Car Rental in Barcelona

Where to drive

• Drive to Montserrat: Just an hour's drive (around 60 km) northwest of Barcelona, visit the stunning Benedictine monastery nestled in unique rock formations.
• Explore the Costa Brava: Head north for about 1.5 to 2 hours (100-150 km) to discover charming coastal towns like Tossa de Mar, Begur, and Cadaqués with their beautiful beaches and coves.
• Visit Tarragona: Travel south for approximately an hour (around 100 km) to see the impressive Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Discover the Priorat Wine Region: A scenic drive of about 1.5 to 2 hours (120-150 km) inland will take you to this renowned wine-producing area, perfect for vineyard tours and tastings.
• Day trip to Girona: Located roughly 1.5 hours (around 100 km) northeast, Girona offers a beautifully preserved medieval old town, a Jewish Quarter, and a stunning cathedral.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you'll generally need a valid passport or national ID card, a valid driver's license from your home country, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not from an EU country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, and surcharges often apply for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Barcelona can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from 60 EUR to over 150 EUR daily. Summer months and major holidays see prices increase considerably due to high demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on conventional roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.25 mg/l in breath) for experienced drivers and 0.03% (0.15 mg/l) for new drivers (less than 2 years experience). Headlights must be used in tunnels and in conditions of poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint system appropriate for their size and weight.

Parking

Parking in Barcelona can be challenging and expensive. Street parking is often regulated by color zones: blue zones (Zona Blava) are usually paid for limited periods, and green zones (Zona Verda) are primarily for residents, with non-residents paying a higher rate for shorter periods. Underground parking garages are widely available but can be costly. Free parking is rare in the city center.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasoline and diesel) is widely available at service stations across Barcelona and throughout Spain. Prices are generally comparable to other Western European countries, and payment can be made with cash or credit/debit cards. Many stations are self-service, especially outside of major cities.

Which car to choose

For navigating Barcelona's city streets and exploring nearby towns, a compact or economy car is often ideal due to narrow roads and limited parking. If you plan extensive trips into the mountains or prefer more comfort on longer drives, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be suitable. Manual transmissions are more common, but automatics are readily available, though often at a higher price.

Frequently asked questions