Girona-Costa Brava Airport: budget airline hub for Barcelona, Costa Brava, and the Pyrenees.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) sits 12 km south of Girona city, a compact terminal that serves mainly budget airlines. Arrivals emerge on the ground floor, where local rental companies maintain counters or meet clients. The airport feeds directly onto the C-65 road, which runs north to Girona in 15 minutes or south to the AP-7 toll autopista junction, opening routes to Barcelona 90 km away, the Costa Brava resorts, and the French border.
Pick-up here means meeting after your flight lands. Some suppliers operate from a desk inside the terminal; others wait in the arrivals hall holding a board with your name. The fleet at Girona Airport is smaller than at Barcelona, so advance booking secures the model you want, especially in July and August when certain cars appear only during high season. When you search our widget, type "Girona Airport" or "GRO" in the location field to filter results specific to this terminal.
This page addresses collection at the airport terminal and the roads that radiate from it. If you prefer to collect from Girona city centre after a train journey or a night in town, that page covers downtown suppliers and parking. For an overview of the no-deposit model across the country, visit our Spain car rental overview.
The process unfolds in four steps, from touchdown to motorway on-ramp.
After collecting baggage, exit into the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The terminal is small; signage points to car rental desks near the exit doors.
Check your voucher for instructions. Some companies operate a counter inside the terminal; others send a representative holding a name board. Provide your voucher, driving licence, and passport.
Review the contract, inspect the car in the car park with the agent, note existing damage, and settle the balance. Payment method-debit card, cash, or credit card-depends on the specific vehicle listed in your voucher.
Exit the short-term car park onto the C-65. Turn left for Girona city or right to join the AP-7 autopista southbound to Barcelona or northbound to Figueres and France.
In the search widget above, the "Specify location" field lets you enter "Girona Airport" or the IATA code "GRO" to display only cars available for terminal collection.
Five common routes from the GRO terminal, with distances, road numbers, and suggested vehicle types.
Models typically available at the GRO terminal, spanning economy hatchbacks to premium crossovers. Remember that the airport fleet is smaller than Barcelona's, so early booking matters.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Citroen C3 | Economy hatchback | Solo travellers, city parking, short coastal loops |
| Toyota Auris | Compact hatchback | Couples, luggage for two, AP-7 motorway cruising |
| Mini Cooper | Premium small car | Spirited driving on winding Costa Brava roads |
| Audi A3 | Premium compact | Business trips, refined cabin, autovia comfort |
| Hyundai Ioniq | Hybrid saloon | Long-distance fuel efficiency, Barcelona commutes |
| Toyota C-HR | Compact crossover | Families, higher seating, rural tracks near Pals |
| BMW X1 | Premium SUV | Ski trips to La Molina, Pyrenees gravel roads |
| Lexus UX250h | Premium hybrid crossover | Quiet cabin, hybrid economy, light off-tarmac excursions |
These models illustrate the range. Actual availability depends on season, supplier, and booking date. Use the search tool above to see live inventory, terms, and whether each car qualifies for no-deposit or no-credit-card collection.
Six practical notes to smooth your arrival and departure at Girona Airport.
Some cars at GRO qualify for rental without a blocked deposit and without a credit card. The two conditions are independent: a car may require no deposit but still need a credit card, or accept a debit card yet hold a deposit. Each listing in the search shows its specific rules.
Run a search for your dates. Each result displays payment terms below the model name. Look for "No deposit required" if you want to avoid a hold on your card, and check the accepted payment methods-debit card, cash, or credit card. The smallest cars and hybrids often carry the most flexible terms; larger SUVs may still require a credit card even when no deposit is held.
During online booking you pay a portion of the total as a booking advance by card. The balance is due when you collect the keys at the airport; the voucher lists whether the supplier accepts debit card, cash, or requires a credit card for that particular vehicle. If your debit card has a low limit, contact your bank to raise it temporarily. For full details on how we split payment and advance, visit that page.
Answers to common queries about collecting a car at GRO.
Several local suppliers serve the terminal, maintaining counters inside or meeting clients in arrivals. Our search aggregates their fleets so you compare models and terms in one place. The exact company name appears in your voucher after booking.
One-way rentals between Girona Airport and Barcelona are possible with some suppliers. Enable "Return to a different location" in the search widget and enter Barcelona as the drop-off point. A one-way fee usually applies; the final quote includes that charge.
Yes. Economy models such as the Citroen C3 and Toyota Auris often accept debit cards or cash for the balance, and some waive the deposit entirely. Filter search results by payment method to see which cars match your budget and card type.
Suppliers monitor inbound flights. If you provided your flight number during booking, the agent adjusts the meeting time automatically. In case of a long delay, check your email or SMS for updated instructions; the contact number for the rental company is in your voucher.
Drivers holding an EU licence do not need an IDP. If your licence is issued outside the EU, carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. The agent checks both documents when you sign the rental agreement.
France is generally permitted, but you must inform the supplier during booking so they note cross-border travel on the contract and insurance. The French border lies 160 km north-east via the AP-7. Morocco crossings by ferry require separate written approval.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport connects you to medieval towns, beach coves, and Pyrenean foothills within minutes of landing. Search above to compare live rates, read the terms for each car, and book the model that matches your route-whether that's a compact hatchback for coastal loops or a hybrid crossover for mountain tracks. Your voucher arrives by email with meeting instructions and the supplier's contact details.