Collecting Car Rental Barcelona Airport, officially known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, is the second largest and busiest airport in Spain, located approximately 17 kilometers southwest of Barcelona’s city center. The airport comprises two main terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), which are about 5 kilometers apart. T1, inaugurated in 2009, primarily serves legacy carriers such as British Airways, Iberia, American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Delta. T2 mainly accommodates low-cost airlines.
Arriving at Terminal 1 (T1):
Upon arrival at T1, after clearing passport control, you’ll proceed to the Baggage Reclaim area and then enter the Arrivals Hall, both situated on the first floor. In the Arrivals Hall, you’ll find amenities including a café-bar, several shops, cash machines (ATMs) located near the lifts, and a Tourist Information desk on the right side.
Car Rental Barcelona Airport Services at Terminal 1:
Car hire desks are conveniently located within the Arrivals Hall of T1. The following on-airport car hire companies have desks in T1:
- Right Side of the Arrivals Hall:
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Goldcar-InterRent
- Left Side of the Arrivals Hall:
- Hertz-Thrifty
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Avis-Budget
These desks are easily accessible, and signage within the hall will guide you to the respective car hire companies.
Collecting Your Rental Car:
Rental vehicles are parked in the multi-story car park directly in front of Terminal 1. Specifically, car hire vehicles are located in Parking A (PA). To reach Parking A:
- Follow signs for Parking A (PA) from the Arrivals Hall.
- Proceed past Parkings C and B to reach Parking A.
- Within Parking A, car hire vehicles are situated on levels 0 and 1. You can use the stairs or lifts to access these levels.
Car Rental Barcelona Airport Services at Terminal 2 (T2):
If your car hire reservation is at T2, but you’ve arrived at T1, a free airport shuttle bus operates between the two terminals. The shuttle bus stop is located outside the Intermodal lobby on the ground level, one floor below the Arrivals Hall. You can access this area using the lifts or escalators near the car hire desks.
Off-Airport Car Hire Services:
Several car hire companies operate off-airport locations near Barcelona Airport and provide free shuttle services to their offices. These companies include:
- Drivalia
- Centauro
- OK Rent-a-Car
If you’ve booked with an off-airport car hire company, ensure you confirm the pick-up location and shuttle service details, specifying the terminal (T1 or T2) where you’ll need to be picked up.
Returning Your Rental Car:
When returning your rental car to T1, follow signs for Parking A (PA) and park the vehicle on levels 0 or 1, as directed by your car hire company. After parking, return the keys to the respective car hire desk in the Arrivals Hall.
By following this guide, collecting and returning your car hire at Barcelona Airport’s Terminal 1 should be a straightforward process, allowing you to enjoy your journey seamlessly.