Car Rental in Girona

Where to drive

• Drive to the Costa Brava: The charming coastal town of Begur is only about 50 km (≈30 miles) away, taking approximately 45 minutes, offering beautiful beaches and a medieval castle.
• Explore the Pyrenees foothills: Visit Besalú, a stunning medieval village with a famous Romanesque bridge, approximately 30 km (≈19 miles) north, a 25-minute drive.
• Day trip to Figueres: Home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, Figueres is about 40 km (≈25 miles) north of Girona, roughly a 30-minute drive.
• Discover volcanic landscapes: La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, near Olot, is about 50 km (≈30 miles) west, taking around 45 minutes to reach, perfect for hiking and exploring dormant volcanoes.
• Visit the historic city of Vic: Head southwest for about 70 km (≈43 miles), a drive of approximately 1 hour, to experience its impressive Plaça Major and Roman temple.
• Coastal drive to Cadaqués: A picturesque fishing village and a favorite spot of Salvador Dalí, located about 75 km (≈47 miles) northeast, roughly a 1 hour 15 minute drive through winding roads.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you'll generally need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet or does not include a photo, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required by law. The minimum age to rent is typically 21, though some companies may charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25. Most rental agencies also require drivers to have held their license for at least one year.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Girona vary significantly by season and vehicle type. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 60-100+ EUR daily. Expect prices to surge during the peak summer months (July-August) and around major holidays, sometimes doubling or tripling for all categories. The lowest daily price can occasionally be found from 0 EUR during special promotions or off-peak periods, though this is rare.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on national roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 mg/ml in blood (0.25 mg/l in breath), but it's 0.3 mg/ml (0.15 mg/l) for new drivers (less than 2 years experience). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm (≈4 feet 5 inches) must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.

Parking

Parking in Girona city center can be challenging. Blue zones (zona blava) are paid street parking, typically requiring payment at a meter for a limited time, usually 1-2 hours. Green zones (zona verda) are often for residents or have different time restrictions. There are several underground parking garages (e.g., Saba Estació, Plaça de la Independència) which are usually the most convenient option for visitors, though they come with hourly fees. Free parking can be found further from the city center, but requires a walk or public transport to reach the main attractions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Girona and the surrounding region. Most stations offer both petrol (gasolina, 95 or 98 octane) and diesel (gasóleo). LPG (Autogas) is less common but can be found. Fuel prices are generally comparable to the European average, though they fluctuate. Payment is usually accepted by credit/debit card and cash. Many stations are self-service, especially outside of regular business hours.

Which car to choose

For exploring Girona's historic center and navigating smaller towns, an economy or compact car is ideal due to narrow streets and limited parking. If you plan extensive trips to the Pyrenees or prefer more comfort for longer distances on the Costa Brava, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be more suitable. Automatic transmission cars are available but less common than manuals; if you prefer an automatic, it's best to book well in advance. For mountain roads, a car with decent engine power is recommended.

Frequently asked questions