Day Trip to Figueres from Barcelona: Complete Guide + Tips

A day trip to Figueres from Barcelona is one of the easiest ways to explore more of Catalonia without going too far. 

I live in Barcelona and recently made the trip to Figueres, and it ended up being such a fun and unique experience, especially if you’re into art and something a little different. 

In this Figueres day trip guide, I’ll cover how to get there, the best things to do, where to eat, and tips to help you plan your visit. 

Let’s take a closer look at how to plan your Figueres day trip from Barcelona!

Figueres is definitely worth visiting for a day trip, especially if you’re really into art or just want to see a different side of Catalonia.

It’s only about an hour away by high-speed train, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Barcelona to add to your itinerary.

The main reason to visit is the Dalí Theatre-Museum, dedicated to Salvador Dalí, who is one of Spain’s most famous artists. 

It’s honestly one of the quirkiest museums I’ve ever been to, with surreal exhibits, optical illusions, and over-the-top design that feels like stepping inside Dalí’s eccentric mind.

Another highlight is Castell de Sant Ferran, a massive castle and military fortress just outside the town center where you can walk along the walls and explore its impressive grounds.

While there isn’t a huge list of things to do, the historic center is really cute and easy to wander, with small plazas, local shops, and lots of places with outdoor seating to stop for a relaxed lunch.

Taking the train from Barcelona to Figueres is by far the easiest way to get there. 

High-speed Renfe AVE trains only take about 1 hour, and this is what I did and it was super easy and comfortable. 

Most trains stop first in Girona and then continue on to Figueres. 

Tickets can be booked on the Renfe website or through Omio.  

Just one important thing to know is that you’ll want to leave from Barcelona-Sants and arrive at Figueres-Vilafant.  

There are multiple train stations for both Barcelona and Figueres and those are the ones you want.

I’d definitely recommend booking at least a few days ahead because seats are assigned and this route often sells out.

Related Reading: How to Book Train Tickets in Spain (Step-by-Step Guide)

There is also a Sagales bus that goes from Barcelona to Figueres, but it takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes each way. 

Taking the train is much faster and usually cheaper too so it doesn’t really make sense to take the bus.

If you have a rental car, you can also drive from Barcelona to Figueres, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes each way. 

It’s a good option if you want more flexibility or plan to stop in places like Girona or Costa Brava along the way. 

Parking in Figueres is pretty easy to find, especially compared to Barcelona.

The Dalí Theatre-Museum is definitely the top attraction in Figueres and the main reason most people visit. 

The museum is one of the best museums in Spain and was designed by Salvador Dalí himself and built on the ruins of a former theater. 

From the outside, you’ll notice the giant eggs on the roof, and inside it only gets more surreal with a courtyard featuring a vintage car, mannequins, optical illusions, and all kinds of colorful, unexpected displays. 

It’s quirky, eccentric, and honestly unlike any museum I’ve ever been to. 

Make sure to book tickets in advance on the official website since entry is timed and it can sell out.

Right next to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, the Church of Saint Pere is worth a quick stop while you’re in the area.

It’s much more simple in style compared to the museum, but it’s actually where Dalí was baptized.

It’s an easy add-on since you’ll already be right there.

About a 20-minute walk from the town center, Castell de Sant Ferran is one of the best castles to visit near Barcelona and definitely worth the extra effort. 

It was built in the 18th century for military defense, so it’s not a typical medieval castle, but it’s absolutely massive with lots of history and really impressive to walk around. 

It costs around 6€ to enter, and you can explore the grounds, lookout points, underground areas, and old quarters at your own pace. 

I was honestly surprised by how big it was, and since it’s not very well-known, there were barely any people there. 

Some parts even felt a little spooky with how dark and quiet they were.

The Museu del Joguet de Catalunya is a fun and unexpected stop, especially if you’re looking for something a little different. 

It’s filled with vintage toys from different time periods, including dolls, trains, and games that give you a glimpse into childhood from the past. 

I don’t think it’s a must-see for everyone, but it’s a unique museum that’s easy to pop into while exploring the town.

Dalí’s Birthplace Museum is the house where Salvador Dalí was born, and it has now been turned into a museum dedicated to his life. 

It costs around 15€ to enter, so I’d prioritize the Dalí Theatre-Museum first since that’s the main highlight. 

But if you’re a big Dalí fan and want more context on his life, this is a nice addition.

There are lots of really cute restaurants around the historic center with outdoor seating, where you can sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal. 

It’s a good opportunity to try some local Catalan dishes or just take a break between sightseeing. 

One place I’d recommend is Catalunya Amor Meu, which has a cute outdoor area and some local dishes on the menu.

Figueres has its own version of La Rambla, which is a street that runs through the center of town. 

It doesn’t really compare to La Rambla in Barcelona, but it’s still a nice area to walk around.

I grabbed an ice cream nearby and just wandered for a bit.

The historic center of Figueres is compact and really easy to explore on foot. 

You’ll find small shops, boutiques, cafes, and bars all centered around the Dalí Museum. 

All the streets are really photoworthy so you’ll probably want to take a bunch of pictures.

I’d recommend spending about 5 to 6 hours in Figueres, which is the perfect amount of time for a relaxed one day trip. 

I arrived on the train around 12:30pm and left around 5:30pm, and it felt like I had enough time to see the main sights without rushing. 

I spent a little over an hour at the Dalí Theatre-Museum, and about another hour exploring Castell de Sant Ferran. 

Keep in mind that the train station is about a 20-minute walk from the town center, and it’s another 20-minute walk out to the castle. 

If you want to sit down for a longer lunch or take things at a slower pace, I’d plan to add an extra hour or so.

Follow these tips to make the most of your Figueres day trip from Barcelona:

• Book train tickets in advance: Make sure to book your train tickets at least a few days ahead of time because seats are assigned and this route does sell out.  You can book tickets on the Renfe website or through Omio.

• Book Dalí Theatre-Musem tickets in advance: I’d also recommend booking Dalí Theatre-Museum tickets in advance on the official website. The tickets have a timed entry and the time slots do sell out on busier days. They’re also cheaper if you book online.

• Stop at the Castell de Sant Ferran lookout point: There’s a nice lookout point just outside the castle entrance which has some really nice views over Figueres.

• Budget for walking time:  It’s about a 20-minute walk from the train station to the town center, and then it’s also a 20-minute walk to the castle, so make sure to budget extra time for getting around into your day.

• Wear comfortable shoes:  You’ll be doing a lot of walking so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

• Bring sunscreen: There’s not a ton of shade so make sure to bring sunscreen especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a day trip from Barcelona to Figueres:

I hope this guide has given you everything you need to plan the perfect day trip to Figueres from Barcelona!

From visiting the Dalí Theatre-Museum and exploring the town center to walking through Castell de Sant Ferran, there’s more than enough to fill a relaxed day.

It’s quick and easy to get there by train, and the compact layout makes it simple to see everything without feeling rushed.

Figueres ended up being such a fun and different experience, and I definitely think it’s worth adding to your Barcelona itinerary, especially if you’re into art or looking for something a little more off-the-beaten path.

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