Self-Drive Car Rental in Barcelona, Spain

Compare car hire from trusted providers

Book car hire with confidence

Save big on car hire in Barcelona

Find a cheap car hire deal

Search for Barcelona car hire near you

Choose from 111 pick-up spots

Select your Barcelona pick-up location

There are 111 car hire providers in Barcelona. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Barcelona: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A licence, passport and credit card are essential.
To rent a car in Barcelona, you’ll need a valid driving licence, passport and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your licence is not in English or EU-issued.
Navigating city driving
Well-signposted but often congested.
Driving in Barcelona involves wide boulevards, strict lane rules, and heavy traffic. Navigation apps are useful to avoid low-emission zones and get real-time route updates.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Low-emission zones apply in most of the city.
Barcelona has a ZBE (Low Emission Zone) that restricts older vehicles. Toll roads in Barcelona are also common on longer routes. Check if your hire car qualifies and pay online or through the rental firm.
Parking your car in Barcelona
Parking spaces are limited and time-restricted in most places.
Parking in Barcelona is colour-coded — blue zones are paid, green zones are for residents. Street spaces fill up quickly, especially near the centre. Multi-storey car parks and hotel options are often more reliable.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find — EV charging is improving.
Petrol stations are common across Barcelona. EV charging stations Barcelona are increasing, with apps like Electromaps or PlugShare helping you locate and access chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Driving is busy but manageable with care.
Motorbikes and mopeds often move between lanes in busy areas. Keep an eye out in slower traffic, follow the speed limit, and expect extra activity near crossings and busier junctions.
Find Barcelona car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Barcelona

Hiring a car in Barcelona: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDrivalia
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily price₹ 11,434
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Barcelona

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Barcelona car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Barcelona

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Barcelona for an average of ₹ 11,434 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.

  • ₹ 1,009 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Barcelona.

  • Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from ₹ 4,359 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 rental. 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 rentals 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 ₹ 7,661 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around ₹ 8,849, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly ₹ 5,343 a day with this supplier.

  • The Compact rental 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 car in Spain is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always read your rental company's policy to know where you stand.

  • Add a car seat to your Barcelona car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.

  • You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Spain.

  • Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 20kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.

  • In Spain, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.

  • One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 9am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.

  • The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.

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.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Barcelona will set you back around ₹ 11,434 per day or ₹ 48,215 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Barcelona is a compact crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Barcelona are currently NIZACARS and Record go.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Barcelona is currently June.
On average, around ₹ 48,215. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Barcelona is ₹ 4,363.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Barcelona for a whole month is ₹ 197,719. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Barcelona, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Barcelona that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Barcelona.
Most places – Barcelona included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ₹ 1,220 per day. The average price per day is around ₹ 8,424.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Drivalia, Record go and NIZACARS offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Barcelona.