Parking in Barcelona: my tips for parking [2025]

Barcelona is a big city and getting around is extremely easy by public transport.

Visit metro is very well thought out and the bus roam the city in all directions, day and night.

However, taking your car has many advantages...

If you have a full schedule or would like to visit the surrounding area and get some fresh air from the big city...

What to see in Barcelona by car

That's right, less than an hour from Barcelona, you'll find a wealth of wonders...

In particular the city of Sitges with its magnificent beaches...

Or Tossa Del Mar further north...

I also recommend smaller towns like Vic or Figueres...

The car is also a much more economical option. to the beautiful mountain of Montserrat.

Or to visit Cava bodegas in the heart of Catalonia.

If, on the other hand, you don't really want to stray far from the city center, I'd advise you not to bother with a car because... Parking is easy, but it costs money!

Where to rent a car?

Directly from the airportIt's easy to rent and saves you the costly journey from cab if your plane takes off or lands in the middle of the night...

Several companies operate from the airport, including Sixth, Avis, Europcar...

And renting by the day can be very economical!

To be seen with the price of parking, which can rise very quickly...

What about traffic in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a large city with a population of one and a half million.

However, traffic is well organized.

Major thoroughfares connect to the city center, and the Eixample quadrilateral with its wide avenues means that streets are one-way.

As a result, traffic is quite fluid...

But beware of the large number of motorcycles and scooters that move very quickly along the lanes. And yes, this mode of transport is very popular in Barcelona. and you'll soon understand why...

Private parking lots in downtown Barcelona

Private parking lots are available throughout the city center.

The famous blue sign with the capital P can be seen all over town.

The parking lots are well-distributed, easily recognizable and accessible.

However, the big problem is sometimes the price...

This is often indicated per minute. And if you do your sums, it can easily cost you up to 30 euros a day.

And sometimes, this price is only for the night...

In short, leaving your car in a parking lot for a few days can really cost you a small fortune if you don't do your homework beforehand!

A good deal at the best price?

Where can I park in Barcelona?

In the city, it is possible to park on the streets by paying a few euros in parking meters.

There's a lot of surveillance, and watch out for fines!

The parking spaces are identified by their green and blue lines painted on the floor.

During the day, spaces are relatively available when they are not reserved for local residents. By 8pm, most spaces are reserved for local residents.

Free parking at Montjuic and Horta

Today's urban policy is to keep cars out of the city center.

As a result, of parking lots are free on the outskirts of town.

The closest option to the center is to park on the hill of Montjuic.

Otherwise, the Zona Universitaria or in the Horta district are also equipped with free parking facilities.

The problem of vandalism and theft...

But be careful, theft and vandalism are unfortunately commonplace...

Especially when it comes to foreign plates.

Be careful not to leave anything of value in your car.

Another possibility is to go to or book a hotel with parking!

The right plan: Parclick!

Parclick gives you real-time parking information for your vehicle.

It also allows you to book in advance.

An option that can save you a lot of money.

So it's best to plan ahead, and reserve a parking space in Barcelona before you arrive. To do this, I recommend you use Parclick websiteThis is a network of more than 30 parking lots in most of Barcelona's districts at very affordable rates.

It's a real time-saver and a real relief, so you don't have to stress out during your stay.

Out-of-town parking: an option

Next to Barcelona is theHospitalet de Llobregat and you can pay by the week to leave your car.

This would give you peace of mind for your stay...

I therefore offer you these different parking lots at a lower cost:

• Parking BSM Plaça de Forum (€9.95/day)
• Parking BSM Marques de Mulhacen (€9.95/day)

Watch out for fines and impoundment!

Fines for poor parking are usually around 50 euros.

The pound will cost you between 150 and 190 euros, depending on the number of days.

A fluorescent triangle will have been left with your registration number and the address to pick up your car.