Rent a car in Barcelona: everything you need to know

Rent a car in Barcelona can be an interesting way of getting around the city.

In fact, there are many places to visit outside the walls of the Catalan capital.

If you don't want to take public transport, this article is for you.

Rent a car in Barcelona: article summary

How to rent a car in Barcelona

Many travelers are familiar with Barcelona's extensive public transport system. However, driving a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore the city's surroundings. Renting a car in Barcelona gives you the pleasant freedom to compose your own itinerary and follow it at your own pace. Most roads are very well maintained and serve every corner of the country.

What do you need to rent a car in Barcelona?

When you rent a car in Barcelona, you will need to bring the following documents with you:

• Your driver's license from your home country
• Your identity document (passport)
• Credit card in your name

The legal driving age in Barcelona is 18. However, to rent a car, most rental companies require you to be at least 21. Some may also require you to have had your license for at least one year.

Please note that most car rental agencies in Barcelona charge additional fees if you are under 25.

Car rental insurance in Barcelona

When renting a car in Barcelona, you'll need unlimited liability insurance. With most companies, this is usually included in the price of your car rental and will take the form of a deductible hold on your credit card.

Be sure to check whether your credit card can cover the cost of this deposit before renting a car. Additional insurance such as collision damage waiver or theft coverage is recommended, but not mandatory.

When you decide to add extra coverage, try to do so during

your initial booking, because prices are better when the vehicle is reserved.

Is it easy to drive in Barcelona?

Before renting a car in Barcelona, it's a good idea to be aware of certain rules and customs on the road.

Road conditions and speed limits

Barcelona's roads and freeways are in excellent condition and generally free of traffic, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding area.

On freeways, known as autopistas and autovías, the speed limit is 120 km/h. Autopistas, indicated by the letters AP, are often toll roads, while Autovías (A) are free highways running parallel to the Autopistas.

It's important to always bear in mind the speed limit when driving in Barcelona, as the roads are monitored by the National Guard and the police. When driving on the main roads, the speed limit varies from 80 km/h to 90 and sometimes 100 km/h. In urban environments, is either 50 or 70 km/h. Try to pay attention to road signs and respect the posted speed limit.

What to do before renting your vehicle

There are several things you need to do before renting a car in Barcelona. There are a number of things you need to do before you start renting a car in Barcelona.

Test drive and check the car

When you pick up your rental car in Barcelona, be sure to take it for a test drive and check that everything looks in good condition. If you're traveling in winter and heading for mountainous regions, check if there are snow tires on the car or snow chains in the trunk.

You will be asked to sign a document called the departure form. If your rental car has scratches or other types of damage, which is not uncommon in Barcelona, check to see if they are listed on the form.

If this is not the case, be sure to point them out to the employee and have them noted before signing the departure form. This form will also indicate the mileage and fuel level of the car at the time of pick-up.

If you want to be sure that everything is recorded, take photos or videos too.

Choose a smaller rental car

Unless you need a lot of space or plan to drive in the mountains, it's best to opt for a small car when renting a vehicle in Barcelona. Indeed, many streets are narrow, parking spaces are often small and petrol is relatively expensive. Therefore, if the rental agency suggests you upgrade to a larger car, it's best to decline.

What makes Spain's urban areas so charming is that most of them are hundreds of years old. Similar to neighboring Portugal and France, Spain's history is still very much alive. This means you'll find many narrow cobbled roads in towns and villages.

For navigation, I recommend you make sure you have an up-to-date navigation system and try to follow the road signs.

Watch your parking

Parking in Spanish urban areas can be difficult, especially in the historic center. Le paid parking in the street can be identified by blue lines on the sidewalk. You'll need to buy your ticket from a nearby machine.

Residents' parking spaces are marked in green or have a black sign with the letter "P" on it. Street parking is generally free on public holidays, Sundays and after 7 p.m. in urban areas. Be sure to check to avoid a fine.

How much does a car rental in Barcelona cost?

Car rentals are generally reasonably priced in Barcelona. The price depends on the time of year, the length of your trip and the type of car you want. During the summer months, there's always an increased demand for car rentals, which drives up prices.

If you visit in other seasons, even in winterPrices are considerably lower. The length of your rental period also influences the total price. Renting a car for a longer period generally lowers the daily price.

Now you know how to rent a car in Barcelona. During your stay, if you want to escape the city for a while, I advise you to take a vehicle and enjoy the freedom it gives you.