Car Rental at Barcelona Airport (2024)

FAQs

What car rental companies are in Barcelona airport? ›

Barcelona is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and well worth a visit. While the public transportation system is pretty good, it can be helpful to have a car to save time in getting around to some of the more popular tourist sights located outside of the main downtown corridor.

Fees for renting at the airport

“The rental car companies are just going to pass on those costs to the traveler,” said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. In fact, a NerdWallet analysis in 2022 found that it's about 26% more expensive to rent a car at the airport compared to renting from a nearby location.

Because many people choose to rent a car from the airport, there might be long lines and wait times at the rental counter. This can be especially frustrating if you are in a hurry or have a flight to catch. Airport car rental can also be more expensive than other rental locations.

If you want to drive a car in Spain, you'll have to obtain an international driving permit (IDP) prior to your arrival. As it has no value on its own, you also need to bring your valid US driver's license with you.

However it is important to note that there is a minimum charge of €20 on taxis from the airport and this amount must be paid regardless if you're going 1 km or 15 km. Typically a fare from the airport to the city center is running anywhere from €30 – €35.

Good to know when renting in Barcelona

You must have a valid driver's license along with an ID or passport to rent a car from SIXT in Spain. Non-EU renters must also present an international driving permit.

Third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement when you're hiring a car in Spain.

Is it hard driving in Barcelona? ›

Barcelona can be hectic most of the time, there are a lot of one-way streets, traffic moves quickly, and street parking can be a problem. Having a car in the city is not highly recommended. You can do the loop around the city, drop the car off and should be at your hotel in 30 minutes or less.

All drivers must produce a valid driver's license. Non-EU license holders require an international driving permit. All the drivers' names must be entered on the rental agreement. Often you will need a credit card with the same name that is on the rental contract, to hold the deposit for the car in case of damages.

Most airports charge rental car companies to operate on their site. Fees vary by airport, but they are often intended to cover costs that the airport fronts, such as shuttle, cleaning and security services. Sometimes, airports simply say this fee covers the right to do business.

It is usually less expensive to rent a car anywhere other than at the airport. That's because of the high fees airports charge the rental companies. Better to identify rental locations off-site before your trip, and reserve a car there, even with the cost of a cab or Uber to get there.

There is a drop-off surcharge, which is a penalty that is charged by some companies simply for dropping off the vehicle in a different location than the one you rented it at. In addition, the base rate for the rental vehicle is generally higher for one-way van rentals or car rentals than it is for round trips.

However, note that Avis, Budget and Hertz offer car rental locations in more countries. So, these brands might be the best option depending on where you're traveling. The major car rental company groups each have an expansive global reach.

Seasonal Demand: Rental prices can vary depending on the time of year and the level of demand for rental cars. Prices tend to be higher during peak tourist seasons and holidays.