Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Barcelona
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Barcelona
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Barcelona
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Barcelona
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Barcelona is a vibrant city known for its unique architecture, stunning beaches, and lively culture. While public transport is efficient, renting a car offers the freedom to explore beyond the city center and discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit beautiful coastal towns like Sitges or explore the Montserrat mountains, all within a comfortable drive from Barcelona.
Visit Attractions at Your Own Pace. From Park Güell to the Sagrada Família, having a car allows you to visit popular attractions without being tied to public transport schedules or crowded tour buses.
Convenience for Families. If you're traveling with family or carrying luggage, a rental car provides the comfort and convenience of door-to-door transportation.
Before renting a car in Barcelona, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. These typically include age restrictions, a valid driver's license, and understanding the rental agreement's terms, including insurance and deposit policies. Be aware of potential extra fees and local driving regulations to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
101.9 square kilometers (39.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.6 million residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
Ideal for
Exploring Catalonia and nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9:30 AM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Barcelona require drivers to be at least 21 years old, but some may have higher age limits or charge extra for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for extensive travel. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup and drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9.50 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31.50 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11.50 / €10.50 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Barcelona, you need to compare prices from different rental companies, select a suitable vehicle, and review the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Booking in advance ensures better rates and availability, especially during peak seasons. Make sure you have all the necessary documents when picking up your vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best car rental deals in Barcelona.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger one for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance to secure better prices and ensure vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental.
Barcelona is a city of stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. However, driving in the city can be challenging due to traffic and narrow streets. Understanding the local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access is essential for a smooth experience.
As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a dynamic city with a rich history and modern attractions. While the city has an excellent public transportation system, renting a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding areas. However, driving within the city requires awareness of traffic congestion, limited parking, and low-emission zones.
Top Attractions to Discover
Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpiece, a must-see landmark in Barcelona.
Park Güell
A whimsical park with unique architecture and panoramic views of the city.
Gothic Quarter
The historic heart of Barcelona with narrow streets and medieval architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like BSM or Saba for secure parking in the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be expensive and time-limited.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city center and using public transport.
Gas Stations in Barcelona
Availability in the City
Gas stations are available throughout the city, but they can be less frequent in the center.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Repsol, Cepsa, and Shell.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to find nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Barcelona
Use Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for buses and the metro.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city center.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours to minimize traffic delays.
Major Bus Stations
Barcelona Nord
The main bus station for national and international routes.
Railway Stations
Barcelona Sants
The main railway station for high-speed and regional trains.
Plaça Catalunya
A major transportation hub with train and metro connections.
Airports
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
The main airport serving Barcelona and Catalonia.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Located approximately 90 kilometers from Barcelona, serving budget airlines.
Reus Airport (REU)
Located approximately 100 kilometers from Barcelona, serving mainly charter flights.
Renting a car in Barcelona requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to ensure a smooth rental experience.
You need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. EU citizens can use their EU license, while non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may charge an additional fee for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. The amount will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
A passport or other form of official identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Barcelona as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Exploring Barcelona by car was fantastic! Getting around was a breeze, and we saw so much more than expected. The Sagrada Familia was breathtaking, and the food... incredible!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Fantastic short trip! Meeting friends in Barcelona was easy with a rental car, and we saw so much.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Maya Wilson
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
Meh. Food was bland.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 03.01.2025
Busy Barcelona trip, but amazing! So convenient having a car for quick meetings and exploring afterward.
Benjamin Lee
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Barcelona was wonderful! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy and relaxing.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 26.10.2024
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Barcelona lived up to the hype! So much to see, though the crowds at Park Güell were a bit overwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 21.09.2024