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Rent a Car in Mataró, Spain—Competitive Prices With a Clear, Local Guide

Compare rates, choose the best pickup spot (airport or downtown), and drive the Maresme coast with practical tips on insurance, fuel policies, and fees.

Updated Traveler Guide
Mataró Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up and What To Know
Renting a car in Mataró is a practical way to explore the Maresme coast, beaches, and nearby Catalonia towns on your own schedule. You’ll get the most flexibility for day trips (Costa Brava, Montseny, Girona) and for families carrying luggage. If you plan to stay strictly in central Barcelona, a car can be more hassle than help due to limited parking and low-emission zones—consider picking up in Mataró or outside Barcelona’s core to simplify driving. Typical costs vary by season; summer and holiday weekends are often higher, and manual cars are more common than automatics (reserve early if you need an automatic). Common policies to review before booking include: fuel ("full-to-full" is usually best), deposits (credit card often required), mileage limits, tolls, and after-hours returns.
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) — Primary Airport for Mataró
Best for widest selection and long opening hours. From BCN, drive to Mataró via C-32 (tolls may apply) or alternate routes. Pros: more companies, more vehicle types, easier upgrades. Cons: airport surcharges, potential shuttle to off-airport lot, and heavier traffic around Barcelona.
Mataró City Center (Plaça de Santa Anna / Shopping Core)
Pros: walkable if you’re staying downtown and easier to avoid Barcelona airport fees. Cons: limited parking and tighter streets; branch hours can be shorter and fleets smaller than airport locations.
Mataró Train Station Area (Rodalies R1 Corridor)
Pros: convenient if arriving by train from Barcelona; straightforward meet-up point and quick access to main roads. Cons: traffic can be busy at peak commute times; availability may be limited on weekends.

What do you need to rent a car in Mataro?

Renting a car in Mataro is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Spain national photo ID is required.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving license with no major endorsements. The license must have been held for at least 2 years (some offers accept 1 year, but 2 years may be required for certain vehicles or suppliers).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are accepted. Supported credit cards (vary by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, UnionPay). Certain offers require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. Cards must be presented physically at the counter.
  • Age requirements: General driving age limits across offers range from a minimum of 18–26 years up to a maximum of 70–99 years, depending on car category and supplier. Common standard ranges include 21–80, 21–99, 25–99, and 26–70. One policy includes a young driver surcharge: drivers aged 21–24 may rent but must pay approximately EUR 24.20 per day (about $28.22 per day) in addition to the rental cost. Exact applicable age range and fees depend on the specific vehicle and supplier at booking.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving license with no major endorsements. The license must have been held for at least 2 years (some offers accept 1 year, but 2 years may be required for certain vehicles or suppliers). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; you must show the original licence and the original IDP; photocopies or scans are not accepted) or
    • EU/EEA Driving License (valid across the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom for car rental).
  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards (vary by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, UnionPay). A few offers require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. Cards must be presented physically at the counter.
  • Age requirements: General driving age limits across offers range from a minimum of 18–26 years up to a maximum of 70–99 years, depending on car category and supplier. Common standard ranges include 21–80, 21–99, 25–99, and 26–70. One policy includes a young driver surcharge: drivers aged 21–24 may rent but must pay approximately EUR 24.20 per day (about $28.22 per day) in addition to the rental cost. Exact applicable age range and fees depend on the specific vehicle and supplier at booking.
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Best Car Rentals for Exploring Mataro & Costa Maresme

Discover the perfect wheels for your Catalan adventure with our top picks for coastal drives, mountain escapes, and city explorations.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Coastal

Convertible

Feel the Mediterranean Breeze
4
2
Auto

Mataro's stunning Costa Maresme coastline calls for the perfect convertible to soak in the sun and sea air. With easy access to beach towns like Calella and San Pol de Mar, a convertible offers an unmatched open-air driving experience along the scenic coastal road. Premium parking availability at beach destinations makes this an ideal choice for summer travelers seeking the ultimate coastal adventure.

Mountain

SUV

Conquer Catalan Peaks
5
3
Auto

The rugged Montserrat mountains and Pyrenees foothills offer breathtaking inland routes just a short drive from Mataro. An SUV provides the power, stability, and ground clearance needed for winding mountain roads and varying elevations. This is the perfect choice if you plan to explore Montseny Natural Park or venture into the scenic interior regions of Catalonia with confidence and comfort.

Urban

Small

City-Smart & Agile
5
2
Auto

Navigating Mataro's bustling downtown streets and finding parking in the historic center is a breeze with a compact car. The narrow lanes and busy traffic that characterize Spanish urban areas are no match for a small vehicle that can slip into tight spots. For American visitors planning a day trip to nearby Barcelona, this practical choice makes city driving stress-free and fuel-efficient.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

More Choice and Longer Hours via Barcelona Airport (BCN)

While Mataró does not have a major airport, many travelers land at Barcelona–El Prat (BCN) and pick up there for the widest vehicle selection, extended opening hours, and frequent last-minute availability. Airport rentals can be ideal for direct highway access toward Mataró, but may include airport surcharges and bus/shuttle time to off-airport lots depending on the company.

Rent a Car at BCN Airport: Real Mataro Reviews

Read authentic car rental reviews from real customers in Mataro. Make informed decisions and avoid surprises with verified ratings and detailed feedback.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
SixtBest Overall
4.1
2100+ reviews
$74126 ft from Mataro Downtown
$478 - $818
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Quick and easy pickup process
  • Quality vehicles in excellent condition
Europcar
2.1
5200+ reviews
$521.2 mi from Mataro Downtown
$583 - $1,166
  • Excellent customer service
  • Quick deposit return
  • Hassle-free booking process
Keddy by europcar
2.1
5000+ reviews
$491.2 mi from Mataro Downtown
$583 - $933
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Efficient service at airports
  • Easy pickup and drop-off
Enterprise
1.6
279+ reviews
$851.1 mi from Mataro Downtown
$233 - $583
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • New and well-maintained vehicles
  • Quick and easy pickup process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 13 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Car Accident With Your Spanish Rental Car Step By Step Guide To Stay Safe And Protected
Learn exactly what to do if you have a car accident in a Spanish rental car. This step by step guide explains immediate safety actions, legal duties with warning vests and triangles, how to call 112, what information to exchange, how to document the scene, when to use the European Accident Statement, when to call the police for an Atestado, and how to report the incident correctly to your rental company and insurer so your claim is handled smoothly.
View details
Refueling Your Rental Car in Spain: A Simple Guide
Learn how to refuel your rental car in Spain with this step-by-step guide, including essential vocabulary, payment methods, and tips for choosing gas stations.
View details
Your Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Hidden Car Rental Fees in Spain
This guide helps you understand and avoid hidden car rental fees in Spain, covering insurance options, fuel policies, and common additional charges to ensure a transparent rental experience.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations dominate Catalonia car rentals with 65-70% market share, driven by 72% traveler preference for arrival-time convenience. Nearest hubs are Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and Girona-Costa Brava."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars lead Spain rentals at 55-70% share, yet SUV demand grew 10.7% CAGR as coastal and Pyrenees routes attract visitors. Summer peak drives 30-50% demand surge."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of car rental customers across Europe report hidden fee discrepancies between advertised and final prices, the most common complaint category."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Mordor Intelligence - Spain Car Rental Market Size & Share Analysis
  • Eurostat Transport Statistics - European Airport Car Rental Share
  • Mordor Intelligence - Spain Car Rental Market Report
  • Grand View Research - Global Car Rental Market Analysis
  • European Consumer Complaints Analysis - Car Rental Sector
  • Mordor Intelligence - Car Rental Market Research

Drive Through Spain: Essential Rules for Mataro

Everything you need to know about driving, fuel costs, and car rentals in Spain's charming coastal city of Mataro

LANGUAGES

Spanish (Castilian), Catalan

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+34

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$55 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-120 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.78/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.24/L - $2.47/L

TRAVELER RATING

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Mataro Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and FAQ for renting and driving a car in Mataro, Spain

Can I drive in Spain with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
US licenses are accepted in Spain, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. Spanish police often don't read English, and an IDP (available from AAA for ~$20) serves as an official translation. Rentals routinely ask for both. Without an IDP, you may face delays or be turned away at the counter.
How do I pay for toll roads in Spain? Is renting an electronic tag (e-Toll) worth it?
Spain's AP-7 toll road charges by distance traveled. You can pay cash or card at toll booths, but electronic tags (AP-7 Telepeaje) offer a dedicated lane. If you're driving beyond Mataro to Costa Brava or France, a rented e-Tag saves time but costs €10-15/day. For short local trips, pay-at-booth is fine—Mastercard and Visa are accepted everywhere.
What's the speed limit in Spain, and how strict are the speed cameras?
Spain's limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways, 100 km/h on expressways, 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas. Speed cameras are frequent and fines are automatic—caught at 21+ km/h over, expect €100-300 deducted from your rental's pre-authorized credit card. Radar detectors are illegal. The C-31 coastal road through Mataro is monitored; stick to posted limits.
How expensive is parking in Mataro, and where can I find affordable spots?
Street parking costs €1-2/hour in central Mataro, weekdays 9am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Blue zone (zona blava) spots fill fast. Uncovered municipal lots run €15-25/day; covered garages near the beach are €20-30/day. Book parking through your hotel or Parkopedia app in advance. Never leave valuables visible—break-ins from rental cars are common on the coast.
What fuel type do I need, and are gas stations easy to find around Mataro?
Most Spanish rentals run on diesel (gasóleo) or unleaded 95/98 (gasolina). Diesel is ~€1.45-1.60/liter. Stations are plentiful along highways but can be sparse in rural Catalonia. Shell, Cepsa, and BP accept international cards. If you rent an EV, charging infrastructure is improving but still limited outside Barcelona—plan your route with PlugShare before heading to remote Costa Brava villages.
Do I need winter tires or snow chains in Catalonia, even in summer?
Not required for Mataro city itself, but if you're driving to the Pyrenees or mountain passes like Montserrat, snow chains (cadenas) are mandatory November-March and occasionally in April. Pyrenees roads can close suddenly. Your rental company can provide chains for €25-40/day. For summer, carry sunglasses and water—mountain roads have sharp hairpin turns with little shade.

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