How to rent a car in Barcelona: a step-by-step guide for tourists

Renting a car in Barcelona is a great way to make your trip as comfortable and independent as possible. With a car you can not only explore the city, but also go to the picturesque surroundings, such as the Montserrat mountains or the Costa Brava. But how to rent a car properly to avoid unnecessary expenses and problems? Here's a step-by-step guide for tourists.

Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents

To rent a car in Barcelona you will need:

• Driver's license. It must be international or country-specific (a European license will do).
• Passport. Make sure it is valid for the entire rental period.
• Credit card. Most rental companies require a card in the primary driver's name to lock in the deposit.
• Age requirements. You can usually rent a car from the age of 21, but for some classes of cars, the minimum age is 23-25.

Step 2: Choose the right company

There are many rental companies in Barcelona, both international (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) and local. When choosing, pay attention to:

• Testimonials. Check the ratings on sites like Google Reviews or Trustpilot.
• Prices. Compare rental rates on aggregators (e.g. Rentalcars, DiscoverCars).
• Additional services. Some companies offer free navigator, child seats or insurance with zero deductible.

Step 3: Book a car in advance

Booking online is not only convenient, but also profitable. You will be able to:

• Compare prices and choose the best option.
• Get an early booking discount.
• Ensure that the desired class of vehicle will be available.

When making a reservation, please specify:

• Transmission type (automatic or manual).
• Possibility of renting a child seat or an additional driver.
• Insurance terms and conditions (what is covered, is there a deductible).

Step 4: Check the vehicle before pickup

When you pick up your car, be sure to inspect it for damage. Take pictures of any scratches, dents or other defects and report them to the company employee. This will help to avoid disputes when returning the car.

Also clarify:

• Fuel level (usually the car is given away with a full tank and required to be returned in the same condition).
• Location of the nearest gas stations.
• How the navigator or other devices work.

Step 5: Learn the rules of the road

Spain has its own traffic rules, which are important to know:

• Speed limit: 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside the city, 120 km/h on highways.
• Alcohol while driving is prohibited (the permissible limit is 0.5 ppm).
• Parking: in the center of Barcelona parking spaces are paid, look for the blue lines on the pavement.

Step 6: Return the vehicle on time

Check before returning:

• Fuel level (must be the same as when received).
• The condition of the auto (make sure there is no new damage).
• Availability of all documents and keys.

If you are late, the company may charge an additional fee.

Useful tips

• Insurance. It is advisable to take full coverage to avoid unnecessary expenses in case of an accident.
• Parking lot. Use apps like Parkopedia to find available spaces.
• Routes. Plan your trips in advance to save time and fuel.

Renting a car in Barcelona means freedom of movement and the opportunity to see more than standard excursions offer. By following this guide, you will be able to rent a car without hassle and enjoy your trip!