$15 Cheap Rental Cars Barcelona

Is it a good idea to rent a car in Barcelona?

Barcelona has a wonderful public transportation system, with buses and subways available to help you navigate the city. However, if you want the freedom to come and go on your own schedule, or explore the coast or the countryside, then you’ll definitely want your own car. If you’ll be doing a lot of freeway driving, keep euros handy for tollbooths. Traveling from the US? You’ll be relieved to know they also drive on the right side of the road in Spain.

Pro Tip: Request an automatic if you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, as manual transmissions are standard at rental agencies. 

What documents do I need to rent a car in Spain?

You need to be over the age of 21 in order to rent a car in Spain, and have a valid driver's license, a passport, and a major credit card. If you are coming from the US, you’ll also need an International Driver's Permit, which is a translation of your license and will make it easy for Spanish-speaking authorities to confirm your identity. You can get one through AAA, but it takes a few weeks to receive it, so plan in advance. 

How do I rent a car at Barcelona Airport?

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is just 15 minutes south of the city. It has several rental agencies that allow you to rent a car in advance through Travelocity. Pick up your car as soon as you land and get your vacation off to an awesome start.