Andorra: Day Trips and Tours from Barcelona

Nestled neatly between France and Spain, Andorra is a country with 468 square kilometers of sweeping valleys, enchanting ski slopes, and Romanesque architecture. It’s close to Barcelona, making it an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the Catalan capital for a day.

From challenging hikes to skiing opportunities in the Pyrenees to charming towns with quaint cafés and cozy restaurants, Andorra has it all.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Andorra, one of the most fascinating day trips from Barcelona.

How to get to Andorra from Barcelona?

The landlocked nation of Andorra is located about 200 kilometers north from Barcelona, on the border between Spain and France. The journey by car or public transportation is fairly straightforward.

• By car: The most direct car route to Andorra from Barcelona takes just under 3 hours and is via the C-16 and CG-1, the primary road into Andorra. As you approach Berga, you'll see signs indicating the route to Andorra.
• By bus: There are a few direct bus services to Andorra la Vella, which depart from Barcelona once or twice a day. The bus journey typically takes about 3.5 hours each way. Some reliable companies are AndBus, FlixBus and Direct Bus.
• By guided tour: The most convenient way to visit Andorra from Barcelona is with a guided tour. These day-long excursions cover all logistics and include multiple stops to explore attractions along the way, with an experienced guide by your side.

What is the usual itinerary?

While most Andorra tours from Barcelona have different itineraries, they typically begin with pickup. After meeting your guide, you will then head north passing by beautiful Montserrat.

Most tours stop at Bagà to stretch your legs, before continuing to Andorra. Once there, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Andorra la Vella, the capital city, and visit major attractions such as the Sant Esteve Church and the Old Town.

Other places visited typically include Casa de la Vall and other locations in the Pyrenees. Some tours also cross into France and visit the spa town of Ax-Les-Thermes for more sightseeing and lunch, so itineraries can vary. These excursions are full-day affairs and typically last 11 to 12 hours.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Andorra?

Day trip to Andorra from Barcelona

These excursions from Barcelona to Andorra generally operate in small groups and include a driver and guide.

Compared to other tours that also visit France, these day trips are focused on Andorra, so you will explore multiple locations in the Pyrenees Mountains. Aside from a guided tour of the capital city’s Old Town, you will also visit Valle de Incles and ski resorts like Port d'Envalira, before returning to Barcelona.

Our pick: Andorra Small Group Day Tour from Barcelona

• Visits: Margineda Bridge, House de la Vall, Roc del Quer Viewpoint, Coll d'Ordino and Meritxell Santuary
• Price: From €187 to €550 per person (depending on group size)
• Duration: 13 hours

Private tour to Andorra from Barcelona

For a more relaxed and intimate experience, consider booking a private tour. These excursions offer greater flexibility, as they allow you to customize the itinerary according to your preferences, as well as door-to-door service in a private vehicle.

Our pick: Andorra Private Tour from Barcelona with hotel pick up & drop off

• Visits: Andorra la Vella, House de la Vall, Sant Esteve Church, Poble Square, Pyrenees, Engolasters Lake, Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters
• Price: From €170 to €977 per person (depending on group size)
• Duration: 12 hours

Day trip to Andora plus France from Barcelona

Most Andorra day trips feature visits to parts of France and Spain on their itinerary, such as Baga and Ax Les Thermes. These guided tours are usually in bigger groups and do not include pick up or drop-off from your hotel.

Our pick: From Barcelona Guided Day Trip to Andorra and France

• Visits: Ax-les-Thermes, Pas de la Casa, Andorra la Vella
• Price: €109 per person
• Duration: 12 hours

What will you see on Andorra tours from Barcelona?

Andorra la Vella

The capital of Andorra sits snugly in the Pyrenees with a population of only 20,000, and has lively café scene, with locals and tourists flocking to eateries to grab a bite or enjoy a quick drink. There’s also plenty of art and handicraft shops to admire.

Guided tours often include a visit to Casa de la Vell, a building dating back to the 16th century, as well as the Sant Esteve Church, which was constructed in the 12th century.

Incles

Think sprawling green hilltops and countryside views as far as the eye can see, and you’ve got the Incles Valley. One of the many natural sites of beauty in Andorra, Incles was formed by a glacier and as a result, is U-shaped. This makes Incles an ideal destination for hiking tours, to take in the beauty of the subalpine and alpine landscape, as you get further in.

Meritxell

The most important temple in Andorra is the Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica in Meritxell. Situated in the parish of Canillo, there is also an abundance of local art and natural sights to take in.

For an even more immersive and intimate experience, try to head there in September during the festival of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell in this highly symbolic place for local residents.

Prats

Prats is a small village in Andorra known for its church, Saint Miquel de Prats. Built with a rectangular shape and a semicircular apse, it represents traditional Andorran structures. The church makes for a great Instagram snap and stop-off on your day trip from Barcelona.

Encamp

Located on the Valira d'Orient river, Encamp is a mountainous territory with an average altitude of 1,250 meters. There are traditional Andorran villages dotted around and Encamp is part of the skiing area of Grandvalira, which is the largest in the Pyrenees.

Skiing locations

Soldeu is a popular destination for ski trips set on a steep hillside. It offers some of the best skiing in Europe and features a charming village with modern hotels and bars - plus the odd shop.

Winter sports enthusiasts will also delight at El Tarter, one of the most dynamic places for skiing in the Pyrenees. Only a 15-minute drive away from El Tarter is Ransol, known for its diversity in flora and fauna as well as its top-notch skiing opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Andorra?

The best time to visit Andorra is between March and October. This is when the weather is at its best, and you can make the most of all that the country has to offer, including sightseeing and skiing. The climate is mostly dry between March and October, apart from the rainfall season between April and June.

November to March represents winter and can be quite cold in Andorra. However, the benefits of this season include snow-clad peaks, which look majestic and picturesque. It’s also a popular time of year for skiing, though snow can be so heavy that it becomes unmanageable.

Travel tips

• Even though there are no formal border checks, it's good practice to carry your passport with you.
• There are plenty of restaurants in Andorra la Vella to try local dishes like trinxat (a cabbage and potato dish), Andorran sausages, or escudella (a hearty stew).
• Due to the elevation, temperatures can be cooler than in Barcelona, especially in the evenings. Even in summer, it's a good idea to bring an extra layer or jacket.
• If you're interested in the cultural aspect, consider visiting the National Automobile Museum or the Perfume Museum.