Barcelona rental cars aren’t necessary if you intend to spent your entire vacation in the city center, where most things are within walking distance of one another and the heavy traffic can make driving challenging for tourists. However, if you want to see the outskirts of the city or are interested in taking day trips in the surrounding areas, car hire in Barcelona is a great way to make the most of your vacation, and to plan your own itinerary as well.

There are numerous places to find cheap Barcelona car hire, including at the airport. The major airport, which is the city’s only one, is located about ten miles southeast of the city center, and there are Barcelona airport car rental companies in both terminals. It’s best to book ahead of time if you can, in order to save money and ensure the vehicle of your choice, but if your vacation is a spur-of-the-moment one, you can compare prices as most of the companies’ rental desks are located close to one another, allowing you to find the best option for your Barcelona airport car rental. Internet-based reservations, or those through a travel agency, are often the most reliable for cheap rentals, and you can also look at vacation packages, which often help you save money by combining fees for transportation, flights, hotels, and attractions.

While Barcelona airport car rental is one of the best ways to find good discounts, it isn’t the only place in town to rent a car. The downtown area and near the railway station are also options for cheap car rentals. Most companies here provide free third-party insurance, theft protection, and coverage for damage, as well as unlimited mileage. The attractive packages make it easier for tourists to book Barcelona rental cars, particularly if they’re interested in only having a car for part of the trip, in which case going to and from the airport might not be the most convenient thing to do.

Barcelona Map

Most tourists opt for Barcelona rental cars to go for a drive in the outskirts of the city. Areas such as Gerona, Tarragona, and Olot are some of the best locations for a day trip, and car hire in Barcelona is recommended for reaching all of them easily. Located in northeastern Catalonia, Gerona is an ideal place to go for a long drive and take a break from the city. It is an attractive medieval town that offers some of the best historic sites to explore, including the historic Jewish Quarter, the ancient Roman baths, and the cinema museum.

Tarragona is also a good locale to go for a nice long drive. This beautiful town is situated to the southwest of Barcelona and is quite famous for its ancient Roman ruins. During your drive, you’re sure to love the majestic mountain scenery along the way to Tarragona. Olot is an excellent destination if you’re looking for views of the area’s volcanic craters. This small town is in northeastern Catalonia as well, and it’s famous for the ruins of early European settlements in the area. You’ll also have the chance to see a unique church built in one of the volcanic craters. Trips outside the city, such as these, are a wonderful way to add unusual attractions to your vacation itinerary, and car hire in Barcelona assures that you can be relaxed and on your own schedule for this part of your trip.