Renting a Car in Barcelona: Tips and Tricks
Are you planning to drive in Barcelona? If yes, then you should know that it can be quite a tricky experience. With its narrow streets, winding alleyways and densely populated neighbourhoods, getting around in Barcelona by car can be intimidating and time-consuming if you don’t have the right advice.
To make the most of your trip to Barcelona, you’ll need to rent a car. But, it's not just about getting the right car; you’ll also need to know the best strategies for getting around, where to find the most reliable car rental provisions, and many other tips and tricks for successful car rental in Barcelona.
So before you head off to Barcelona, it’s important to make sure you’re well prepped for your journey. To help you get the most out of your car rental experience in Barcelona, here are some essential tips and tricks.
Choose a Reliable Car Rental Provider
When it comes to finding a reliable car rental provider in Barcelona, it’s important to do your research. Start by looking for providers who offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. Make sure the company has an up-to-date fleet of cars and a customer service team who are willing to answer any questions or help out in an emergency. It’s also worth reading customer reviews to gauge the previous experiences of other customers – this will give you an insight into the overall quality of the service.
It's also important to check the terms and conditions of your rental agreement as policies vary from provider to provider. Pay close attention to key details such as the driver’s age requirements, kilometres limits, refueling and insurance policies. Once you’ve found a company you can trust, you can book with confidence.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key to driving around Barcelona efficiently. Have your route planned in advance – this will help you to avoid getting lost in the city’s more confusing streets. It’s also a good idea to know what time of day you can expect to face the steepest traffic; Barcelona is notorious for its rush hour congestion between 8-10am and 7-9pm, so if you can avoid these time slots your transit time could be reduced.
Also, if you’re heading out of Barcelona, make sure to plan your return journey and check opening times for car parks which could affect how long it takes you to return the car.
Be Prepared for the Road Rules
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the road rules in Barcelona before you rent a car. Spanish law stipulates that drivers must seatbelt up and all passengers must wear theirs, even in the back seat. Drivers must also hold a valid driver’s license and, in some cases, an international driver’s permit as well as their domestic license.
Remember, there are also strict speed limits that you must adhere to; 50km/h is the limit in built-up areas while the speed limit on the motorways is 120km/h. Needless to say, drunk driving is strictly prohibited, so it’s important to be mindful of these laws.
Familiarise Yourself with Parking Rules
Barcelona has an abundance of parking options; however, each one is subject to a certain set of laws. Before you rent a car, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules, restrictions and associated costs.
Free parking is permitted in most areas but is usually limited to two hours. Secure and guarded parking is also available – prices range from €10-€25 per day. Whether you opt for paid or free parking, it’s important to know where you can and can’t park. Make sure to be aware of signs that indicate the types of vehicles that are not allowed to park in certain areas and the times or days parking is restricted.
Get the Right Insurance
Choosing the right insurance plan is an essential part of renting a car in Barcelona. Most car rental companies provide some form of coverage; however, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of your agreement carefully to check what’s included.
When you’re booking, it’s worth considering taking out additional insurance coverage to give you extra peace of mind. This could include collision damage waiver insurance and liability cover, which could cover your excess payment in the event the rental car is damaged or stolen.
Look Out For Low Emission Zones
Barcelona is home to a number of low emission zones – areas where polluting vehicles are not allowed to enter. Before you set off it’s worth checking if your rental car is authorised to travel in a low emission zone. Pay close attention to signage and make sure you don’t make any wrong turns – otherwise, you could incur hefty fines.
Consider Car Sharing
If you’re looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around Barcelona, consider car sharing options. Car sharing involves renting a car from someone else's fleet, typically for short trips. This could be a great option if you need to make a few short trips during your stay as it’s likely to be cheaper than traditional car rental.
It’s important to be aware that car-sharing programs are not available everywhere in Barcelona and you must be a member of the service in order to use it. Also, pay close attention to the terms and conditions of your agreement as these can vary from provider to provider.
Wrapping Up
Renting a car in Barcelona can be intimidating, but if you follow the right advice then your journey could be a lot smoother. To save yourself the hassle, make sure you do your research and find a reliable car rental provider that offers competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. Also, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the various parking rules and be mindful of speed limits and low emission zones. With a bit of planning and forward thinking, you can make the most of your car rental experience in Barcelona.
