Compare cheap car hire at Barcelona Airport with practical details on rental desks, pickup locations, driving routes and prices.
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is the main airport serving Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region. Located around 15km southwest of the city centre, it’s one of Spain’s busiest airports and a key arrival point for travellers heading to the Costa Brava, Tarragona and inland Catalonia.
While Barcelona itself is well served by public transport, hiring a car at the airport is often the best option if you plan to explore beyond the city.
Arriving and Finding the Rental Area
Car hire desks at Barcelona Airport are located inside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals halls. After baggage reclaim, follow signs for “Car Rental” to reach the main counters.
Vehicles are collected from the designated car rental parking areas beside each terminal. At Terminal 1, the car park is connected directly to the building, while Terminal 2 rentals are also within walking distance.
Full airport details can be found on the official Barcelona Airport website.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Barcelona has frequent year-round direct flights from Ireland.
- Dublin → Barcelona (Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Vueling)
- Cork → Barcelona (seasonal services)
- Shannon → Barcelona (seasonal services)
Flight time from Dublin is typically around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Car Hire Companies at Barcelona Airport
All major international providers operate across both terminals.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Most companies offer on-airport pickup, with cars located in dedicated parking areas close to each terminal.
Price Guide for Car Hire in Barcelona
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €30 – €55 | €55 – €90 | €90 – €140 |
| April – June | €40 – €75 | €75 – €120 | €120 – €180 |
| July – August | €60 – €120 | €120 – €180 | €180 – €260 |
| September – October | €45 – €85 | €85 – €140 | €140 – €200 |
| November – December | €35 – €65 | €65 – €105 | €105 – €160 |
Choosing a Car for Barcelona and Catalonia
Compact Cars
Best for driving within Barcelona and for easier parking in busy areas.
Family Cars
Comfortable for longer journeys along the coast or inland regions.
Estate Cars
Useful for travellers carrying luggage or planning multi-stop road trips.
People Carriers
- 7 Seater vehicles – suitable for families or small groups
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger groups travelling together
Driving from Barcelona Airport
The airport is well connected to major roads including the C-31, C-32 and AP-7 motorway.
- Barcelona city centre – about 25 minutes
- Sitges – around 30 minutes
- Tarragona – roughly 1 hour
- Girona – about 1 hour 15 minutes
The AP-7 motorway runs along the Mediterranean coast and connects many popular destinations.
Many travellers exploring Spain also consider different arrival points depending on their route. You can compare options at Girona Airport, Valencia Airport or further south at Malaga Airport.
Driving in Barcelona and Spain
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Roads are generally modern and well maintained, particularly motorways and main routes.
Some motorways in Spain are toll roads, although many major routes are now toll-free.
For travel information, see the official Spain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Barcelona
A rental car makes it easy to explore the region beyond the city.
- Sitges – coastal town known for beaches
- Montserrat – mountain range with monastery
- Tarragona – Roman ruins and coastline
- Costa Brava – scenic coastline north of Barcelona
Many visitors use Barcelona as a starting point for exploring the Mediterranean coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Barcelona Airport?
They are located inside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals halls.
Are cars collected within walking distance?
Yes, vehicles are parked in designated car rental areas beside each terminal.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Barcelona?
Yes, frequent direct flights operate from Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car?
Yes, most rental companies require a credit card for the deposit.
Is driving in Barcelona easy?
Driving in the city can be busy, but routes outside the city are straightforward.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are more common.
How far is Barcelona Airport from the city centre?
The drive takes around 25 minutes.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Barcelona Airport?
Yes, 7 Seater vehicles are available for families and groups.
Are Spanish motorways toll roads?
Some motorways have tolls, but many are now free to use.
Which motorway runs along the coast near Barcelona?
The AP-7 motorway runs along the Mediterranean coast.
