We will be staying in Barcelona early/mid May and want to take a short trip into Andorra for a couple of nights. The question is should we rent a car or take a bus for the drive? We also have a three year old and a one year old with us so if we were to rent a car it would have to be through a company that provides car seats. Do bus companies require you to have car seats for babies? Also, neither one of us drives a stick shift (I know...tsk tsk) and I've noticed that renting an automatic is WAY more expensive. I'm actually thinking of renting a manual here for a day and learning how to drive stick before we leave so we can save some money on a rental in Barcelona. BUT maybe driving up into Andorra is really mountainous and would be too hard for a beginning stick driver??? What do you think? Am I crazy?

The road to Andorra (from the Spanish side) is not difficult - at least it is easier than from the French side). However in early May you may still find snow. You will certainly have a lot of traffic (May 1st, May 8, Ascension and Whitsun week-ends are holidays in France and lots of French go to Andorra to shop). If you have never driven a stick shift, it might be wiser to take a bus, especially with 2 young children.
Apart from the regular Spanish bus companies you may want to have a look at www.frogbus.com

Thanks! The only reason I thought to drive was because I thought it would take less time. I think I've heard it's about a 3 hour car ride, but a 4 hour bus ride. Every minute counts with kids in a vehicle right?! We're going for a weekend (Saturday night to Monday evening). Will everything be closed on Sunday in Andorra?

You'll be far better off taking the bus than trying to drive a car with a manual transmission that you are not used to. As noted, the traffic can be heavy and the drive to the Cerdanya can be a challenge at times, but it is a beautiful drive, especially when there is snow in the mountains.

Also, people tend to drive a little faster than you may be used to, so be aware.

Andorra la Vella is one big shopping mall. I don't think they ever close.

Agree with Robert, shops will be open. Sunday is a big day for them. Pas de las Casas is as bas as Andorra la Vella in terms of crowds/stores/supermarkets/difficulty to park etc....
Beware that Andorra is not in the UE and that you'll have to go through customs when you leave the country.

Thanks! Do you know the names of the bus lines and which may be the best?

There are several companies. I don't think there is a "best" one though Alsa is very reliable. I would avoid Eurolines. http://andorra.costasur.com/en/servi...ge-andorra-bus
www.frogbus.com
www.eurolines.com

If the link does not work : http://andorre.costasur.com/fr/servi...a-andorra.html

I would also agree with above fodorites that it would be wiser to use public transport than drive a manual which you are not accostomed to. Yes, Andorra from Spanish side is easier than the French side (which we unfortunately took and got lost a few times), and even the roads seemed to be in a better state on the Spanish side but it still is not the easiest of drives. We did it about 6 years ago.

I also agree though that the scenary is breathtaking. But in your case I would opt for public transport.

I disagree with taking a bus, especially with 2 small children. Rent a car and you are free to go when you want and stop when you want. I drove on the French side from Perpignan to Andorra in 2007 and it was one of the best days behind the wheel of a car I have ever had. Loved it. The roads are good and although twisty there is no special skill needed.

I'd love to go back and spend a couple of days on that route again.

Sadly, Andorra la Vella did not live up to expectation... a pretty enough place in a mountain valley but full of over priced shops with most goods more expensive than where I live. I was a smoker at the time and at least cigarettes were cheap.
Gas was too so fill up before going back to Spain.

I think Andorra la Vella is a dump.

I would not do this drive in a manual after a day's practice in a rental in the States. I think I would be more concerned about getting out of Barcelona than the mountain driving. But, if you go with a manual rental, on your practice day be sure you are proficient in down-shifting.

IMO, apply the rental practice money to an upgrade to an automatic.

Most of the major rentals have car seats but specify when renting and ask if there is an extra cost.

Do you think we'll need a car while in Andorra or is the bus system there pretty efficient? We want to see more than just Andorra la Vella.

And if we do end up renting a car, which agencies are good ones (budget/economy) that rent from Barcelona?

Check with Auto Europe and Kemwel. They usually offer the best deals.

The bus system is very good : several regular lines, an express line and a night line. See www.transportpublic.ad
In addition the tourist office offers 6 different guided tours of the country.
I still think that driving a car with manual transmission for the first time in your life - especially on this road - is not a very good idea. (For the record, I don't live very far from Andorra).

Pvoyageuse- thanks. I sure do like getting local info. Can you recommend a place to stay for two nights that is reasonably priced...but more on the cheaper side?! I'm figuring we'll use public transport and maybe one of those tours. Great info!

A place in Andorra la Vella (which we avoid like the plague) or somewhere else? Hôtel Florida gets good reviews and is located a few yards from the "Pyrenées" huge department store.
http://hotelflorida.andorramania.com/
You can also check TA listings.
Have a look at Caldea (hot springs, pool, jacuzzi, Roman baths, etc...) they often have packages for families: www.caldea.com

I'll pass those on to my husband. He's planning that portion of the vacation....and yet here I am asking questions re: Andorra on this forum. Hmm.

Yes, it would be convenient with a hired car, when travelling with young kids, but if would not use a car with a shift if you are used to driving an automatic, especially in windy roads.

Andorra is scenic, with those cute very colourful painted terraced houses, but I would not stay there for more than a couple of days. Fuel is definitely cheaper, we had filled in our tank prior to departing for Spain. Electronics seemed to be on sale at a very good price as well, so you might find good bargains there. Of course, like everywhere, you have to look around, as probably shops sell at different prices like everywhere.

Again, if you have driven before in mountaineous areas and valleys, you should not find it too hard, we have driven in much worse winding mountaineous roads, and the scenary is lovely. Just plan your route beforehand.

With Alsa and/or Frogbus do you know if you have to start and end the journey at the airport or can you get on and off at Barcelona Sants?