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Car rental in Barcelona - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Barcelona

Barcelona

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Barcelona

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Barcelona

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Barcelona

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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

Why Rent a Car in Barcelona?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Barcelona

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.

Car Rental Prices in Barcelona – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Barcelona?

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.

General Information About Barcelona

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Barcelona

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Barcelona?

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.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Barcelona as

4.4

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.

Barcelona lived up to the hype! So much to see, though the crowds at Park Güell were a bit overwhelming.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 21.09.2024

Pretty chill, really.

CD

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!

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 11.02.2025

Fantastic short trip! Meeting friends in Barcelona was easy with a rental car, and we saw so much.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 02.08.2025

Pretty relaxed, really.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 13.12.2024

Pretty good, actually.

MW

Maya Wilson

Reviewed: 02.11.2024

Meh. Food was bland.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 03.01.2025

Busy Barcelona trip, but amazing! So convenient having a car for quick meetings and exploring afterward.

BL

Benjamin Lee

Reviewed: 20.07.2025

Barcelona was wonderful! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy and relaxing.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 26.10.2024

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