With lodging sorted, it's time for my next question. Appreciate the help and patience so far.

Family of 4 (2 teens) with carry-on wheelies and backpacks. After 5 nights in Barcelona , I'll be picking up a car to head to Begur. I don't know much, but I can see that the airport is in the opposite direction to where I want to go.

I'll want to return the car to the airport. Should I pick it up somewhere else? If so, where? We will be in the El Born area (near Jaume I Metro station). I'll probably be knocking the rust off my manual transmission driving skills too. Thoughts?

Also, do most people use AutoEurope? any downsides? or check all the individual sites as well?

Thanks!

We rented a car in Barcelona in 2012. Definitely pick up the car in the city, since it is always more expensive to pick one up at the airport. We got our car at the Sants train station. We rented from Auto Europe. It was fine, although after several hours when it started raining we realized the car was missing its windshield wiper blades! We had to drive back to the airport at Girona and exchange it, and they only had much smaller cars . But otherwise the rental was uneventful. We returned the car to the train station, but there is usually no issue with returning it to a different spot. Definitely have access to a GPS too to get out of the city. But we took the same route you are going on, and had no problems.

Heading out of town, you can pick up a rental in town on the Gran Villa (Euorpcar) or at Corcega, 293/295 (Avis). Both will allow you easy access out of the city.

If you pick up a car at the Gran Via location, then just head north, following the signs. Traffic can be heavy, but nothing you can't handle.

If you pick up a car at the EuRopcar location, head toward the airport, you will be able to pick up the highway and be on your way to Begur. The highway loops north of the city and is an easy drive.

I would recommend dropping the car off at the airport and taking a taxi into town.

Thanks Palatino and Robert.

FYI, we'll be flying out after the dropoff but that's good generic info.

Interesting myth busters in my research. I started with AutoEurope and then switched to Europcar directly since they were the cheapest option.

At least with Europcar:

1) It's the same price to rent from BCN as it is Gran Villa (i.e. not "always" cheaper in town)

2) The automatics are only ~$10/week more (for a Golf with/without). That could be a wise investment for marital harmony!

Looks like Gran Villa pickup and BCN dropoff is also the same price with generally the same (listed) selection.

I guess I need to verify which terminal at BCN as well?

For years we have only done European car rentals through AutoEurope. I like that they provide a clear voucher about what is (and is not) included, and that they provide a toll-free phone number to contact them 24/7 should there be any problems at pick-up or drop-off. We have had to call them once when a Europcar agent was demanding some additional payment when dropping off the car. It was cleared up immediately with no further payment. Another time, after we were home, Avis in the UK put through an additional charge. One call to AutoEurope and a credit was put through immediately. Otherwise, no other problems when renting through AE.

Also, they used to have a policy of meeting any price found elsewhere. If that is still the case, you might be able to get the same or better price through AE that you have found with Europcar. Their agents at 800-223-5555 are very knowledgeable and helpful.

If you do rent directly from Europcar, they will add the CDW to the cost (it cannot be waived) and your credit card will not cover the insurance.

As noted, AE will meet or beat any price for the major rental car companies.

There is only rental car one drop off location at El Prat airport.

Good tips. I will give AE a call before booking.

The wording on the Europcar site says:

<i>Basic coverage not included in rates below

Proof of USA or Canada residence must be provided at the rental location to benefit from coverage-excluded rates.</i>

Are you saying that they will renig when I try to pick it up at that rate?

We always use our Amex card connected rental insurance. It's a bargain at $24.95 for the entire rental period up to 42 days.

https://www295.americanexpress.com/p...ltiple_pcrp#03

We do too, MaineGG! I guess primary coverage is less of a concern for overseas since any CC coverage would be primary, but we do use it (and plan to for this trip as well). Thanks.

>Proof of USA or Canada residence must be provided at the rental location to benefit from coverage-excluded rates.<

It would appear that they have altered the CDW issue after years of complaints. Canadians and Americans are the only ones who can use their credit card for rental car insurance coverage, and waive the CDW requirement the rest of the world has to live with.

As noted, the coverage from Amex is excellent, but Visa Platinum coverage should be equal, but I'm not sure of the cost. We use the Amex Platinum Business Card, which give you automatic coverage at no cost.

We rented a midsize automatic in Barcelona last summer directly from Hertz with pick-up at Sants Railway Station and drop-off at Barcelona airport for a weekly rate of 165 euros (no CDW) using AAA rate code. Thought it was a great deal. Got a brand new Mercedes too. We were able to get out of the city and headed north w/o too much trouble.