Understanding tolls in Barcelona: Locations and prices

Barcelona

If you are planning to visit Barcelona by car, it is essential to know all the details about the toll system in Barcelona, including its roads and surroundings: where it is located, how much it costs, free sections, etc.

Toll network and rates in Barcelona

Toll roads are generally identified by the prefix “AP,” followed by a number. Unlike countries like Switzerland, where an annual toll is paid once with a vignette, in Spain, the toll is charged based on the distance travelled on each section of the highway.

Recently, a "toll-by-plate" system has been implemented, allowing the driver to pass through the toll booth without stopping. All you need to do is slow down as you pass, and the scanner detects the license plate and charges the associated account.

Each autonomous community applies different laws for its paid and free toll roads, which only apply within their territory. This is why we believe it’s important to inform you about how tolls work in Barcelona.

Toll tariff system in Spain

The longer the stretch of highway you travel, the higher the toll will be, as sections are typically calculated based on highway exits. Additionally, the price will vary depending on the size of the vehicle used.

There are generally three categories of vehicles: light vehicles, heavy trucks I, and heavy trucks II. Light vehicles include motorcycles and cars with 2 axles and 4 wheels, meaning the typical cars we usually drive, and depend on the presence and size of a trailer. It’s also worth noting that some roads classify motorcycles in a separate category.

Highways and Tolls in Barcelona

Several of Spain's most important highways pass through Barcelona, and we believe it’s useful for you to know about the tolls in Barcelona and their locations. They all form part of the complex mobility network that characterises the capital. Here are some of them!

AP-2 (Northeast Highway)

This highway, also known as the Zaragoza-Mediterranean, connects Zaragoza to Barcelona and Tarragona, and joins the AP-7. The highway starts in Alfajarín and continues until Saifores, where it joins the AP-7. Any round trip made within 24 hours is free between Alfajarin and Fraga, two neighboring villages. This means there would be no toll for this trip towards Barcelona.

There is one condition: drivers must first pay at the toll booth, then adjust the final cost. For example, if you travel from Zaragoza to Barcelona by car, the trip will cost around 33€.

AP-7 (Mediterranean Highway)

The Mediterranean highway connects the entire Mediterranean coast, from the French border to Cadiz. The first section of this route initially connected Barcelona and Granollers at the end of the 1960s.

As it is a very long highway, there are four concessionary companies for the AP-7, which vary depending on the section:

• Abertis: from La Jonquère to Salou
• SEITT: a public company owned by the state; it covers the peripheral highway of Alicante and the section from Cartagena to Vera.
• Ausur: from Crevillente to Cartagena.
• Ausol: the section between Fuengirola to Cadiz, specifically Guadiaro.

Since January 1, 2020, the section of the highway from Salou to Alicante has become free. So, if you're traveling to Barcelona, this section will only cost you 13€.

C-16 (Llobregat Axis)

Also known as Montserrat / Llobregat Highway, this road connects Barcelona to Berga. However, it is only considered a true highway between Barcelona and Manresa; the rest is a fast lane. If you travel the entire route, from Berga to Barcelona, it will cost you around 15€.

C-31 (Coastal Axis)

The Coastal Axis, or C-31 road, connects three sections of the Catalan coast. On the C-31, you’ll find roads, toll highways in Barcelona, and fast lanes. The different sections pass through El Vendrell, Sitges, Barcelona, Castelldefels, Badalona, and Montgat, and ultimately it joins the C-32. It is a road you should take to visit some of the most beautiful villages in Barcelona.

C-32

The C-32 highway is divided into two sections: one goes from El Vendrell to Barcelona, known as the south branch, and the Pau Casals highway, which goes from Barcelona to Lloret de Mar. It is also called the Maresme Highway or the north branch.

The south branch of the C-32 highway extends over 35 miles, while the north branch covers 41 miles. However, there are plans to extend the north branch to 77 miles. As of today, the total length of the two branches is 82 miles.

In this case, there are several toll rates that vary depending on where you start. For example, traveling from Vendrell to Barcelona will cost you 11€. If you're travelling from Sitges to Barcelona, it will cost you 6.95€.

C-33 (Barcelona-Montmeló)

This toll highway connects Barcelona to the Mediterranean Highway AP-7. The concessionaire for this highway is Invicat, a part of the Abertis group. The C-33 highway is not very long, only 16 miles, and it links Barcelona to Parets. The trip will cost you just 1.75€.

C-58

Commonly known as the Valles Highway, this road has two sections: the first runs from Barcelona (Trinidad) to Terrassa, and the second extends from Terrassa to Monistrol de Montserrat. Currently, this is the most used highway.

Toll-free sections in Barcelona

2020 marked several changes in Spain, particularly in the road network and tolls in Barcelona, with significant modifications made each year. The most important toll-free section is the AP-7. The entire AP-2 is also free, along with the section between Montmelo and El Papiol in AP-7. Additionally, there is a small toll-free section of the AP-2, from Alfajarin to Fraga. More than 300 miles of highways have been made toll-free.

Are You Well-Informed About the Tolls in Barcelona? Hire a Car!

You are now well-informed about the tolls in Barcelona and its free sections, making it the perfect time to plan your trip. Additionally, you now know the cost of each highway, which will help you plan your budget.

The best way to explore Catalonia is by hiring a car in Barcelona. Many visitors recommend this method of transportation due to its numerous benefits, such as flexibility and convenience. With DoYouSpain, you can find the best rental car deals on the market, ensuring you get great value for your journey!

At DoYouSpain, simply tell us when and where you want to pick up your car, and our comparison tool will find the best rental offers at unbeatable prices. All you need to do is choose and book. Ready to go!