Opting for SUV hire in Barcelona can be your best bet to explore the picturesque seaside city. Here are the tips to make SUV car hire hassle-free and time-saving.
Barcelona! The sheer mention of the city conjures up images of stunning seaside, breathtaking architecture, beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage and of course, a sunny lifestyle. Not to mention, the salubrious Mediterranean climate that enhances the overall charm!
The city proudly stands as an epitome of architectural brilliance, presenting a perfect concoction of the medieval era and Modernist style. Embrace yourself to get lost amidst the enigma of Surrealist buildings, the credit of which mostly goes to Antoni Gaudí. And when you are done with the sightseeing, simply unwind and soak up Barcelona’s exuberant vibe – sunbathing at sugar-kissed beaches, hanging out with the locals at La Rambla or enjoying a relaxing meal on an outdoor terrace.
And one of the perfect ways to travel the city in style and luxury is with an SUV hire in Barcelona. Whether you are on a fun-filled family holiday, a romantic getaway or a business trip, renting an SUV ensures maximum comfort and provides a lot of freedom when travelling through Barcelona. You can travel conveniently at your own pace, have more time to enjoy a view, and even visit places that you cannot reach via public transportation.
But there are certain things you should know when renting an SUV in Barcelona. The below-mentioned tips will help you make the most of your car hire experience, ensuring cost savings and a memorable journey to the vibrant capital of Catalonia. So, let’s dive in.
#1: Choose a Reliable Car Rental Company
This is one of the most challenging parts of hiring an SUV in Barcelona. Being a famous tourist spot and a major biotech hub in Europe, the city witnesses heavy footfall every year. This has spiked the demand for professional car rental services. But with so many options available, how do you find one which is trustworthy and provides high-quality rental solutions?
A quick search on Google will give you a list of companies that offer SUV hire in Barcelona. Check out their years of experience in the industry, the quality of service they offer and most importantly, their customer reviews. Choose a company that is fully licensed to operate a car rental business in Barcelona. Furthermore, the SUV booking experience should be hassle-free and simple.
#2: Review their Fleet of SUVs
Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, hiring an SUV provides the perfect mix of space, safety, style and luxury. Before you rent one in Barcelona, check out what brands are available on hire, seating capacity, in-car amenities and comfort of driveability. A good car hire company will have a fleet of SUVs from top-notch brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Nissan, and more.
Also look for basic amenities like GPS navigation, parking assistance, luggage compartments and ample leg space. Hiring a manual car can help you save more than automatics which typically come at a higher rental price than the former. The cars should be well-maintained, cleaned and inspected by a technician before handing over the keys to you.
#3: Do They offer Insurance?
Driving through the awe-inspiring old-world streets of Barcelona in a luxury SUV car can be a memory worth cherishing forever. However, the roads are quite congested and the traffic is slow-moving. Parking lots are rare and can be costly. In such road conditions, it is not unlikely for the car to get a scratch or you hit someone accidentally despite being careful. In such cases, you can be held responsible for the damages. Who wants to get into these hassles, especially when you are traveling to a new city!
To avoid these situations, make sure you choose an SUV hire company in Barcelona that is fully insured against any damage caused to the car as well as for third-party liabilities. This will give you that extra peace of mind you need when driving a luxury car in Barcelona.
#4: Flexibility of Choosing Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Having the flexibility to choose a convenient pickup and drop-off location can actually help you save more time. Most car rental companies provide a pickup option at the Barcelona airport so that you can have the keys and travel at your own pace right from the moment you land at the airport. However, if you want to pick up the SUV from anywhere else in the city, you should also have the option for the same.
Similarly, if you can drop off the car anywhere in Barcelona, this can save you more time than driving the car back to the company-specified drop-off location. Additionally, picking up an SUV at the airport or dropping it off anywhere may add an extra fee. Make sure you talk about these factors upfront and read their terms & conditions carefully for a hassle-free SUV hire in Barcelona.
#5: Carry Your International Drivers Permit
To drive an SUV in Barcelona, you must have an International Drivers Permit (IDP). An IDP is not a replacement of your Driver’s License but it translates the latter into 10 different languages and is acceptable across several countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, etc. The IDP contains your photograph, name and driver information, and is available against a fee.
You may be required to present your IDP at the time of booking a car or picking it up in Barcelona. Even if you are not asked to show your International Drivers Permit, it is always a good idea to carry it with you when driving.
#6: Know the Driving Rules
Driving a premium SUV through the streets of Barcelona may be an enchanting experience. But if you are not aware of the traffic rules, it can get you into big problems. You should be at least 18 years of age and require a valid Driver’s License to drive in the city. It is always recommended to carry your passport with you. All passengers in the car must wear a seatbelt while driving. Cars pass and overtake others from the left, while cars coming from the right or in a traffic circle should have the right way.
The use of cellphone while driving is strictly prohibited in Barcelona, and the fine can go up to 300€.
Conclusion
Planning a luxury SUV hire in Barcelona for your upcoming tour? Following the above tips will help you enjoy the journey to its fullest while maintaining safety and saving more time.
