Costa Brava Car Hire 2026: Practical Guide to Airport Pick-up and Tips
Hiring a car on the Costa Brava from the airport gives you total freedom to explore coves, villages and the inland at your own pace. In this practical guide we tell you where to pick up your vehicle (Girona, Barcelona or Lloret de Mar), what size to choose for your route and how to avoid any booking hassles.
Whether you're landing in Girona or Barcelona, or already staying in Lloret de Mar, here you'll find useful tips to make your Costa Brava car hire experience smooth and surprise‑free.
Why hire a car to visit the Costa Brava in 2026?
The Costa Brava is much more than its main beaches: hidden coves, fishing villages like Tossa de Mar or Begur, and the inland Empordà are well worth a visit. Public transport connects the larger hubs, but to reach remote coves or drive up to viewpoints you need your own vehicle. What's more, a car lets you set your own schedule without relying on buses or trains.
Lloret de Mar is an excellent base thanks to its accommodation and services. From there, in just a few minutes you can be at coves like Sa Boadella or Santa Cristina, or head to Blanes to see the Marimurtra Botanical Garden. With a car, every day is a new route.
Picking up the car at Girona‑Costa Brava airport
Girona‑Costa Brava airport is about 12 km south of Girona city centre and, although we don't have the exact driving time to Lloret, it is considered a close option. Most rental offices are inside the terminal or very near it, and the pick‑up process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
To pick up the car you will need, in physical format: the rental voucher, ID card or passport, driving licence and a credit card with embossed numbers. Bring everything from home to speed things up. By booking in advance you guarantee availability and better prices, especially in high season.
Picking up the car at Barcelona‑El Prat airport
Barcelona‑El Prat is the airport with the most connections and a wide range of rental companies. The offices are in terminals T1 and T2, in outdoor parking areas (next to T2) depending on the company. When you arrive, follow the "Rent a Car" signs.
The distance to Lloret is greater than from Girona, but many travellers take the chance to combine a visit to Barcelona with the Costa Brava. Although we can't give an exact driving time, allow at least an hour and a quarter of relaxed driving. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, leave enough time to reach your accommodation stress‑free.
Picking up the car directly in Lloret de Mar
If you're already staying in Lloret de Mar, picking up the car at a local office saves you the trip to the airport. Several companies have a presence in town, allowing you to collect your vehicle just minutes from your apartment. This is especially convenient if your flight arrives in Barcelona and you prefer to take a transfer first.
Flexibility with pick‑up and drop‑off times is key: some offices close at 7 pm, others offer 24‑hour service. Compare options from home and choose the one that best fits your schedule. Most include full insurance and roadside assistance.
Tolls on the AP‑7 and C‑32: still payable?
Information about tolls in Catalonia has changed in recent years. As of today, these sections are considered free of charge on Catalan territory, although it is advisable to check the current status before your trip, as conditions may vary.
To be sure, consult official traffic sources or ask at the rental office when you pick up the car. This way you can plan your route without worrying about extra costs.
To complement the experience, these are the most booked options by recent travellers.
What car size to choose for your route?
The size you choose depends on the number of passengers and the type of roads you will be driving. For coastal routes with small villages and narrow streets, a compact car is sufficient and easier to park. If you're travelling with family or a group, an MPV or SUV offers more space and comfort for longer stretches.
Remember that when you hire a car, the category guarantees features like number of seats and doors, but not the exact model. The actual vehicle assigned depends on the available fleet. If you need more luggage space or equipment (such as baby seats), choose a higher category.
If you're planning your visit, this selection of activities usually fits well with this plan.
Tips for booking in advance
In high season (June to September), demand for rental cars soars. Booking at least a month in advance ensures better prices and more vehicle options. Use online comparison sites like DiscoverCars to see all companies at once and choose the best value for money.
Choose full insurance to avoid surprises, and opt for a full‑to‑full fuel policy: you return the tank full and pay no surcharges. Always carry all documents in physical format (voucher, ID, driving licence, credit card with embossed numbers). Also consider the flexibility of pick‑up and drop‑off times to match your flight.
Once you have the car, you can take advantage to explore the coast at leisure. If you prefer guided excursions to learn about the history or the best‑kept coves, many depart from Lloret town centre and are a worry‑free alternative to driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a car on the Costa Brava?
Is it better to pick up the car in Girona or Barcelona?
Do you need a large car for the Costa Brava?
Do you have to pay tolls on the AP‑7 or C‑32?
Is it better to book the car in advance?
What documents do I need to pick up the car?
Hiring a car on the Costa Brava lets you discover its corners with complete freedom, from hidden coves to inland villages. This guide has covered the main pick‑up options – Girona, Barcelona and Lloret de Mar – the most suitable vehicle size for your plan and tips for a hassle‑free booking. Remember to check the toll situation before you set off and have all your documents in order.
For a getaway focused on comfort, staying at Apartamento Remo right in the centre of Lloret makes logistics easy: you're just minutes from the beach and the rental offices, allowing you to pick up and drop off the car without stress. That way you can chain your daily routes with maximum flexibility.