Getting around by car

Using a car in Barcelona can be stressful, especially if you are not used to driving in busy cities with lots of traffic. Never-the-less, the grid plan of Barcelona’s city centre does facilitate the flow of traffic, though it doesn’t prevent gridlock during rush hour.

However, we do not recommend using a car in Barcelona as public transport is so cheap and efficient. The best option if you do arrive in Barcelona by car is to leave it parked in one of the many car parks found throughout the city. The price is usually from 2 to 3 euros per hour or around 30 to 35 euros per day.

Parking in one of the large car parks situated at the Forum, Estació del Nord and Parc de Recerca Biomèdica can be an economic option, they offer special prices if you leave your car for longer periods. For more information see http://www.bsmsa.cat/

Street parking is restricted and must be paid for in Barcelona. There are two zones, blue and green, with prices that vary from 2-3 euros per hour, for a maximum period of two hours. Conditions usually apply from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm.