3.5/5
Independent service rating based on 38 verified reviews
Welcome to the heart of Catalonia! Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport (BCN), is the second-largest airport in Spain. Located about 15 kilometres southwest of Barcelona’s bustling city centre, El Prat is the perfect gateway to Barcelona’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a business trip, renting a car at Barcelona Airport is a fantastic way to explore the region.
Booking a car hire at Barcelona Airport can be straightforward if you keep these tips in mind:
Local Driving Regulations: Familiarise yourself with Spanish driving laws. An International Driving Permit (IDP) and your national driving license might be necessary, especially for non-EU travellers.
Credit Card Requirements: Most car hire companies at El Prat require a credit card for the security deposit and booking process. Some may accept debit cards, but it’s wise to check beforehand.
Rental Conditions: Understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, including mileage limits, fuel policies, and any additional fees for extra drivers or equipment like GPS units.
Insurance Details: Review the insurance coverage included in your rental. It might be prudent to purchase additional coverage to avoid hefty charges in case of an accident or damage.
Fuel Policy: Clarify the fuel policy. Many rentals require you to return the car with a full tank. Knowing this in advance can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Opting for car hire at Barcelona Airport offers numerous advantages:
Immediate Access: Start your Barcelona adventure as soon as you land. Avoid the wait for public transport and begin exploring right away.
Cost-Efficiency: Renting a car can be more economical than relying on taxis or ride-shares for families or groups, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city centre.
Exploration Freedom: You can discover hidden gems in Barcelona and beyond with a rental car. The possibilities are endless, from the serene Costa Brava to the scenic Pyrenees.
Vehicle Variety: Barcelona Airport hosts a variety of car hire companies offering a wide range of vehicles. Whether you need a compact car for city driving, a spacious SUV for the family, or a luxury car for a special occasion, you’ll find the perfect ride.
Convenient Hours: Many car hire services at El Prat operate 24/7, accommodating travellers with early morning or late-night flights.
Want to get the best value for your money? Here are some savvy tips to save on car hire at Barcelona Airport:
Shop Around: Compare rates from multiple car rental companies to find the best deal. Websites like Enjoy Travel make this process easy and efficient.
Choose a Smaller Vehicle: Smaller cars are usually cheaper to rent and more fuel-efficient, which can save you money on both rental fees and fuel costs.
Book in Advance: Securing your car rental well ahead of your trip often results in better prices and a more comprehensive selection of vehicles.
Look for Discounts: Look for special offers, promo codes, and seasonal discounts that can significantly reduce your rental cost.
Consider Off-Site Rentals: Sometimes, rental locations outside the airport offer lower rates than those within the terminal. Check if a short shuttle ride could save you some cash.
Be Aware of Extras: Additional fees for GPS, child seats, or extra drivers can add up quickly. Bring your own GPS or child seat to avoid these charges.
Opt for Longer Rentals: Weekly rates often provide better value than daily rates. If your stay is several days, consider a longer rental period.
Flexible Timing: Adjusting your pick-up and drop-off times by a few hours can result in lower rental rates.
Stick to Reputable Providers: Choose well-known rental companies with good reviews to avoid hidden fees and poor service. Enjoy Travel only works with reputable car hire companies.
Insurance Options: Review and compare insurance options to find the most cost-effective coverage for your needs.
Navigating the car hire process at Barcelona Airport is straightforward with a bit of preparation:
Follow the Signs: Upon arrival, follow the airport signs directing you to the car rental centre in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These signs are marked and easy to follow.
Complete the Paperwork: At the rental desk, present your booking confirmation, driving license, and credit card. The staff will assist you in finalising the rental agreement.
Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it is documented. This step will help avoid disputes when you return the vehicle.
Return Instructions: When returning the car, follow the signs to the designated rental return area. Make sure to remove all personal belongings and refuel if required by your rental agreement.
Final Check: A staff member will inspect the car for any new damage and confirm the fuel level. Keep a copy of the final inspection report and all receipts for your records.
Refuelling Tips: Fill up the tank at a nearby petrol station before returning the car to avoid additional refuelling charges.
After-Hours Return: If you’re returning the car outside business hours, check if your rental company offers an after-hours drop-off service. This usually involves leaving the keys in a secure drop box.
Keep Your Documentation: Save all rental documents and receipts until all charges have been processed on your credit card.
Driving from Barcelona Airport to the city centre is a smooth and enjoyable journey:
Route: Upon exiting the airport, follow the signs for the C-31 motorway, which leads directly into Barcelona. The route is well-signposted and easy to navigate.
Distance: The drive is approximately 15 kilometres and typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Navigation: Use a GPS or a reliable map application on your smartphone. Input “Barcelona city centre” or your specific destination for accurate directions.
Additional Tips:
Traffic: Barcelona can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM). Plan your trip to avoid these times if possible.
Parking: Barcelona offers various parking options, including street parking, parking garages, and park-and-ride facilities. Research parking options ahead of time to make your visit smoother.
Local Regulations: Be aware of local driving regulations, including ZTL (limited traffic zones) in the city centre, where access is restricted to specific vehicles.
Barcelona Airport hosts several well-known car rental providers, including:
Avis, Enterprise-rent-a-car, Europcar, Goldcar-InterRent, Hertz-Thrifty, Sixt, and Record Go.
These car rental companies offer many vehicles, from small economy cars to large SUVs and luxury models, ensuring you find the perfect option for your travel needs. Each company provides various services, including insurance, GPS rentals, and additional driver options, allowing for a customisable and convenient car hire experience.
Barcelona Airport offers a diverse selection of vehicles for hire, including:
Small Cars: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers and easy city driving.
Medium Cars: Perfect for small groups or couples seeking a balance between cost and comfort.
Large Cars: Great for families or business travellers needing more space.
SUVs: Suitable for larger groups or those planning to explore mountainous or rural areas.
Premium Cars: For those wanting a premium driving experience.
People Carriers: Ideal for bigger groups or travellers with significant luggage.
Estate Cars: Perfect for travellers requiring extra boot space for luggage and gear.
Convertibles: For those looking to enjoy scenic drives with the top down and the wind in their hair.
Name | Review | Rating |
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Gloria Zapater | La recogida del coche me tomo casi 2 horas. Después de coger el ticket, paso una hora y media sin que pasara ni un número y solo después de preguntar si iban los número y decirme que si, cuando les dije que no había pasado ni un número en hora y media, literalmente una me dijo "Ya le atiendo porque no quiero discutir contigo" y gracias que una señora a la que iba a atender le dijo que yo ya estaba cuando ella llego, el tema no fue a peor. Me pareció muy maleducada, poco eficientes a la hora de atender a los clientes, muy antipatica. Además, cuando fui a recoger el coche, no había nadie atendiendo en el parking y visto el comportamiento de las chicas en el mostrador , quería revisar los daños que ya había en el coche, pero no fue posible. La entrega fue mejor, supongo que fue porque lo deje un viernes y no un domingo, como la recogida. | |
Karin Randolph | This review is dedicated to Laura from Alamo in Madrid. When we returned the car(from Barcelona) in Madrid, Laura helped us very well. What had not gone quite right in Barcelona she made up for with her kindness and skill. | |
Trusted Customer | Excellent rental experience despite some confusion when picking up the car. Our reservations said to pick up the van at terminal 2, which at Barcelona Airport is quite a bit away from Terminal 1. We were told that our van was actually at T1 so we had to take the shuttle. And then at the rental counter at T1, they told us our van was actually at T2 and we would need to wait for them to bring the van to us. So all told, it took about 2 hours to get it all worked out which was a bummer. That said, everyone was very nice and helpful, the van was perfect for our needs, and the return at Alicante was super easy and efficient. | |
Dulce Fernández Sánchez | La oficina estaba cerrada. En la t2 cerrada. Fui a la t1, cerrada. No pude tener el coche. Con un hijo en el aeropuerto con la pierna rota. Debíamos ir a Andorra donde vive mi familia. Tuvimos que subir en autobús a las 21,00. Estuve esperando 1 hora el la oficina de Álamo en la t1. Mi avión llegó una hora tarde de retraso. Nadie me informó que había horario reducido el 31/12. Nadie me informó que debía recoger el vehículo solamente a las 16,30 y que después cerraban. He reclamado a Enjoy Travel y dicen que no son responsables. Habían dos clientes que devolvían el coche a álamo y debían hacerlo personalmente a un empleado y tuvieron que dejarlo en un buzón . El teléfono de Enjoy Travel decía que llamaro en horario hábil. Nadie me atendió. | |
Trusted Customer | very helpful | |
Galo Patricio Bustamante Romero | Economic, easy pick up and return | |
Trusted Customer | Rented a Hyundai Tucson, easy to pickup and very easy to return | |
Trusted Customer | Bad | |
Trusted Customer | Good car Staff not friendly | |
Trusted Customer | Good value, with on airport collection | |
Paul Morgan | Very polite and explained everything | |
Lydie Muyenga | Simple et rapide, l’accueil était chaleureux et à la fin de mon séjour , j’ai été surprise de l’accueil et la rapidité de l’accueil. Vraiment c’était excellent, j’ai beaucoup aimé. | |
Flávia de Mello | O atendente foi incrível, pois me esperou até quase 2 horas da manhã devido ao atraso do vôo. Entretanto, tive que pagar o seguro que ele dizia estar na reserva, porém tenho certeza que não o fiz quando realizei peola Enjoy Travel, tanto que nada constava no meu voucher. Agora, gostaria que a enjoy Travel consertasse esta situação. | |
Monika Maria Korgol | I am very disappointment with my recent experience at Barceloan airport agency. I had rented a car at an agreed price to be paid upon pickup at the agency. However, when I arrived, the agent attempted to charge me significantly more than the agreed-upon amount, citing after-hours fees, extra insurance, and other unexpected charges. I find this practice unacceptable and misleading, as none of these charges were mentioned when I made the reservation. I ended up paying more than triple of the agreed price. | |
GIOVANNI LEONETTI | He alquilado varías veces con ellos y siempre estuve contento | |
Trusted Customer | Car itself went well till AC stopped working. We found extra damage to car before setting off luckily so was added to report. Sent to 3 different places in huge import to find correct office. No consideration given for car AC malfunction. | |
Trusted Customer | There was to many fees extra to pay apart of the insurence.. I am still waiting for the payback from the blocked amount, and it has passed 4 days and the money ist still not on my account. Also it took over 2 hours as the car i booked was not available even in the same category. I booked a fiat doblo and they would give me a t-roc. We have 2 childrens 3 bags and baggie. I will never book again over enjoytravel. | |
Tatiana | Everything good and correct. | |
Trusted Customer | Pick up and drop off were smooth and very friendly at Barcelona airport, in particular Simon. Would most certainly use again. | |
Trusted Customer | Good car | |
Trusted Customer | Worst staff not cooperative and long wait time | |
Kamran Khan | Was great | |
Trusted Customer | Todo muy bien, pero me sorprendió el sobre coste por ser mayor. Eso es discriminación o edadismo. | |
Trusted Customer | I had booked to return car at 10am. Rang GOLDCAR to extend the time and was informed that there would be no extra charge to return car at 11pm instead as it was hired on a 24hr basis. When I returned car at 11pm, I was charged extra. Will never hire again with GOLDCAR False Information being given to con people out of money deliberately. AVOID. | |
Trusted Customer | the personal was god | |
carlos alberto garcia del casar | Entrega rápida del vehículo en el aeropuerto de Barcelona con motivo de la F1. Coche limpio, y me obsequiaron con upgrade a categoría superior sin coste!!! Tanto lucia en la entrega como Simon en la recepción del coche, 10/10, servicio profesional y efectivo Yo recomiendo enterprise si necesitas coche en aeropuerto BCN | |
Trusted Customer | Great service, quick and straightforward collection and return. Car was almost new and great condition. | |
Oscar Pérez | Atención 5 estrellas y servicio 5 estrellas. | |
Trusted Customer | they were all very helpful. Thank you! | |
Ross Barrett | Very smooth experience all the way through. Andrew at drop off super friendly, professional and helpful. | |
Trusted Customer | Very great service with rental car with great service on Barcelona airport with helpful staff I give me exactly what I looking for and exactly price what I choose from enjoytravel.com i recommend with trust and perfect choice | |
Trusted Customer | Price, vehicle met all expectations and the employees were attentive and helpful. | |
Kim Hellman | Quick rental process given by serviceminded personnel even though we had to wait a bit for our car to be cleaned. | |
Rodolfo Lorenzo | Falta de inspección a los coches que entregan | |
Trusted Customer | Trato nefasto, experiencia horrible, NUNCA más contrato nada con esta gente | |
Pedro Godoy Jiménez | Nunca mas alquilare un coche en GOLD CAR me entregaron coche lleno de golpes me queje actualice la hoja de los daños a la entrega y todo y asi me penalizaron, | |
Pedro Godoy Jimenez | Patético, me dieron un coche lleno de rascadas, reclamé y actualice la hoja pero todo y así me sancionaron e hicieron pagar la reparacion de una rascada que no hice, nunca mas alquilaré coche a ellos ni los recomendaria en la vida | |
Trusted Customer | Excellent service and very helpfull staff. |