How to find a cheap car hire deal in Barcelona
Pick up a cheap rental car in Barcelona for an average of $402 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, so you can easily compare prices and book.
$15 is the cheapest daily price offered for a home in Barcelona.
Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly home from $103 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Barcelona car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
Record Go, Nizacars Rent A Car and Goldcar are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
The coverage Record Go or another company offers for your Barcelona car hire can differ, so always go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Barcelona.
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for homes with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $68 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $96, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $64 a day with this supplier.
The Compact home category is a reliable option if you're not sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's rented the most in Barcelona.
Flying to Barcelona? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Barcelona Airport. If you're flying to Barcelona through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 13 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Barcelona
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Barcelona car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Barcelona that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Barcelona car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Barcelona.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Spain is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so check your home company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
Add a car seat to your Barcelona car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's license (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in Spain, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 20kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Spain. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 9am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Barcelona for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Barcelona Olympic Apartment. About 2 kilometres from central Barcelona, it comes with parking, a golf course and an airport shuttle.
Or take advantage of the parking at Sercotel Barcelona El Prat. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this option, which also features tour services and a lobby bar.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Barcelona and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Barcelona and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get started with top attractions like Sagrada Familia, Museum of the Church of the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Barcelona
Travel 48 kilometres southwest of central Barcelona to Cunit, known for sights like Playa de Cunit.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Cunit include Hotel Canada Palace and 4R Miramar Calafell.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Barcelona and then take off to Castellet. Roughly 48 kilometres west of Barcelona, Mirador de Castellet and Observatori d'aus del pantà del Foix are top attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Castellet has some great places to stay including Hotel Basic and Hotel Canada Palace. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Want to head even further out? Santa Eulària des Riu is a popular road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres south of Barcelona. Make a few pit stops at Passeig de s'Alamera and Museo de Etnografia.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza Santa Eulalia and Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel - Small Luxury Hotel of the World have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Santa Eulària des Riu.
