a guided tour to learn more about its history.
Although Granada is a walkable city, it also has a well-connected public transport network. Consider purchasing the rechargeable Credibus card which might be handy if you want to explore more of the city.
There are several ways to reach Granada, so make sure you choose the best and most convenient method for your Barcelona to Granada transfer that accommodates your needs. Here are the transportation options you can choose from:
If you travel by bus, make sure you choose a bus company that offers direct routes, as otherwise, you might end up spending more than 24 hours on the road. One of the best travel time and ticket price ratios is offered by the company ALSA with the lowest ticket prices starting from $99 (€93). The approximate travel time is around 13 hours.
If you don’t want to spend the day traveling, ALSA also offers overnight buses. They depart once a night (usually at 1 AM), but you will reach the destination in around 17 hours, as the route also includes a transfer to Valencia. Make sure you check the schedule of the buses on the official website.
Another great option to reach Granada is by train. You can opt for either the regular or high-speed train. The lowest high-speed train tickets cost around $107 (€100). These trains are very fast, with a speed of 217 mph (350 kph), so the journey will take just around 6 hours and 26 minutes.
Renfe also offers direct long-distance night trains (Trenhotel), but these trains do not depart regularly. Make sure you check the schedule and prices online.
A quick and budget-friendly way to reach Granada is by plane. The flight company Vueling offers direct flights with quite cheap tickets for just $24 (€22), and the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Although going by plane might seem like a fast way to reach Granada, you should schedule your arrival at the airport 2 hours before departure and be prepared for potential delays.
Although there are more cost-effective and quick ways of reaching Granada, none of these modes of transportation will give you the unique experience a private car service like Daytrip offers. With Daytrip, you are given the freedom to personalize your journey by choosing any sightseeing stops you wish to explore along the way.
One of the most intriguing stops you can make on your way from Barcelona to Granada is the Spanish port city of Tarragona, which is known for being home to an amphitheater that was built in the 2nd century AD. You will also not be disappointed by the town of Alarcón, where you can visit several historic buildings, such as the church of San Juan Bautista, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For some contrast, you can also explore the modern architecture of Valencia.
Daytrip offers several benefits, including an English-speaking local driver who will pick you up from your accommodation, help with your luggage, provide insider tips, and take you on an unforgettable 8-hour and 20-minute journey. Daytrip cars are spacious, clean, and comfortable, so you can relax and enjoy the ride without any worries!
As the Alhambra is probably already on your itinerary, here are other suggestions that will make your trip to Granada unforgettable:
Located close to the Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens should be on your list! In the 13th century, it was a summer residence of the Nasrid dynasty rulers. These gardens are among the oldest Moorish gardens in Spain and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can combine your visit to Generalife Gardens with a tour of Alhambra.
Once you climb the Mirador de San Nicolás, which is one of the most famous viewpoints in Granada, you will be greeted with a magical view of the Alhambra palace with the Sierra Nevada mountains peeking from behind. It is known that the best sunsets in the city can be seen from this viewpoint!
If you are searching for ideas on what to do in the evening, then attending a flamenco show should be at the top of your list, as the Andalusian region is the land of flamenco. There are several tablaos (flamenco clubs) you can choose from, but some of the best ones are Jardines de Zoraya, Cuevas los Tarantos, and Peña la Platería. You usually have to book a table, so make sure you make your reservation in advance!
After a long day of exploring, another great way to unwind is by relaxing at the Arab baths, which reflect Granada’s ties to Arabic influence. This experience has become an integral part of the city’s culture, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a serene atmosphere steeped in culture.
Granada is not only rich in history and culture but also in delicious cuisine which has been influenced over the centuries. Here are three dishes that you should add to your menu:
Summers in Andalucia, including Granada, are unbearably hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C). It is recommended to avoid the summer months (from late May to early September) unless you plan to explore only in the mornings and late afternoons.
The best time to visit Granada is during the shoulder season when the sunlight is not as strong and there may be occasional rainfall to refresh you as you explore the city.
If you plan to visit in winter, keep in mind that due to its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada's higher altitude means there is a low chance it might even snow in the winter months.
Tarragona’s past as a rich Roman colony is still evident in the ruins scattered throughout this Spanish port city. Augustus’ Prize
With 2000 years of history, there’s plenty to see and do in Spain’s 3rd largest city - from UNESCO-listed architecture to a riverbed-turned-park. Beautiful Diversion
This unique system of interlinked tunnels offers unusual insight into medieval life. The Town Underground
This fortified medieval town offers visitors the opportunity to simultaneously enjoy its historic architecture and a modern, UNESCO-listed masterpiece. Gorge-ous Heritage
Famous for its Gothic-entryway, this 15th-century church is located in the heart of local life and culture in Spain’s wine-making country. Doors of Adoration
Amongst the olive groves, this provincial capital has the largest number of protected spaces and fortresses in Spain. The Olive Oil Capital
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.”
LuckyTraveler01
Nov 1, 2024All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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