Car Rental in Barcelona
El Prat • City Centre • Costa Brava • Montserrat • Catalonia
Why rent with Elynor Tours in Barcelona?
Attractive prices
From €20/day. We compare all Spanish and international rental companies
All Pick-up Points
El Prat airport, city centre, port, Sagrada Familia, neighbourhoods
Catalonia Expert
Advice on restricted zones, toll roads, Costa Brava, Catalan routes
Pick-up points in Barcelona
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
- • Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2)
- • Rental desks in arrivals halls
- • 15 km from the city centre (20-30 min)
- • Easy motorway access C-31/C-32
- • Open 24/7 depending on company
Tip: The airport is ideal for heading straight to the Costa Brava or Tarragona.
City Centre & Neighbourhoods
Eixample / Sagrada Família
Central neighbourhood, agencies available
Sants (Station)
Main station, rental companies present
Port / Barceloneta
Beach, seafront
Plaça Catalunya
City hub, La Rambla
Excursions from Barcelona
• Costa Brava: Tossa, Lloret, Cadaqués (80-150 km, 1-2 h)
• Montserrat: spectacular mountain monastery (60 km, 1 h)
• Sitges: chic beach resort (40 km, 40 min)
• Tarragona: UNESCO Roman ruins (100 km, 1 h)
• Girona: medieval city, Game of Thrones (100 km, 1 h 15)
• Andorra: principality, skiing, shopping (200 km, 2 h 30)
• Catalan Pyrenees: nature, hiking (150-200 km)
The Costa Brava is stunning: coves, fishing villages, Dalí in Figueres.
Restricted zones (important!)
Low Emissions Zone (ZBE — Zona de Baixes Emissions)
• Barcelona ring roads: Low emissions zone in force
• Environmental sticker: Mandatory (provided by rental company)
• Restrictions: Older vehicles banned on weekdays
• Fine: €200 for non-compliance
Check: Make sure the car has the environmental sticker (windscreen label). Recent rental vehicles generally carry the ECO or C (green/yellow) label.
Car Rental Rates in Barcelona 2025
| Category | Example | Price/day | Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | Fiat 500, Seat Ibiza | €20-30 | €120-190 |
| Economy | Seat Leon, Renault Clio | €25-40 | €160-260 |
| Compact | VW Golf, Seat Leon | €35-50 | €220-330 |
| Saloon | Seat Toledo, Skoda Octavia | €45-65 | €290-420 |
| SUV | Seat Ateca, Nissan Qashqai | €50-75 | €330-490 |
| Family 7-seat | Seat Alhambra, VW Sharan | €65-90 | €420-590 |
*Indicative all-inclusive prices with basic insurance. Fuel approx. €1.50/L. Motorway tolls apply.
Tips for driving in Barcelona
What to know before you go
- Licence: French/European licence is sufficient. International driving permit not required
- Traffic: Dense in the city centre, smoother than Paris
- Parking: Blue/green paid zones. Car parks €20-30/day
- Tolls: Paid motorways (AP-7, C-32). €5-15 depending on distance
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 90-100 on roads, 120 on motorways
Recommended uses
- Costa Brava: Beaches, coves, stunning villages
- Montserrat: A must-see, spectacular scenery
- Wine route: Penedès, Priorat (Catalan vineyards)
- Avoid: Driving in the Gothic Quarter (Gótico) — narrow streets
- Tip: Park at your hotel and use the metro to visit central Barcelona
Parking in Barcelona
On-street parking is regulated by colour-coded zones:
- • Blue zone: Paid Mon-Fri 9h-20h, Sat 9h-15h. Max 2-4 h. €2-4/h
- • Green zone: Residents have priority. Paid for visitors (max 2 h)
- • Covered car parks: €20-35/24 h. Safer and more convenient
- • Useful apps: ApparkB (official), Parclick for reservations
- • Warning: Cars towed quickly if badly parked. Fine €100-200
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Rental Barcelona
Is it worth renting a car in Barcelona?
To visit Barcelona city: not essential (excellent metro). To explore Catalonia (Costa Brava, Montserrat, Tarragona, Girona): highly recommended! A car gives you freedom and flexibility to discover the region's treasures.
What is the low-emissions zone?
Barcelona has a ZBE (Zona de Baixes Emissions) that restricts access for polluting vehicles. Recent rental cars generally carry the ECO or C (green/yellow) label that allows circulation. Check for the sticker on the windscreen when picking up the car.
Where to rent: airport or city centre?
El Prat Airport: best choice if you plan excursions (Costa Brava, etc.). More choice, often better prices. City centre: convenient if you are staying in the city and only leaving for a few days. Sants station is well served.
Is the Costa Brava worth the trip?
Absolutely! The Costa Brava is stunning: secret coves (calas), fishing villages (Cadaqués, Calella), lively towns (Lloret, Tossa). The Dalí Museum in Figueres is unmissable. Allow 1-3 days to make the most of it.
Are motorways toll roads?
Yes, autopistas (AP) are toll roads in Catalonia. Tolls of €5-15 depending on distance (e.g. Barcelona-Girona ~€10). There are free national roads but they are slower. Motorways are fast and in excellent condition.
What insurance should I choose?
Basic insurance is mandatory (included). Super CDW is recommended for peace of mind (otherwise the excess is high: €900-1,500). Check coverage with your Visa Premier/Gold card. Decline additional insurance at the counter if you are already covered.
Road trips in Southern Europe
From Barcelona, easily explore other Mediterranean destinations. Discover our top 10 European road trips with detailed itineraries and tips.
Book your car in Barcelona now
Costa Brava, Montserrat and Catalonia await you • Prices from €20/day • French service