Car Rentals at the Barcelona Train Station

The Barcelona Sants railway station, also referred to as the Estacion de Sants, is the main train station in Barcelona, Spain. As one of the most important transport hubs, the station offers many services and destinations, supplied by 14 platforms. Originally opened in 1975, it was rebuilt during the span of 2003-2007, and is now capable of accommodating the Spanish high-speed train AVE. The station contains a tourism office, cash dispensers, a pharmacy, a large newsstand, photo shop, gift shops, and a large cafeteria. Additionally, there is a hotel located within the station, which has been reviewed as being comfortable and inexpensive. 

In addition to the train, other arrival methods to the station include buses and taxis. Near the rear of the train station, there are car hire services available, including Europcar, Avis, National, and Atesa, with most of the rental desks opening from 7:30AM during the week, with Europcar open 24 hours a day for convenience. 

The on site car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles, including economical compact options, medium diesel vehicles, large standard sedans, and large vans capable of seating up to nine passengers and their luggage in comfort. Age requirements vary from company to company, and dependent upon the type of vehicle rented. For the smaller cars, some companies require a minimum age of 23 years, with those ranging in age from 23 to 25 years old subject to paying a Young Driver Surcharge. Larger people carriers and luxury cars often require the driver to be at least 25 years of age, and thus would not be subject to the same additional surcharge. In general, license requirements state that all drivers must hold a valid driver’s license for at least one year prior to rental

Some of the vehicles offered are automatic transmission, whereas others are standard (or manual transmissions), which is an important item to remember when making reservations. While making arrangements, renters can elect to add certain items, such as child safety seats, satellite navigation systems, additional drivers, increased insurance premiums, and even snow chains. All additional equipment requires at least 24 hours advance notice to ensure availability.

If travel outside of Spain is desired, drivers must inform the rental car company prior to departure, as there are some requirements for cross border travel. If crossing into Germany during the winter months, a recent law requires all vehicles to be fitted with winter tires, or be fined on the spot if found to not have the appropriate winter tires.

Some important reminders while driving in Spain include: road traffic travels on the right hand side of the road; motorways have a speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour, open roads are limited at 90 kilometers per hour, and towns are rated at 50 kilometers per hour. It is also illegal to use a hand held mobile phone while driving.