How to hire a cheap car at Barcelona Airport

Barcelona

Hiring a car at Barcelona Airport is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to begin your journey around Catalonia. Whether you’re arriving for leisure, business, or passing through en route to another part of Spain, having your own vehicle from the outset gives you complete freedom to move at your own pace—without relying on public transport or set schedules. And of course, everyone’s looking for a cheap option. In this article, we explain how to hire an affordable car at Barcelona Airport and everything you need to consider to get the best deal possible.

Benefits of hiring a car at Barcelona Airport

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is Spain’s second busiest and located just 15 kilometres away from the city centre. Across its terminals, you’ll find a wide range of car hire companies—from major international firms to local suppliers.Hiring a car directly at the airport offers clear advantages : no need for extra travel, you can collect your car as soon as you land, and there’s a broad selection of models to choose from.

Plus, the airport is excellently connected to motorways like the C-31, C-32 and B-10, allowing you to reach the city quickly or head off to destinations such as Sitges, Tarragona, the Costa Brava or even Andorra. All of this makes it one of the most practical and highly recommended options for exploring the region.

Book online in advance: The smart way to save money

The key tohiring a cheap car in Barcelona is to book early and compare prices. Through platforms like DoYouSpain, you can search and compare the best deals across all the rental companies at the airport. This helps you avoid paying inflated last-minute rates and gives you time to review the terms and conditions calmly.

DoYouSpain allows you to filter by car type, rental company, fuel policy, free cancellation and more. Plus, its search engine clearly displays what’s included in the price and any potential extras, helping you avoid surprises at the counter.

Choose the most budget-friendly car for your trip

The type of car you choose has a big impact on the price. If you’re planning to explore Barcelona city, a small model is usually all you need. They’re fuel-efficient, easier to park, and typically come with lower rental rates—making them a smart pick for budget-conscious travellers.

Small cars are ideal for couples or solo travellers. If you’re travelling with a group or lots of luggage, you might consider a family-sized car or an SUV—though these do cost a bit more. The trick is to match the car type to your actual needs and avoid overpaying for space or features you won’t use.

Read the terms carefully: insurance, excess and fuel

One of the things that can unexpectedly raise your rental cost is overlooking the terms and conditions. It’s vital to understand what’s included in the quoted price—and what’s not.

For instance, all cars come with basic insurance that includes an excess. This means that if there’s any damage, you’re responsible for part of the cost up to a certain amount. To reduce this risk, you can take out additional cover like DoYouSpain’s Platinum Insurance, which is cheaper than the coverage offered by rental companies and includes protection for tyres, windows and mirrors.

Another important detail is the fuel policy. The most fair and cost-effective option is full-to-full: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it the same way, with no extra charges. Some companies offer full-to-empty policies, which include a refuelling fee—these aren’t always the best value.

Required documents to pick up your rental car at Barcelona Airport

To collect your rental car at Barcelona Airport, you’ll need to present three essential documents: a valid driving licence, either an ID card or passport, and a credit card in the name of the main driver. This card will be used to hold the deposit for the rental.

All documents must be in physical format (not digital) and in good condition. Non-EU travellers may also be required to show an International Driving Permit, so it’s worth checking before your trip. Having everything ready speeds up the process at the desk and avoids any risk of refusal by the provider.

Where are the car hire desks at the airport?

Barcelona Airport has car hire offices in both terminals (T1 and T2). Many companies have counters inside the building, with cars collected from nearby car parks. In some cases—especially with low-cost suppliers—there may be a free shuttle service to take you to their facilities outside the airport. All of this is clearly outlined in your confirmation voucher when booking through DoYouSpain.

How much does it cost to hire a car in Barcelona for a day? A week or longer trips?

Rental prices vary depending on duration. Many companies offer lower daily rates if you hire the car for a week or more—so if you're staying in Barcelona for a few days or planning a road trip, booking for a longer period might work out cheaper. You might also consider returning the car in a different city if your route isn’t circular. Just make sure your booking allows for one-way drop-off, as it may come with an extra fee.

Occasionally, you’ll find last-minute deals, though this can be risky during peak season or busy travel dates. Availability may be limited and prices higher.

Hiring a cheap car at Barcelona Airport is easy with DoYouSpain

With a bit of planning, hiring a car at Barcelona Airport at a low cost doesn’t mean compromising on service. Booking in advance through DoYouSpain, comparing offers, choosing the right vehicle, checking the terms carefully and avoiding unnecessary extras are all key steps to securing the best price.

Keep in mind that the freedom to travel at your own pace—without depending on timetables or fixed routes—is a major benefit that helps you enjoy your trip even more. From exploring the Catalan coastline to discovering inland villages or taking a getaway to other cities, a hire car is your best travel companion forflexible adventures in and beyond Barcelona.

And don’t forget: DoYouSpain offers support 24/7—just call +34 964 830 995, visit the online Customer Area or use the Virtual Assistant.