We want to spend a few days in Spain. We plan on renting a car in France and then going to Barcelona. We would like to avoid having a car in Barcelona, however. Does anyone know if it possible -- and safe -- to park a rental car for one or two nights at a train station along the way (such as in Figueres)? We wouldn't leave anything in the car. Or -- if anyone has driven to Barcelona and has parked there safely without breaking the bank, this would be good to know too! Thanks.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Often it's possible to book a hotel that provides secure overnight parking, which is well worth the price in most situations.
Posted by
Beervana, Oregon
65 posts
Anne, I thought I'd respond because I saw you mentioned Figueres. That would be where I'd look. All the rental agencies are next to, or across from the train station. Many of the cars you'd rent in Figueres are parked in the streets around the train station to begin with. It seems to me that a rental parked among rentals' makes sense as far as red flags are concerned. A quick run through the Dali museum and a few Euro to get to Barcelona seem's to be an easy deal. Not to mention I've found Figueres a great place to eat before moving on.
Posted by
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
324 posts
I agree with Josh about the cuisine, but am not sure I'd want the car to be so far away -- both because of the limitations of public transportation, and on the off chance that I'd actually want to use the car while in Barna. The hotel parking lot on the roof of Sants train station also has rental cars, for those with a "Purloined Letter" wont. The underground parking at Plaza Real is covered with video cameras, guards, etc.
Personally, I'd save the money on the paid parking, get full coverage insurance on the rental, and park the car in the beach parking lot in Badalona (15 min North of Pza. Cataluña). Even in the event ofo damage to the car, insurance will cover it (check with the rental agency to make sure of this), and you'll also avoid worrying about minor scratches and dings to the car over the course of your trip.
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
Anne,
Traveling by car, we spent four weeks in Spain this year spread out over twelve different areas which included day visits to many others along the way. We did not have any difficulty and did not notice anyone else that did.
Our trip did not include Barcelona - sorry that I can't help you there.
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon, USA
9 posts
Thanks for all the responses. We've decided to skip Spain this time -- not because of the parking issues, but because we would be trying to see too much in too short a time. We'll stick with southern France for this trip, and hope to see Spain another time.