Barcelona Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Barcelona

Renting a car in Barcelona offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions like the iconic Sagrada Familia, the bustling La Rambla, and the vibrant Plaça de Catalunya, all located within the city. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families, as it allows for easy luggage management and comfortable travel with children. Additionally, having a car makes it simple to explore popular neighbourhoods such as Downtown Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, and Eixample, which all feature significant cultural sites like the Barcelona Cathedral. The ability to travel outside the city opens up even more opportunities for adventure, enabling you to discover the beautiful landscapes and hidden gems of Catalonia. Whether you are seeking a city-themed experience, a family getaway, or a business trip, a rental car ensures you can navigate Barcelona’s attractions and surroundings with ease, avoiding the limitations of public transport and enabling you to create a flexible itinerary.

Most popular car rentals in Barcelona

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice among travellers in Barcelona, accommodating up to 5 individuals with space for 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking to navigate the city comfortably. With its manageable size, it provides the freedom to explore Barcelona at your own pace while ensuring easy luggage handling.
• Midsize SUV: For those seeking more space and versatility, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. It accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. This option offers ample room for passengers and luggage, allowing you to comfortably embark on your Catalonian adventures without feeling cramped.
• Economy: The Economy car type is a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers. It comfortably seats up to 5 people and accommodates 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families. The Economy option provides a practical and efficient way to explore Barcelona, ensuring you can manage your luggage with ease while enjoying the flexibility of driving around the city.

Top rated car suppliers in Barcelona

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers in Barcelona, featuring three convenient rental locations throughout the area. Customers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs from Alamo, appreciating the quick pickup process and friendly staff. The well-maintained vehicles and hassle-free returns contribute to a reliable and comfortable rental experience, making it an excellent option for exploring the region at your own pace.
• Hertz: With three rental locations in Barcelona, Hertz is another top supplier that travellers favour. Known for its selection of Midsize and Compact vehicles, Hertz provides a variety of options to suit different needs. Customers often commend the efficient service and ease of the rental process, ensuring a smooth experience while navigating the beautiful Catalonia area.
• Budget: Budget offers car rentals at competitive rates with three convenient locations in Barcelona. Travellers often opt for Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, attracted by the affordability and variety. Budget is well-regarded for its straightforward rental process and clean vehicles, making it a practical choice for those looking to explore Barcelona and its surroundings without breaking the bank.

Where to stay in Barcelona

• Eixample: Eixample is a vibrant district known for its city-themed, family, and business experiences. It offers easy access to significant architectural landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the Barcelona Cathedral, both suitable for cultural holidays. The shopping areas and public markets nearby make it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in local treats and wines. Moreover, the iconic Plaça de Catalunya serves as a perfect meeting point and is located within a short distance from various attractions.
• Downtown Barcelona: Downtown Barcelona is a bustling neighbourhood ideal for city-themed, family, and business travellers. Its proximity to La Rambla, a popular street for cultural exploration, and the historic Barcelona Cathedral makes it a dynamic area to stay. Visitors can enjoy shopping centres and lively piazzas, including the famous Plaça de Catalunya. The availability of diverse food and drink options, including pubs and wineries, further enhances the experience in this central hub.
• Gothic Quarter: The Gothic Quarter is a charming neighbourhood that attracts city-themed, family, and business visitors alike. Its narrow streets are rich in history and host various shops and public markets. Key highlights include the bustling La Rambla and the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, both within close proximity. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous pubs and wineries offering a taste of local culture and beverages, making it a delightful place to explore.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Barcelona

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agencies mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the best option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Barcelona

The best value period to rent a car in and around Barcelona is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. October can also offer good deals with similar characteristics. March and May present mid-range value, with average prices and demand. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, making it a busier time for rentals. July also sees high demand along with slightly high pricing, making it a peak rental period.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	48.9°F (9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
February	49.8°F (9.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
July	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	77.4°F (25.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
December	51.1°F (10.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average