Barcelona Airport Car Hire

Barcelona offers countless attractions, and although its public transportation system is efficient and the city center is packed with sights, many must-see destinations lie outside the heart of the city. These places are far easier to explore by car. For that reason, hiring a car at BCN Airport is an excellent option for discovering both Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region.

All major international car rental companies operate at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, along with several reliable local providers. This gives travelers a wide range of options when choosing a car rental for their stay. If you are landing at Terminal 1, car hire desks are located just after the baggage claim area. At Terminal 2, rental offices are found in section B, close to the main exit.

Barcelona Airport offers almost every vehicle category imaginable. From mini and economy cars to convertibles and vehicles suitable for up to seven passengers, there is something for every travel need. Define your requirements in advance — number of passengers, luggage capacity, parking availability, and budget — and select the car that best matches your plans.

Car Rental Companies at Barcelona Airport

Both international brands and local providers operate at BCN Airport. Below is an overview of the companies available at each terminal.

Car Hire Companies at T1
  • Avis-Budget
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • Europcar
  • Goldcar / InterRent
  • Hertz / Thrifty
  • Sixt
  • Ok Mobility
  • Record Go
Car Hire Companies at T2
  • Avis-Budget
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • Europcar
  • Firefly
  • Goldcar / InterRent
  • Hertz / Thrifty
  • Sixt
  • Ok Mobility
  • Record Go

How to Get the Best Car Hire Deal

  • Define your exact needs before choosing a vehicle (passengers, luggage, budget).
  • Pre-book your car rental to secure lower prices and better vehicle availability.
  • Online reservations are usually cheaper than renting on arrival.
  • The cheapest option is not always the best — always check customer reviews.
  • Choose a fuel-to-fuel policy to avoid extra refueling charges.
  • Off-airport pick-up locations may be cheaper, but require shuttle transfers.
  • Car rentals are charged per day — choose drop-off times carefully to avoid extra charges.

Car Rental Tips

  • Request extras in advance (Wi-Fi, baby seats, GPS, Bluetooth).
  • Respect speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on roads, 120 km/h on highways.
  • Seat belts are mandatory at all times; children must use appropriate child seats.
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.05%.
  • Take photos of the vehicle before departure to document existing damage.
  • The emergency number in Spain is 112.
  • A credit card, ID, and driving license are required at pick-up.
  • Some vehicles require minimum age or driving experience.
  • Consider full insurance coverage for peace of mind.
  • Some credit cards include rental insurance — verify this before booking.
  • Keep all rental documents and insurance papers inside the car.
  • Free parking exists, but most areas are paid green or blue zones.
  • Green zones allow parking up to 2 hours; blue zones up to 4 hours.
  • Private garages and parking facilities are widely available across Barcelona.