Getting to Sitges

Getting to Sitges isn't necessarily difficult, but figuring it out for the first time can be — especially when you've just landed after a long journey with your luggage beside you.

Barcelona Airport is big, with plenty of signs, different transport options and different places to go depending on how you're travelling. When you don't already know where you're headed, it's easy to waste time simply trying to find the right place to start your journey.

That's why my main advice is simple: decide how you're getting to Sitges before you arrive.

You don't want to land, pick up your bags and only then start figuring out where you're supposed to go. A little planning beforehand can make your arrival much easier.

MY TAKE

Don't wait until you're at the airport to decide how you're getting to Sitges.

Know your option before you arrive.

You'll save yourself time when all you really want to do is get there.

— Rodrigo Parra

Train or transfer?

Both can make sense. The better question is:

Which one makes sense for this trip?

For me, luggage makes a big difference. If I'm travelling light, or already know my way around, the train can be a perfectly reasonable option.

With a large suitcase, I'd think differently. The train can get crowded, particularly at busy times and on weekends. Managing a large suitcase on a crowded train isn't how I'd choose to start Bear Week.

And remember: arriving at Sitges station isn't necessarily the end of your journey.

You may still have to walk from the station to your accommodation — with your luggage.

My first trip by train to Sitges

The first time I travelled to Sitges, I came from Barcelona by train. We had large suitcases.

The train was crowded. It wasn't a great combination. The train itself wasn't the problem. The combination of luggage, crowds and having to manage the rest of the journey was.

That's why I wouldn't simply tell everyone: “Take the train.”

And I wouldn't tell everyone: “Book a transfer.”

I'd ask: How are you travelling?

So, what should you choose?

Neither option is automatically right or wrong. It depends on how you're travelling.

TRAIN

TRANSFER

Worth considering if:
you're carrying large luggage;
you're arriving tired;
you value door-to-door convenience;
you don't want to navigate the journey after landing;
weather may make walking with luggage inconvenient;
you're comfortable paying more for convenience.

Worth considering if:
you're travelling relatively light;
you're comfortable navigating the journey;
you already know Barcelona or Sitges;
keeping transportation costs down matters more than door-to-door convenience.

Neither option is automatically right or wrong.

The point is to choose before you arrive.

Know how you're getting there?

Once you've decided what kind of journey works for you, the next step is choosing the actual option.