Andorra is a landlocked gem of a country, high in the Pyrenees, sandwiched between France and Spain. At 468 sq. kilometres, it is one of six European Microstates. I travelled with Direct Bus from Barcelona to Andorra.
Time is precious. I want to spend more time in new countries instead of doing revisits. Barcelona was just another stop, but a great one, still with perfect weather. Here I am backpacking the Arc de Triompf in Barcelona:
I had backpacked Barcelona in 2007 and 2012 before the Nomadic Backpacker blog even existed.
I had wanted to stay a few more days, but the cost of accommodation has gone crazy. You can still find ok deals in the week (OK deals mean less than 20€ a night), but like London, Glasgow, Milan, Friday and Saturday nights are impossible. Dorm rooms cost 50€ upwards. Insane. Andorra, on the other hand, charges 15€ a night in the week, and just 17€ at the weekend. paid just 88 quid for 6 nights.
Does Andorra have an airport?
There is no airport in Andorra.
Can you get to Andorra by train?
There is no rail network in Andorra. The Gare d’Andorre-L’Hospitalet is your nearest station, and it’s in France. Then you’ll have to find a way to get from there to the El Pas de la Casa.
There are buses from Toulouse, France, as well.
So in between eating breakfast and checking emails, I multitasked. I booked a seat on the Andorra Direct Bus, which currently runs 8 services a day in each direction from Barcelona Sants, which is very convenient as it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Albergue Pere Tarrés.
After a long breakfast and a relaxed checkout, I had time to catch up on some writing. Too many places and things to do and see means the backlog is building up. I am hoping for a day of crappy weather so I won’t have to feel guilty for sitting in front of my laptop playing catch-up.
At the Barcelona Sants Bus Station, you need to check in. You need your ID and get your boarding pass. Just like flying:
The Direct Bus from Barcelona to Andorra starts at the Aeroport BCN and serves terminals 1 and 2, so it is a great option for those not wanting to spend any time in Barcelona.
Direct bus timetable posted at the Barcelona Sants bus station:
The bus was comfortable. Super fast Wi-Fi for those needing it. I sent emails to myself with 12 images attached for use on my blog later. I organise the photos on my phone, send them by email and download them on my laptop, before uploading them later. This works a treat. The emails were sent in about 5 seconds. Incredible for bus Wi-Fi.
Then I just switched off and enjoyed the ride.
Snatched photos from the bus as Spain passed by and then some Andorra signs:
Crossing into Andorra:
There are no formalities here, although the bus did stop at the aduana:
How long does it take to get from Barcelona to Andorra?
My journey from the Barcelona Sants Bus Station to Andorra la Vella took 2 hours 50.
I had booked at the Alberg Els Andes, which is in neighbouring Escaldes-Engordany, a few kilometres away.
But first I needed food. I snuck into a local place L’AIGÜETA.
I took the Menu del Día. 3 courses for 14€ including a beer. The menu was all in Catalan which is of course the official language here:
Amanida Caprese amb Salsa de Pesto:
Filet de Llobarro amb Verdures (Sea Bass):
Macedònia de Fruita Natural:
