Getting in and visas for Andorra

Due mainly to the mountainous nature of Andorra, there is only one road entering Andorra from France, and only one widely-used road entering Andorra from Spain. Almost all entry into the country happens at one of these two points.

By plane

There are no airports in Andorra - however there are daily coach services from the airports in Barcelona in Spain and Toulouse in France to Andorra. The nearest airports are: Perpignan (France) 128 km to the east, no coach connections but you can take a Yellow train to La tour de Carol and further to l'Hospitalet. Toulouse–Blagnac (France) 196 Km (121.8 miles) to the north Barcelona (Spain) 202 Km (125.5 miles) to the south (From airports to Andorra by car: 3 hours) By helicopter from the above airports, up 4 places, 35 minutes. Andorra heliport (YourAndorra.com) 2007-05-14

• An airport for Andorra has come a step closer with the announcement on Friday that the Catalan Government has bought the land at Seu d'Urgell to develop an airport, for 8 million Euros.
• Andorra will pay for the building of the airport, just ten minutes from the Andorran capital. With the opening due in 3-4 years, this will impact property prices and encourage more ski holiday visitors.

By train

There are no train lines or stations in Andorra, and none close to the Spanish border. However, the French train station of l'Hospitalet is located a few miles from the Andorran border. It is possible to catch an overnight sleeper train from Paris to l'Hospitalet, as well as many other services. There is a connecting coach service from l'Hospitalet into Andorra, calling at Pas de la Casa, Soldeu and Andorra La Vella. The nearest rail stations are:

• L'Hospitalet (France) 3 km/1.85 mls from the Andorran border. With SNCF to L’Hospitalet. From L’Hospitalet to Andorra by bus (regular service)
• Puigcerdà (Spain) 80 km/50 mls from Andorra

By car

Roads in Andorra are generally of a good quality. Entering from the Spanish side is a relatively straightforward drive; however entering from France is a more stressful affair involving many hairpin bends. Border control officers at both sides are generally fine, but be prepared for delays during busy times. However, be sure your car is in good condition, since Andorra has a very high altitude. Also beware of black ice and snow drifts as the temperature in Andorra can be much colder than at sea level. The approach from the French side passes through TUNEL D'ENVALIRA which requires a credit or debit card for payment of the fee. This amounts to winter (remainder of year)

• Cars 5,60€ (4,80€)
• Others 16,70€ (10,70€)

Winter is from 1st December to 31st Mars Car rental Avis, Hertz and Europcar:

• From December to March, is recommended to have winter tyres and/or snow chains to hand in the car.

By bus

There are many coach services operating into Andorra. From France there is a coach service from Toulouse, and one that operates via L'Hospitalet and La Tour de Carol. From Spain, coaches to Andorra can be caught from a variety of locations, such as Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Lleida and Valencia. There are at least 2 bus companies operating daily service from Barcelona airport. Eurolines goes from outside the door of Terminal B, but you must be early and quick because the driver has a habit of arriving early and driving off if no-one is there. Also you don't pay for the ticket at the airport but travel to the Barcelona Sants and have to get off to buy a ticket. Service is slow. One should also remember that you will need to show your passport here. Trip time is about 3.5 to 4 hours. The bus company Alsina Graells has eight trips a day from Barcelona. The trip takes 3.5-4 hours and costs €23 one-way and €40 round trip. Bus or shuttle services between Andorra and:

• Barcelona Airport and Barcelona, Toulouse Airport
• Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, Castellon, Zaragoza, Lleida, Tarragona.