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Car Rental Girona, Spain Guide

Renting a car in Girona, Spain is surprisingly straightforward, and for many travelers, it becomes the key that unlocks the region’s true magic. While Girona’s charming Old Town and famous cathedral are easily walkable, the province of Girona stretches from the rugged Pyrenees to the dazzling Costa Brava. Public transport exists, but it often limits you to major towns and rigid schedules. A rental car transforms your trip from a series of train stations into a genuine exploration of hidden coves, medieval hilltop villages, and wine regions far from the tourist crowds. You’ll be able to stop at that roadside bakery, chase a spontaneous sunset, and travel at your own rhythm—something no bus can offer.

When deciding where to pick up your vehicle, you generally have two main choices: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) or one of several downtown offices. The airport is compact and efficient; you can be in your rental car and driving toward the coast within 20 minutes of landing. City center pickups, located near the train station or Plaça Espanya, can sometimes be cheaper but require navigating luggage from your flight. The main advantage of an airport pickup is immediate convenience, while the city center might save you a daily airport surcharge, which can add an extra 10–15 USD per day. A smart money-saving tip: check prices for both airport and off-airport locations. Sometimes taking a short 10-minute taxi or bus to a downtown office can slash your rental cost significantly, especially for longer rentals.

Car Rentals Requirements in Girona, Spain

Before you get behind the wheel in Girona, Spain, you’ll need to meet a few legal and practical requirements. The minimum age to rent a car here is typically 21, but drivers under 25 will almost certainly pay a "young driver surcharge" that can add 15–30 USD per day. Some luxury or specialty vehicles may require drivers to be at least 25 or even 30 years old. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country, plus a passport for identification. A credit card in the main driver’s name is mandatory at almost all rental desks—debit cards are rarely accepted, especially for deposits. The deposit (or hold) usually ranges from 300 to 1,500 USD depending on the car category.

Insurance is another crucial piece. Basic third-party liability is always included in Spain, but your rental agreement will likely come with a high excess (deductible), often 1,000–2,000 USD. Most international travelers opt for either the rental company’s Super CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) or a separate excess insurance policy purchased before their trip. One question that comes up often: do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Girona, Spain? If your license is from an EU country, no. If your license is from outside the EU and is not in Spanish or English (or lacks a photo), you should absolutely carry an IDP. While many rental agents won’t ask for it, Spanish traffic police have the authority to fine you on the spot if you cannot produce a valid license and IDP together. IDPs are cheap (around 20 USD) and available from your home country’s automobile association.

Why Rent a Car in Girona, Spain

The Costa Brava has a well-earned reputation for beauty, but its real treasures—the tiny calas (coves), the whitewashed villages clinging to cliffs, and the wild interior—are nearly impossible to experience fully without your own wheels. Renting a car in Girona, Spain gives you the freedom to wake up early and have an entire Romanesque monastery to yourself, or to spontaneously decide to follow a sign for a "celler" (winery) that isn’t listed in any guidebook. For families, it’s a game-changer: no hauling beach gear onto crowded buses, no negotiating nap schedules around train timetables. For couples or solo travelers, it means you can stay in that rustic agroturismo tucked into the hills rather than a generic hotel near a bus stop.

Beyond convenience, driving here is a genuine pleasure. The roads are generally excellent, traffic is light once you leave the city, and the scenery shifts dramatically every few kilometers—from cork oak forests to terraced vineyards to dramatic sea cliffs. A rental car also makes day trips feasible. You could have breakfast in Girona’s Old Town, lunch in a fishing village like Calella de Palafrugell, and watch the sunset in the Pyrenees foothills. Try doing that on the regional train network. And if you’re flying into Girona, Spain for a longer Catalonia or southern France trip, a car becomes essential for connecting regions that public transit doesn’t serve well.

• Freedom to explore hidden Costa Brava coves inaccessible by bus
• Spontaneous stops at medieval villages like Pals, Peratallada, or Besalú
• Easily visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres and his Portlligat house in Cadaqués on the same day
• Save money on taxis and private transfers for groups of 3+ people
• Access hiking trailheads in the Gavarres massif or the Alta Garrotxa
• Flexibility to cross into France for a day trip to the Pyrenees or Collioure

Best Car Rental Companies in Girona, Spain

You’ll find a healthy mix of global giants and smaller local agencies operating in Girona, Spain. International brands like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Sixt, Alamo, and Europcar all have desks at Girona-Costa Brava Airport and often in the city center. These companies offer consistency, newer fleets, and 24/7 roadside assistance. On the other hand, local Spanish suppliers such as Record Go, Goldcar (now part of Europcar), and Centauro can sometimes offer lower headline rates, but read the fine print carefully—some have higher deposits or push extra insurance aggressively at the counter. A smart approach is to compare total prices including all mandatory fees and to check recent customer reviews for each specific Girona location, as service quality can vary dramatically even within the same brand.

Popular Car Rental Categories & Prices in Girona, Spain

What you drive in Girona, Spain depends largely on your itinerary. For zipping between hilltop villages and parking in tight medieval streets, a small economy or compact car is ideal. The Fiat 500, Seat Ibiza, and Renault Clio are ubiquitous—they’re narrow, fuel-efficient, and easy to maneuver. For families or groups of four, a medium sedan or small SUV like a Peugeot 2008 or Nissan Qashqai offers more space without being too bulky for coastal roads. If you’re planning a serious road trip with luggage and possibly bikes, a van or minivan (like a Renault Scenic or Volkswagen Touran) is worth the upgrade. Luxury vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) are available but mostly from premium desks at the airport. Note that manual transmissions are still the norm in Spain; automatics cost roughly 30–50% more and are often booked weeks in advance, especially in summer.

Prices fluctuate wildly by season. High tourist season (June through August) sees rates double or even triple compared to winter. The weeks around Easter (Semana Santa) and Christmas also command premium prices. A mid-size car that might cost 25 USD per day in February could easily be 80–100 USD per day in July. Booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance for summer travel is essential. The cheapest month is typically January or February (excluding holiday weeks), while August is almost always the most expensive.

Road Trips from Girona, Spain

With your rental car sorted, the entire northeast corner of the Iberian Peninsula opens up. These road trips from Girona, Spain are designed to be done in a day or stretched into a leisurely long weekend. Each route takes you through dramatically different landscapes—from rugged coastline to volcanic hills to medieval stone labyrinths.

• Girona to Cadaqués & Cap de Creus (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes each way, 75 km / 46 miles): Follow the winding GI-614 road through the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus. Highlights: whitewashed Cadaqués village, Salvador Dalí’s house-museum, the wild wind-sculpted rocks at the easternmost point of mainland Spain, and swimming in hidden coves like Cala Nans.
• Girona to Besalú & the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone (approx. 45 minutes to Besalú, then 20 minutes to park): Start with the stunning Romanesque bridge of Besalú, then drive into the green, rolling landscape of the Garrotxa. Highlights: hiking to the crater of Croscat volcano, visiting medieval Santa Pau, and trying local fesols de Santa Pau (beans) at a rustic restaurant.
• Girona to Tossa de Mar & the Coastal Coves (approx. 45 minutes, 40 km / 25 miles): Take the scenic C-35 then the GI-682 coastal road. Highlights: Tossa de Mar’s walled Old Town and castle (Vila Vella), the tiny cove of Cala Giverola, and the clifftop views at Mirador de la Creu de Lloret.
• Girona to Figueres & the Dalí Triangle (approx. 30 minutes, 40 km / 25 miles): This is a culture lover’s drive. Highlights: the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres (his surrealist masterpiece), the Castell de Púbol (Dalí’s castle-gift to his wife Gala), and the Portlligat house-museum in Cadaqués. Note that Púbol and Cadaqués are not close to each other, so plan a full day.
• Girona to the French Pyrenees (approx. 1.5 hours to La Jonquera border, 2.5 hours to mountains): Head north on the AP-7 (toll) or N-II (free). Highlights: the border market town of La Jonquera, the dramatic mountain pass of Coll d’Ares, the French spa town of Amélie-les-Bains, and endless hiking trails. Bring your passport as you’ll cross into France.

Driving Rules in Girona, Spain

Driving in Girona, Spain is generally relaxed and well-organized, but you must know the local rules to avoid fines. Spaniards drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially by fixed and mobile radar cameras. The use of seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers, and children under 135 cm (approx. 4 feet 5 inches) must use an approved child restraint system appropriate for their weight and height. Driving with a mobile phone in hand is illegal—use a hands-free system. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.03% for drivers with less than two years of experience), which is lower than in many US states or the UK. Breathalyzer checks are common, especially near popular beach areas on summer weekends. Winter tires are not mandatory in most of the Girona province, but if you plan to drive into the Pyrenees (e.g., to Vallter 2000 ski resort) between November and April, you are legally required to carry chains or have winter tires when snow conditions exist. Road conditions are generally excellent, but rural roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly lit—take extra care at night.

Toll Roads in Girona, Spain

Yes, toll roads exist, and the main one you’ll encounter is the AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterráneo), which runs along the coast from the French border down past Barcelona. While the parallel N-II highway is free, it’s often slower, has more traffic lights, and passes through towns. The AP-7 is a smooth, well-maintained toll road that can save you significant time, especially if you’re heading to Barcelona (about 1 hour 15 minutes from Girona via AP-7 versus 2+ hours on the N-II). Toll costs are moderate: driving from Girona to the French border at La Jonquera costs about 6–8 USD one way. To Barcelona’s northern entrance, expect roughly 10–12 USD. All toll booths in Spain accept cash (euros), credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), and the electronic Via-T system (similar to France’s Telepass). If you rent a car with a Spanish license plate, it may already have a Via-T transponder—ask at pickup. Otherwise, simply pull up to the booth marked with a credit card or cash symbol.

Parking in Girona, Spain

Parking in Girona city itself requires a bit of strategy, especially near the historic Barri Vell (Old Town). Most streets in the medieval center are pedestrian-only or restricted to residents with permits. The easiest and safest option is to use one of the large underground parking garages just outside the walls, such as Parking La Copa, Parking Plaça de la Independència, or Parking del Pont de Pedra. Expect to pay around 2–3 USD per hour or 15–20 USD for a full day. Street parking is marked with blue lines (zona blava) indicating paid parking, usually Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM. Tickets cost about 1–1.50 USD per hour from nearby machines. Outside these hours and on Sundays, blue zones are free. Never park on yellow lines (loading zones) or green lines (residents only)—fines are steep (starting at 100 USD) and your rental car could be towed. In smaller coastal towns like Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar, parking fills up by mid-morning in July and August. Your best bet is to arrive early or use paid lots on the town outskirts.

Tips for Car Rental in Girona, Spain

• Book early for summer or Easter week: Prices skyrocket and automatic cars vanish months in advance. Secure your reservation by February for August travel.
• Avoid one-way drop fees if possible: Dropping off in a different city (e.g., picking up in Girona and dropping in Barcelona) can add 50–150 USD. If you must do it, compare companies—some waive fees for longer rentals.
• Take photos and video at pickup: Walk around the car, note every scratch and dent, and ensure the rental agent signs off on the condition sheet. This prevents disputes later.
• Decline the rental company’s excess insurance if you have third-party coverage: Many travel insurance policies or credit cards offer rental car excess insurance for a fraction of the cost. Just be sure it covers Spain and bring proof.
• Choose the full-to-full fuel policy: This is the standard in Spain. Return the car with a full tank (keep your last fuel receipt) to avoid being charged inflated refueling rates.
• Rent during cheaper months (January–March, October–November): You’ll pay 50–70% less, roads are emptier, and parking is free. Plus, the light is gorgeous for photography.
• Check if your rental includes cross-border travel: Many budget rentals forbid driving into France or Andorra. If you plan to cross the border, specifically request permission and expect a small daily fee (around 10–15 USD).

Common Car Rental Mistakes Travelers Make

• Assuming your credit card covers everything: Many cards exclude certain car categories (luxury, vans, SUVs), countries, or rental lengths. Call your card issuer before you travel.
• Skipping the inspection and then being charged for pre-existing damage: Always inspect thoroughly and ask the agent to mark any existing damage—even a tiny chip—on the rental agreement.
• Returning the car late: Even 30 minutes late can trigger a full extra day’s charge plus late fees. Build in a buffer and call if you’re delayed.
• Not carrying your physical driver’s license: A photo on your phone is not legally acceptable in Spain. You must have the physical license plus your IDP if required.
• Driving into low-emission zones (ZBE) without a sticker: Barcelona and some Girona-area towns have low-emission zones. Your rental car will likely comply, but you may need to register it online before entry. Ask your rental agent.
• Paying for a GPS or child seat at the counter: These add-ons can double your daily rate. Bring your own portable GPS or use your phone offline maps, and travel with a lightweight travel booster seat if possible.

Real Travel Experience Renting a Car in Girona, Spain

Last September, I landed at Girona airport and walked directly to the Europcar desk, where I’d booked a little Seat Ibiza months earlier. The agent was efficient, but he did try to upsell me on premium insurance for an extra 25 USD a day. I politely declined, showed him my annual excess policy, and he nodded without further pressure. Ten minutes later, I was driving north toward the Cap de Creus, windows down, with the Mediterranean sparkling on my right. The real magic happened the next day when I spotted a hand-painted sign for “Cala Joncols” off the main road. I turned onto a dusty track, parked near some pines, and walked ten minutes to find a tiny crescent of sand with maybe five other people. That hidden cove alone made the rental worth every euro. I returned the car four days later with a full tank, zero issues, and a memory no train could ever deliver.

International Driving Permit for Travelers Visiting Girona, Spain

An International Driving Permit (IDP) serves as a standardized translation of your existing driver’s license. In Girona, Spain, you legally need an IDP if your license is from a country outside the European Union and either (a) your license is not in Spanish, or (b) your license does not have a photograph. Practically, this means most travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and China should obtain an IDP before their trip. Spanish traffic police have the authority to fine you up to 200 USD on the spot if you cannot present both your valid home license and an IDP together. Rental agencies themselves rarely demand it, but the risk comes from police checks, which are common near the French border and on major highways. Obtaining an IDP is simple: in the US, visit any AAA or AATA office (no test required) with your valid license, two passport photos, and a small fee (around 20 USD). The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Do not buy an IDP online from unofficial websites—only authorized automobile associations can issue them. Plan ahead, as some offices require an appointment.