You have so far rather flown or maybe once traveled by train and now you are thinking about traveling to barcelona by car? Why not, after all barcelona is not at the other end of the world. Nevertheless, the journey in this way is not to be compared with a cat’s jump.
In addition, there are some important aspects that you should consider in advance if you don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised on your trip. Whether route guides, tolls, speed rules, fuel costs or luggage lists – in the following paragraphs i will tell you what you have to keep in mind during such a trip.
Why do you want to go to barcelona by car?
More than 1.300 kilometers and more than 13 hours driving time: it would be a lie to say that barcelona is just around the corner from germany. Traveling by car by yourself is therefore a costly affair. If you only have a city trip to barcelona in mind, the following are some of the things to consider plane and train so good alternatives that give you extra time for personal must hours. Or you use the car train, if you absolutely want to have your own car with you on the tour.
however, a car on the spot in spain can also be worthwhile.
- Be it that the way your destination and you want to explore other areas (for example austria, switzerland or france) on a road trip.
- Be it car on the onward journey have with you on an island you would like to access comfortably with a car ferrycan translate.
- Or that you do not rent a car at your destination for certain reasons want.
there are many reasons why you should not drive your own car (especially if you are just going to leave it there). But there are also some, which make it reasonable to take them with you. so think carefully in advance, which variant is the better for you and calculate travel times and costs for all options carefully. So you are on the safe side and at least in these respects no bad surprise awaits you. which already brings me to the driving time.
How long does it take to get to barcelona by car??
The car trip from germany to spain takes time and muste. to give you a better idea, i have listed the distances and travel times of four major cities from northern to southern germany:
- From frankfurt a. Main from is the duration of the trip pretty much 13 hours (1.338 km).
- Only about 50 kilometers further and half an hour longer is the journey from cologne out: 13,5 hours (1.383 km).
- Also from munich you need less than 1.400 kilometers – strictly speaking 1.372 kilometers with a travel time of about 13,75 hours.
- For this the journey from hamburg from with 1.815 kilometers and 18 hours significantly more to book. But you can’t start much further in the north of germany.
What is the best way to travel by car to barcelona?
there are many ways how you can go to barcelona by car. For the four above mentioned routes I have given you a very short sample design written. This contains both important, approximately on the route lying stations and the largest relevant roads. For an individual and really detailed route planning, however, it is worthwhile to do a navi and or road map survey some time before and again shortly before the start. In this way the then current road situation best to include.
From frankfurt a. Main from
- Stations: mannheim, karlsruhe, freiburg, besancon, lyon, valence, nîmes, montpellier, beziers, perpignan, figueres, girona, barcelona
- Major freeways: A 67, A 6, A 5, A 36 (france), A 6 (france), A 7 (france), A9 (france), AP-7 (spain), C-33 (spain), C-58 (spain) and B-10 (spain)
From cologne
- Stations: trier, luxembourg, metz, nancy, dijon, lyon, valence, nîmes, montpellier, beziers, perpignan, figueres, girona, barcelona
- important highways: A 1, A 4 (luxembourg), A 31 (france), A 6 (france), A 7 (france), A9 (france), AP-7 (spain), C-33 (spain), C-58 (spain) and B-10 (spain)
From munich
- Stations: munich, memmingen, lindau, bregenz, st. Gallen, winterthur, baden, bern, yverdon-les-bains, lausanne, geneva, chambery, valence, nîmes, montpellier, beziers, perpignan, figueres, girona, barcelona
- Major freeways: A 96, A 14 (austria), A 13 (switzerland), A 1 (switzerland), A 41 (france), (france), A 43 (france), A 48 (france), A 49 (france), A 7 (france), A9 (france), AP-7 (spain), C-33 (spain), C-58 (spain) and B-10 (spain)
From hamburg
- Stations: hamburg, bremen, osnabruck, munster, cologne, luxembourg, metz, nancy, dijon, lyon, valence, nîmes, montpellier, beziers, perpignan, figueres, girona, barcelona
- Important highways: A1, A 4 (luxembourg), A 31 (france), A 6 (france), A 7 (france), A9 (france), AP-7 (spain), C-33 (spain), C-58 (spain) and B-10 (spain)
Are there toll roads on the way??
YES. otherwise it would be too easy to travel by car to barcelona, or?
- France: no vignette like in austria or switzerland, but "peage" according to the toll class of the vehicle (car mostly class 2). Attention, eleven operating companies share the 11.000-kilometer route network – and because of this decentralized administration, tolls can vary widely per section (on average about 9 cents / km). payment in cash or by credit card, not by EC card!
- Austriaon freeways and expressways (vignette, partly special toll roads) – the A14 will be exempt from tolls from mid december 2019 and you will not have to pay tolls on this section when travelling from germany to switzerland.
- Switzerland: for passenger cars as well as trailers (each up to 3.5 t permissible total weight) an annual vignette for 40.00 CHF (38.00 €) for all freeways.
- Spain: autovIas (publicly operated, mostly at big cities) are free of charge, autopistas (private operating companies) charge tolls on certain routes. The amount of the toll depends on the distance driven, the vehicle class (passenger cars mostly ligeros), the time of day and the day of the week – so be sure to check beforehand. Payment as in france in cash or with credit card.
What are the speed limits in the countries to be crossed&? spain?
Sometimes the speed limits in the countries you will cross on your way from germany to spain are quite different from the german ones. At the same time, the fines for speeding are considerably higher than those we are used to in the Federal Republic of Germany. If you do not want to increase your driving costs involuntarily, a exact knowledge of the top speeds is a real must. otherwise it will be really expensive. Here are the respective values (as of december 2019):
France
Maximum speeds
- In town: 50 km/h
- Out of town: 80 km/h
- highways: 110 km/h (exception for novice drivers: 100 km/h)
- Freeways: 130 km/h (exception for novice drivers: 110 km/h)
- Always observe situational and temporary deviating signs!
Fines for speeding
- up to 20 km/h too fast: from € 135.00
- More than 50 km/h too fast: 1.500,00 €
Luxembourg
maximum speeds
- In town: 50 km/h
- Out of town: 90 km/h
- freeway: 130 km/h (in wet conditions 110 km/h)
Fines for speeding
- 20 km/h too fast: from 50,00 €
- More than 50 km/h too fast: at least 145,00 €
Austria
Maximum speed limits
- In towns (main and side roads): 50 km/h
- Out of town (main as well as side roads): 100 km/h
- Expressway: 100 or 130 km/h
- Freeway: 130 km/h
- Always obey situational and temporary deviating signs!
speeding fines
- Between 30.00 and 2.180,00 €
Switzerland
Maximum speeds
- Encounter zones: 20 km/h
- In town (main and secondary roads): 50 km/h
- out of town (main and side roads): 80 km/h
- car road: 100 km/h
- Freeway: 120 km/h
- Situational and temporary deviating signs always consider!
Fines for speeding
- From 1-5 km/h too fast on the freeway 20,00 €
- ATTENTION: driving too fast will quickly become very expensive and sometimes be punished with hefty charges and driving bans
- more than 25 km/h in town, 35 km/h out of town and 35 km/h on freeways too fast also means a criminal record entry in switzerland
- Speeders (in towns more than 50 km/h, out of town more than 60 km/h and on freeways more than 80 km/h too fast) can be sentenced to imprisonment (one to four years), several thousand € in fines and the confiscation of their own car.
Spain
Maximum speeds
- Inner city: 50 km/h
- Out of town with shoulder up to 1 ½ meters: 90 km/h
- Out of town with shoulder of more than 1 ½ meters: 100 km/h
- freeways and roads with more than two lanes in each direction: 120 km/h
- Always obey situational and temporary deviating signs!
fines for speeding
- More than 20 km/h too fast: from 100,00 €
- More than 50 km/h too fast: from 600,00 €
Fuels& costs in the countries to pass through& spain
Driving to barcelona by car, that is only possible with proper fuel in the tank. What you get with a route length of about 1.400 to 1.800 kilometers is not really surprising, is it?? In the following you will find some names and prices and some tips for refueling in various other european countries you pass through (depending on the route).
France
The choice of gas stations in france is wide, with significantly more autogas (1.700) because natural gas stations (about 40) can be found. Also electric cars can be charged pretty easily. On the other hand, paying with debit and credit cards is sometimes a bit of an adventure that you can’t always avoid, because some gas stations do not accept cash. Then you have to make sure that the gas station accepts german bank or credit cards. Not every car does this unfortunately. If it works against expectation – you are lucky. in such a case, make sure to note down the name of the gas station, because then you can also pay with a card at other gas stations of this group.
Designation of fuels
- Super: sans plomb 95 / SP95
- Superplus: sans plomb 98 / SP98
- Diesel: gasoil / gazole
- Natural gas: gaz naturel / GNC (gaz naturel comprime) / methane
- LPG: GPL
Fuel prices (as of 12.2019)
- Super: 1,50 €
- Superplus: 1,54 €
- Diesel: 1,41 €
Luxembourg
In luxembourg fuel is the rule cheaper than in germany and so it is no surprise that especially german border residents or passing through tourists like to fill up their tanks here. The fuels refueled are generally super, superplus and diesel, as natural gas is only dispensed at four filling stations and autogas at two. But the other three fuels are all the more popular and are also transported in canisters. However, when importing into germany, there is a tank-filling-plus-20-liter-limit. So always pay attention to the luxembourgish code de la route and don’t take too much with you!
Designations of the fuels
- Super: super unleaded / essence sans plomb (95 octane)
- Superplus: super plus / 98 octane numbers
- diesel: diesel
- Natural gas: natural gas / gaz naturel / CNG
- Autogas: autogas / LPG / GPL
Fuel prices (as of 12.2019)
- Super: 1,21 €
- Superplus: 1,29 €
- diesel: 1,11 €
Austria
The big advantage of filling up in austria compared to germany is that the prices only once a day (if, then at 12:00) allowed to climb. price reductions are still possible after that. Moreover, you will surely find a gas station for your natural gas car here; after all, there are almost 150 spread all over the country. For autogas, on the other hand, the situation is much more modest, with only 20 stations.
Designations of the fuels
- Here, everything is labeled the same as in germany.
Fuel prices (as of 12.2019)
- Super: 1,24 €
- Superplus: 1,33 €
- diesel: 1,21 €
Switzerland
If you fill up in switzerland, you can pay by credit card. Because here you always get the exact converted amount. The pay with euro on the other hand usually provides surcharge of 5 cents per liter. And this really does not have to be on a trip to barcelona by car. By the way, you can also find here very good natural gas vehicles refueling stations, since switzerland has great developed corresponding network has. And even autogas is available, but only at about 50 stations nationwide.
Designations of fuels
- Super E5: super / sans plomp 95 / benzina senza piombo or benzina verde
- Superplus: superplus / sans plomb 98 / bezina senza piombo 98 or benzina verde plus
- Diesel: diesel / gazoil / gazole / gasolio or carburante diesel
- Natural gas:
- Autogas: LPG / GPL
Attentionthe only difference between the french and italian names for super and superplus is the number of octaves (95 and 98 respectively). Therefore, before refueling, always look carefully at what you really wanted to choose and then chose.
Fuel prices (as of 12.2019)
- Gasoline: 1,40 – 1,60 CHF (1,28 – 1,46 €)
- diesel: 1,60 – 1,80 CHF (1,46 – 1,64 €)
Spain
Refueling at a spanish gasolinera (gas station) differs only little from the sister process in germany. In general, if you go to barcelona by car, you can pay with cash, debit or credit cards. On the freeway it also happens that the column is only activated afterwards (= after payment). If you do not fill up the whole amount, you will be refunded the rest at the cash desk. Natural gas refueling is also possible in spain by the way. But since there are only about 50 corresponding gas stations, you have to plan thoroughly how much you drive and when you fill up and where. On the other hand you can be happy if you have chosen autogas. In this case, 500 gas stations are waiting for your visit.
Designations of the fuels
- Super E5: gasolina sin plomo 95
- Superplus: gasolina sin plomo 98
- Diesel: gasoleo / diesel / aceite diesel
- Natural gas: E gas natural / GNV
- Autogas: LPG
Attentionthe designations for super and superplus can only be distinguished by the different octane numbers (95 and 98). So pay attention when refueling and don’t just look at the pump with approval.
Fuel prices without the canary islands (as of 12 December).2019)
- Super gasoline: 1,30 €
- Superplus: €1.48
- Diesel: 1,20 €
What is the blood alcohol limit in the countries to be crossed&? spain?
It is well known that driving a car and drinking alcohol do not get along very well. On a trip with the car after barcelona, however, the renunciation of alcohol is especially worthwhile. (unless someone else is driving or you take a sufficiently long break.)
Although the promille limits in other countries such as france, austria or switzerland do not differ significantly from the German at the first moment. But the amount of the associated fines is all the more important for that. Or, more to the point: too much promille on the road will be really expensive. It’s best if you look at the graduations yourself – then you know what I mean.
Luxembourg
Promille limits
- 0.2 for novice drivers who have held their license for less than two years
- 0,5 for all others
Fines for too much alcohol at the wheel
France
Promille limits
- 0.3 for novice drivers who have held their license for less than three years
- 0,5 for all others
Fines for drunk driving
- at least 135,00 €
- With more than 0.8 promille is even a two-year suspended sentence in the possible frame
Austria
blood alcohol limits
- 0.1 for novice drivers who have held their license for less than two years
- 0.5 for all others
fines for too much alcohol behind the wheel
- With the 0,1-promille-regulation: 35 – good 2.200 € respectively retraining
- with the 0,5-promille-regulation: from 300 € onwards
Switzerland
blood alcohol limits
- 0.1 for novice drivers who have held their license for less than three years
- 0.5 for everyone else
fines for too much alcohol behind the wheel
- In both cases at least 520,00 SFR
Spain
blood alcohol limits
- 0.3 in the blood or 0.15 in the breath test for novice drivers who have had their license for less than two years
- 0.5 in the blood or 0.25 in the breath test for all others
fines for too much alcohol behind the wheel
What is the traffic situation in barcelona?
contrary to all the often heard claims, i cannot speak of a total traffic chaos on the road after the one time i went to barcelona by car. On the contrary, everything came to me by southern european standards pretty well organized and cleared up in front of.
however, there is a certain catch: in barcelona it is not possible to "just overstay your parking ticket by five minutes". it will extremely thoroughly checked and, if necessary, towed away just as quickly. So standing in the wrong place is the natural enemy of your nerves and your wallet. The same applies for speeding or drunk driving. So it’s not exactly relaxed driving here, although there is no anarchy, as is often claimed.
another, closely related problem is the parking situation. Although there are various public parking places or houses. but they are mostly fast and permanently occupied and are located not necessarily in the vicinity of the places of interest barcelona. On top of that, hotel guests often park here, too, their hotel (especially in the old town the case) does not have its own parking lot.
Long story short: being on the road is not necessarily the crux of the matter. At least not if you are used to the hustle and bustle of german city traffic. However, parking can become quite a nuisance. And if you already know that in various city cards in barcelona local traffic tickets are included and the public transport more than proper work … then it’s worth it parking car outside the city and with the PUBLIC TRANSPORT driving into them. your nerves and your bank balance will thank you for it.
Hola BCN public transport ticket
16,30 to 38,00 euro
(10% cheaper than locally)
With which total costs must I count?
When you travel to barcelona by car, you must have various aspects take into account:
- The travel expenses around the car (including fuel, tolls, ferry fees and vignettes),
- Other travel expenses (like food, drink and potential overnight stays) and
- Additional extra costs (for example, additional entrance fees for sights along the way).
In this way you are relatively fast with about 400,00 € per one way trip (including a slightly better overnight stay) go to. Of course you can save one or the other euro at one or the other place with smart calculation. But in case of doubt, it is better to budget a little more than less money for the trip.
Checklist for long car trips
car security
An intact vehicle is the be-all and end-all, if you want to go to barcelona by car. The following list of key points will certainly give you a good quick overview of what you should be thinking about. Certainly, some points will be added situationally.
Important: make sure you know what safety equipment you should have with you in spain and in the countries you will be passing through. For example, a missing warning vest can result in a hefty fine. So it is better to ask again at a recognized automobile club or in a competent workshop, what you have to pay attention to with your vehicle when driving to barcelona.
- tires
- lighting
- fluids
- Windshield wiper blades
- First aid kit*& warning triangle*
- high visibility vest*
- jack*, spare wheel
- tow rope* (attention, in spain it is not allowed to tow with private vehicles)
- jumper cables*
- Spare key for the car
- Flashlight*
- Mini fire extinguisher*
- If applicable. Arrange a complete check at a garage
documents& finances
No travel without the necessary documents. of course you don’t have to be the unlucky one on whose car trip to barcelona something goes wrong. but better safe than sorry and in case of doubt a competent insurance is the rock in the surf. especially, if there are problems abroad, save you valid documents and straight contact person often facing bigger challenges.
by the way, the right measure is also required when it comes to money: especially for tolls, ferries, fuel, food and drink you should have a certain amount of cash with you. Ideally, you should estimate the costs before you start your trip and add a little extra. On the other hand, it is not advisable to carry half a bank in your luggage. Especially at foreign gas stations, some trick thieves have specialized in irritated travelers who can’t get along with the gas pumps. So always keep your eyes open, be attentive and do not leave unnecessary cash in an obvious place.
- Cash for tolls
- Identity card, passport
- driver’s license, vehicle registration
- Membership card in the automobile club z.B. ADAC or ACE*
- Booking confirmations for ferries
- list of emergency numbers (relatives, friends, insurances)
- Insurance policy that includes towing from the highway in case of breakdowns
- Health card
- If necessary. One travel insurance*
Useful things for the car trip
if someone takes a trip by car to barcelona, he will definitely experience something. hopefully only nice, sometimes true to the motto "the way is the goal.
To reach it safely and in the desired time, you need a navigation system that is always up to date. online in smartphone or navi, analog with road tickets – you have the choice. in my opinion it is best to have both with you. Because even if your technical device gives up the ghost, you can always use the card.
Apart from that, there are also some other items that will make your trip more enjoyable. For example, sunglasses ensure that you always see ideally, while a roof box additional luggage storage space means. At this point, you are the one who has to do the planning, since you know best what exactly you are planning to do on your trip and what accessories you need for it.
Nevertheless my tip: borrow what you don’t need to bring yourself on the spot. this way you and your fellow travelers will have more legroom and the journey will be more relaxed.
- navigation device* (maps available?)
- road maps*, road atlas
- charger for cigarette lighter*, smartphone, navi
- Sunglasses
- Bicycle rack
- roof box z.B. From today.De
- Pen and note paper
- Blanket, neck pillow
food and drink
To bring your own food and drinks, saves especially on the first stage(s) of the trip some money. No wonder, snacks or even whole meals are really expensive at freeway service stations. But make sure that it is as light meals as possible that are not heavy on anyone’s stomach and that can be eaten during the ride or during a break uncomplicated to eat are. this way you avoid a mess in the car. Because honestly: glued car seats are no fun by any stretch of the imagination.
Well cooled and keep your food and drinks in top shape, especially at warm temperatures with the help of an electric cooler. This also serves you well with regard to the next aspect (medication).
- Healthy snacks and drinks
- Electric cooler
hygiene& health
in this area you will find everything you need on the way to barcelona by car. Toilet paper, wet wipes and disinfectant need to be taken along as well as plasters, bandages and the medication you need. especially freeway rest areas are not always as well maintained as the bathroom at home ..
Speaking of the bathroom: remember to, pack enough medication, this appropriate to store (if necessary. Also to cool!) and you from your pharmacy note to leave, which foreign preparations correspond to the german variants. safe is safe and in terms of health you should not make any false compromises.
- medicines
- toilet paper, wet wipes, disinfection
employment
A car trip from germany to spain can turn out to be a lengthy affair, especially if you are driving alone. Why not just use some take family members or friends with you? This way, not only will the whole trip be more fun – you can save alternate while driving. And in general it is in case of a breakdown, it is always better not to be alone in the middle of nowhere.
To make everyone feel comfortable enough space and variety asked. Accordingly, it is better to travel with only two or three than four companions and still have some space for luggage and legroom than to squeeze yourself to death in the backseat. apart from that, regular breaks ensure that everyone arrives in barcelona fresh and rested. On the road, a few music playlists, audio books or other entertainment options will also sweeten the trip for all passengers. After all, the way is already part of the destination ..