Barcelona car hire information
| Pick-up location | Barcelona |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Compact estate car, Economy, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Mini, Passenger van |
| Hire locations | 157 |
| Airport locations | 32 |
| Popular agencies | Record Go, Thrifty, Avis, Centauro, Budget |
Cheap car hire in Barcelona
| Economy | R151/day |
| Compact | R162/day |
| Intermediate | R447/day |
| Mini | R141/day |
| Passenger van | R1 455/day |
| Compact SUV | R156/day |
| Intermediate SUV | R380/day |
| Compact estate car | R630/day |
Top tips for hiring a car in Barcelona
- Looking to rent a car on your trip to Barcelona? The quickest and best way to see the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is by car, rather than taking the city‘s complicated underground Metro. Barcelona is well connected with a good road network and highway that leads directly into the city, so you can access all the main attractions. In the very heart of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral has ample parking nearby, as does the Olympic Stadium, where there is plenty of free parking on the streets. Plus Telefonica tower, Botanic gardens, Palau Sant Jordi, and Fundacio Joan Miro are all in the area.
- Barcelona has one main airport which is about 15 km outside of the city center. If you’re landing in Barcelona-El Prat Airport, you’ll find that the best car hire companies are based onsite at Terminal 1 on the ground floor near baggage claim, and at Terminal 2 at the main exit hall and near the customs offices. There are also some car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services to off-site locations.
- It’s important to remember that, while you’re enjoying the cityscape from the comfort of your hire car, city center driving is pretty intense. The changeable roadway system is packed with one-way streets and narrow alleys, so take care when navigating and maybe invest in renting a GPS to aid your journey.
- When you visit Barcelona‘s city center, make sure to avoid driving during the busy rush hours of 8 am to 9:30 am and the evening rush hour between pm and 8:30 pm. At these times of day you must also watch out for the many tourists and pedestrians spilling onto the roads, as well as the bikes and motorbikes that take up part of the roads. You should particularly avoid driving down the narrow one-way roads that are either side of the central Ramblas Boulevard, the city’s busiest street.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in Barcelona for R244 or less
- Book your car hire in Barcelona at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport car hire locations in Barcelona are around 72% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Standard car hire in Barcelona are around 75% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Barcelona
What type of car is recommended for driving in Barcelona?
Because Barcelona is a myriad of narrow one-way roads, a compact hire car is most suitable for your visit of the city. If you are traveling in a small group then either a mini or economy sized car is ideal to fit you and your luggage in the trunk. This also makes it easier to park on the streets or negotiate the busy parking lots.
What’s the speed limit in Barcelona?
Before you begin driving around Barcelona, it’s important to know the different speed limits on the roads; in town the limit is 31 mph, while expressway speed limits are a maximum of 75 mph. If you plan to leave the city, rural area speed limits are 60 mph. As a tourist, take extra care to adhere to these speed limits are they are heavily enforced, so if you exceed the limit even by 3 mph you may incur a steep fine.
Where are the best places to park in Barcelona?
You’ll be pleased to know that Barcelona has lots of parking lots, with the majority located in the city center. The Ensanche district offers the most options for parking and is very central. You should plan to pay between $2.00 and $4.00 per hour for a parking space and around $28.00 for a whole day. Street parking is also available, so check out the blue zones and green areas where you can park for up to 4 hours.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Barcelona?
On average a car hire in Barcelona costs R474 per day.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Barcelona?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Record Go (R141/day), Centauro (R393/day) and Thrifty (R553/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Record Go Carretera De Valencia Km 403 null (13 kilometres from the city centre).
How much is the price of fuel in Barcelona?
The average price of fuel in Barcelona is R133,52 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R1 602 and R2 136, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Barcelona?
Standard (Class Convertible or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Barcelona.
How can I find car hires near me in Barcelona?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Barcelona?
A Standard car hire in Barcelona costs R173 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Barcelona?
An Intermediate car hire in Barcelona costs R318 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Barcelona?
A Mini car hire in Barcelona costs R413 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, cars are most frequently hired at Record Go Carretera De Valencia Km 403 (13 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Barcelona?
On average a car hire in Barcelona costs R3 315 per week (R474 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Barcelona?
On average a car hire in Barcelona costs R14 206 per month (R474 per day).
Barcelona car rental reviews and directory
Dollar
7,6
Good
38 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.4
Value for money
7.6
6 locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
6,4 Okay
Sep 2019
Pros:
pick up ok, drop off okCons:
Spent two days trying to process a simple reservation extension and change of drop off location. Got shuffled from US Headquarters to Spanish reservation desk to local offices. Many calls, many attempts, and they could not figure it out. Promised to call back, nothing. At the end we did not manage.4,0 Mediocre
Sep 2019
Pros:
Counter attention very bad5,6 Fair
Sep 2018
Pros:
Once inside everything went wellCons:
Whoever put up the sign for return should be given a reality check. there was a sign but it was on a one way street and was facing the wrong direction. It could only been seen by driving by the entrance and then looking backwards to see it, not something that many people would do. We drove around the block (not easy to do) three times and until my wife got out and circled the block did she see the sign and direct me in. Place the sign so that you can see it while driving by.10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2018
Pros:
fast and comprehensive proceduresCons:
the car was so-so4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2017
Pros:
The car was actually ok.Cons:
I had to wait more than 60 min- to get the car and consequently missed my golf appointment. They did not tell me where to drop the car off. I went to the office but they directed me to the garage where i picked ud the car. They could have told that in advance. Then i HATE, HATE, HATE renting cars online and purchasing some assurance at the same time, but then at the counter I am being told that I have zero insurance and do I want to take that risk? I could potentially go banckrupt if anything happens with the car. Do you know how the locals drive.?? That is the biggest problem when one company is responsible for the sale and another for delivering the car. It is not servie it is pestering the customer. Stop doing it. Try to be rental companies and not insurance companies and change the f.... busines model. It is sick. !!!5,2 Fair
Jul 2017
Cons:
They should warn you that you should carry and international license for SpainHertz
5,8
Fair
51 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.0
4 locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Oct 2022
3,6 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
Car broke down and took them one and half days for the problem to be resolved leaving my wife, two little kids and myself stranded in a 200 people town for two days and unable to enjoy the ski trip that we had booked and paid.8,0 Very Good
Sep 2019
Pros:
It was easy,didn’t have any problemsCons:
I don’t know8,0 Very Good
Sep 2019
Pros:
Car drove well.Cons:
The insurance buying and verification process was confusing. They pressured me to buy more despite having purchased the Allianz coverage through Kayak.9,6 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
Very friendly staff and drop off was so easy.8,0 Very Good
Jul 2019
Pros:
Everything was without hassle.Cons:
Policy on gas is not the best, they will charge you fee if you don't bring it back full plus the cost of the Gas at a premium.Quadis Rent A Car
10,0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Barcelona
Alamo
9,3
Wonderful
2 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
9.3
2 locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
Sixt
7,5
Good
26 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.1
9 locations in Barcelona
Locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff took time to explain electric car. Easy drop off.6,4 Okay
Jun 2019
Pros:
They charged me extra day without notifyingCons:
ELIMINATE FRAUD2,0 Poor
Mar 2019
Pros:
The Staff was not friendly was late for 30 minutes because he went to eat & tried to Fool me to get an expensive car without insurance instead of Smart that was initially of agreement. The only good guy was the parking Guy. Initially I had booked a 4 doors car, then a smart and then a BMWCons:
They Could not be late root and good inform me before I go there that there is no car as the one agreed! Worst experience ever!7,2 Good
Jun 2018
Cons:
Still not clear on damage check as not any inspection at timeEuropcar
7,3
Good
3 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
7.3
7 locations in Barcelona
Locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
1,9 Poor
Aug 2021
Firefly
7,3
Good
1 reviewCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
One location in Barcelona
Budget
7,2
Good
23 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
7.5
4 locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
8,0 Very Good
Apr 2023
4,0 Mediocre
Apr 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2022
2,0 Poor
Aug 2022
2,0 Poor
Jul 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7,1
Good
19 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.6
5 locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
9,2 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
Friendly and accurate support. I receive a brand new car in my class(with 40km only)Cons:
It was difficult to return a car as all roads around were closed due to reconstruction. I would expect customer service to tell it upfront and explicitly say that I have to drive in against traffic.9,2 Wonderful
Feb 2016
Pros:
Easy process. Helpful staff10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2023
2,0 Poor
Apr 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2022
Avis
6,9
Okay
26 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.5
4 locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
yesCons:
all was good10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2019
Cons:
Great experience renting Avis through Kayak. Cheaper than direct, as was the insurance they suggested. Pick up/drop off at Barcelona airport was far less stressful than I imagined.10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
Very easy drop-off.Cons:
No problems at all.4,8 Mediocre
Sep 2019
Cons:
Pickup customer service was deplorable. 2 hours with 4 people in front of us with a reservation.7,2 Good
Aug 2019
Cons:
We had to wait in line for 1.5 hours to get our car. Totally unacceptable and an amazingly inefficient system. The staff spent more time trying to upsell people on insurance, better cars etc instead of managing the crowd.4,4 Mediocre
Aug 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
It took 2 hours to pickup the car. There was only 4 people ahead of us in line. Super slow process to check in and get the car. The car they gave me didn’t seem to be in the luxury class I ordered. I will not rent here again.National
6,0
Okay
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.0
3 locations in Barcelona
Leasys Rent
6,0
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Jul 2022
3 locations in Barcelona
Locations in Barcelona
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Apr 2023
2,0 Poor
Apr 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
6 locations in Barcelona
Locations in Barcelona
Av.de Les Garrigues 1-3
+34 933 78 87 64
Calle Tirso De Molinsa, 25
+34 937 82 31 42
Calle Viriato Num 45
+34 934 19 61 56
Diagonal 622
+34 934 10 10 34