How to find a cheap car hire deal in Barcelona
Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Barcelona. Choose from options averaging $106 a day and travel your way for less.
$4 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Barcelona.
Staying a while and want to go further than the usual stops? $19 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your clue on when to book. Four weeks in advance gives you better odds at securing the best price on a Barcelona car hire.
Check out the offers available with Record Go, Nizacars Rent A Car and Goldcar. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Barcelona car hire policy, whether you book with Record Go or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Barcelona.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $72 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around $30.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $108 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a solid choice if you can't decide what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Barcelona.
Flying to Barcelona? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. If you're flying to Barcelona through this airport, simply collect 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: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Barcelona makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra 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 take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Barcelona effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're tough, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Barcelona car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Barcelona by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in Spain. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Travelling with kids? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Barcelona car hire booking.
Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in Spain.
Stay within local speed limits of about 20kph in urban 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 high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 9am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay by card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Spanish is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Barcelona for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at Melia Barcelona Sarriá. About 2 kilometres from central Barcelona, it comes with parking, express check-in and shuttle services.
Hotel Coronado also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features parking, plus room service and a ticket office. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Barcelona and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. 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 on-site charging.
Once you've found 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 such as Sagrada Familia, Vinalium Sagrada Familia and Placa de la Sagrada Familia.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Barcelona
Buckle up and make tracks to Cunit. Around 48 kilometres southwest of central Barcelona, you'll find must-see sights like Platja Valparaiso and Camping Mar De Cunit.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Cunit include Hotel Canada Palace and 4R Miramar Calafell.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Barcelona and then set out for Castellet. Roughly 48 kilometres west of Barcelona, Mirador de Castellet and Observatori d'aus del pantà del Foix are big attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Relax after a day of exploring Castellet at Hotel Canada Palace or 4R Miramar Calafell. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Want to head even further out? Santa Eulària des Riu is a popular road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres south of Barcelona. Consider making a few pit stops at Recreativo Park and Passeig de s'Alamera.
The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza Santa Eulalia and Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel - Small Luxury Hotel of the World have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Santa Eulària des Riu.
