Andorra, that little country located between Spain and France, is not only famous for its ski resorts and romantic scenery.
To take an Andorra day trip from Barcelona is popular among tourists who choose to go there for shopping, as there are more than 2,000 duty-free shops available in the country! Tourists can find the best opportunities to shop for top-notch brands on just a day trip.
Find here how to arrive from Barcelona to Andorra and what to do in one day!
How to get from Barcelona to Andorra:
1. Bus tickets to Andorra
2. Day tour in Andorra with round trip transportation to Barcelona
3. Car rental from Barcelona to Andorra
Where to stay in Andorra:
1. Andorra Park Hotel (High-end)
2. Hotel Pyrenees (Mid-range)
3. Barri Antic Hostel & Pub (Budget)
How to Get from Barcelona to Andorra:
First of all, it’s important to know that there are no trains or airports in Andorra, being a small landlocked country. The only ways to get there are by bus or car, and the only way to enter is by crossing the border from Spain or France
1. Day Trips to Andorra from Barcelona by Bus
Buses from Barcelona to Andorra La Vella depart every day at 6:15 am from the Barcelona/Sants Bus Station. The cost of tickets as of early 2023 is about U$ 33 for one way, and the trip lasts for three hours.
If you arrive at the Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas airport, you can take a bus directly from there to Andorra. The trip takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the price is U$ 36 for one way.
Remember that the percentage of tourists arriving in Andorra, which is more than 8 million per year, is huge compared to the size of the country.
Therefore, I strongly recommend booking your bus tickets in advance. The best, fast and most reliable way to do this is to book your tickets through Omio.
If you intend to spend the day in Andorra, you need to calculate the hours you have available to explore the city carefully. You should prepare a good schedule, including the places you are interested in visiting, the distances, and a place to stop for lunch. And of course, be aware of the distance and time needed to get to the station to take your bus back to Barcelona.
Book your bus tickets to Andorra here
2. From Barcelona to Andorra in a Private Tour
For your Andorra day trip from Barcelona, the best option by far is to take a private tour.
With a private tour, you won’t have to worry about getting to the station on time to catch your bus back to Barcelona. Additionally, as soon as the tour starts, you’ll begin learning from your guide in anticipation of your great day in Andorra.
I recommend a tour that picks you up from Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona. It requires a minimum of two passengers and can accommodate up to four, making it almost a private tour. This experience has received excellent reviews from customers and is highly recommended.
This One Day in Andorra tour includes the following:
- A visit to the iconic Pont de Margineda, a medieval bridge from the 14th century.
- A visit to Mirador del Pont del Quer, a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint at 1,950 m ASL.
- A walk through the narrow, old streets of the 17th-century town of Ordino.
- A visit to the sanctuary of Meritxell, where Andorra’s patron saint is venerated.
Additionally, you can choose between visiting an old historic house or spending one hour shopping in Andorra La Vella Old Town.
Read reviews and book your One day in Andorra tour here
3. By Car
An Andorra day trip from Barcelona can also be done driving a rental car on your own. All you need is your IDP or International Driving Permit, a driver’s license valid for at least one year, and your passport. I suggest using a reputable international company, such as Economy Bookings, for your car rental.
Book your Car Rental and save up to 50% here
What to See in Andorra La Vella in One Day
These are the landmarks you can easily explore in one day in Andorra:
1. Look for St Esteve Church
In a small country like Andorra, there are 44 Romanesque churches, most of which date back to the 12th century. Of course, most of them have undergone renovations over time. St. Esteve is one of them and is definitely worth a visit. St. Esteve is also the starting point of several hiking routes in Andorra, which are just as fascinating as those you may encounter while hiking in La Gomera.
2. Visit Casa de la Vall
Just next to the church, you will find this 16th-century manor house that belonged to an important family. It later became the seat of a government institution. From the outside, you can get a great view of the Pyrenees. And looking down, you can see seven fiberglass sculptures that represent poets from around the world. This artistic set is called “The Seven Poets.”
3. Enjoy Good Food in Andorra La Vella
It may be time for lunch now. So head to indulge in some delicious food. I can recommend some good restaurants you can find around.
Restaurant El Crosto $$ – $$$
Eximi $$ – $$$
Kokosnot (1 Michelin star) $$$$
Pro tip: Calculate your time well. Most restaurants open from 1:00pm and close between 3:30 to 4:00pm.
4. Go Shopping to Meritxell Avenue
Now it’s time for some shopping. Meritxell Avenue is the shopping hub of the city, and the top shopping mall is the Pyrenees Andorra. It features a variety of shops and stores. At the supermarket, you can find excellent quality food, including local wines, liqueurs, and cheeses from Andorra and France. The mall also features an electronics zone with TVs, computers, video games, and cameras.
Pro tip: Be aware that, following the custom of taking a siesta (a nap), some shops may be closed between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
5. Take a Photo of Dali´s “Noblesse du Temps”
Located at the Plaza de la Rotonda, this artwork made of bronze was finished by Dalí around the 1980s. It’s about 5 meters high and weighs a ton and a half. It will remind you of one of his most recognized paintings,The Persistence of Memory.
6. Take a photo of the Iconic Paris Bridge
A short walk from the Noblesse du Temps sculpture, you will come to see another emblem of Andorra: the Paris Bridge. It has an avant-garde design and is 45m long. In the upper part, you will see two large spheres. Not everybody finds this bridge special, but if you happen to stay for the night, you will be able to see the difference. It looks spectacular in the night with the lights on.
Where to Stay in Andorra
For tourists who take an Andorra day trip from Barcelona and decide to stay a night or more in Andorra it is recommended to book a hotel in advance. Here are some very good hotels for different budgets:
Budget hotels
Barri Antic Hostel & Pub is in the historic center of Andorra La Vella and is considered the top hostel in Andorra by many travelers. It offers a communal kitchen, a lounge area with a TV, and computers with free internet.
Book a stay at Barri Antic Hostel & Pub here
Somriu Hotel City M28 has an excellent location right in the center near all the tax-free shops and the Pyrenees Andorra FNAC mall. The hotel offers ski storage and laundry facilities.
Book a stay at Somriu Hotel City M28 here
Mid-range hotels
Hotel Pyrenees is a centrally located hotel close to the shopping area. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and tennis court for guests to enjoy during the summer season. Guests can enjoy a meal at the hotel’s 1940 Restaurant, which serves fresh market cuisine. Additionally, there is a café-bar that is open all day long.
Book a stay at Hotel Pyrenees here
Eurostars Andorra has an ideal location, just a 10-minute walk from the main shopping area. The Caldea Thermal Spa is also just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel features a restaurant and a café, and guests can enjoy picturesque views of the Pyrenees mountain range.
Book a stay at Eurostars Andorra here
High-end hotels
The Suites Plaza Hotel and Wellness Andorra is a high-quality hotel located in the center of Andorra. The hotel’s decor features tapestries by Salvador Dali, and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed. The hotel also boasts a fully-equipped health center that includes a sauna, a heated indoor pool, and a hammam, with massage services available for a fee. The hotel’s buffet restaurant offers a range of regional and international cuisine
Book a stay at the Suites Plaza Hotel and Wellness Andorra here
Andorra Park Hotel is one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Andorra. The views of the surrounding valley and mountains are stunning. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym and spa center, and an avant-garde restaurant. If you are looking for luxury and comfort, this hotel can be your best choice.
Book a stay at the Andorra Park Hotel here
