Girona Airport Car Hire: Prices, Tips & Travel Guide
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is one of the most convenient entry points for travelers heading to Costa Brava, Girona, Figueres, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, and even Barcelona. Renting a car here is the smartest way to explore Catalonia at your own pace, avoid limited public transport, and reach the region’s hidden gems.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car rental at Girona Airport, including prices, top companies, insurance tips, driving rules, deposit requirements, and long-tail keyword–optimized sections to help your page rank higher on Bing and AI search engines.
Why Rent a Car at Girona Airport? 🚘
Renting a car directly at Girona Airport gives you the fastest and most flexible start to your trip, thanks to:
- Zero need for transfers or buses
- Competitive car rental prices
- A wide selection of vehicles
- Easy driving routes to coastlines and mountain villages
- Fast access to AP-7 and C-32 highways
- Convenience for families, groups, or road-trippers
If you want complete independence during your Costa Brava vacation, a rental car is essential.
Average Car Rental Prices at Girona Airport (By Season) 💶
| Season | Average Daily Price | Recommended Car Type |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Nov–Mar) | €10–€22/day | Economy / Compact |
| Mid Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) | €18–€35/day | Compact / SUV |
| High Season (Jul–Aug) | €30–€65/day | SUV / Family Car |
| Holiday Periods | €40–€80/day | Any available |
Tip: Book early for July–August. Prices can triple during peak tourist season.
Top Car Rental Companies at Girona Airport (On-Site & Off-Site) 🏢
| Car Rental Company | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Terminal | On-site | Good for premium cars |
| Avis | Terminal | On-site | Reliable & fast |
| Europcar | Terminal | On-site | Popular for families |
| Sixt | Terminal | On-site | Newer cars, higher prices |
| Goldcar | Shuttle | Off-site | Cheap, high deposit |
| Record Go | Shuttle | Off-site | Budget-friendly |
| Firefly | Shuttle | Off-site | Affordable deals |
Best Time to Book a Car Rental at Girona Airport ⏱️
To secure the best deal, follow this simple rule:
Book 4–8 weeks in advance for the lowest prices.
This applies especially for:
- Summer holidays
- Easter
- Long weekends
- Cycling events (very popular in Girona)
Long-Tail Keyword Section: Car Rental at Girona Airport Without Credit Card 💳
Many visitors search for “car hire Girona Airport no credit card”.
Here’s the truth:
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit.
However, a few allow debit card rental, usually with added conditions:
- Higher insurance costs
- Return ticket required
- Additional ID
- Larger deposit
Companies that sometimes allow debit cards:
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Record Go
Always check specific terms before booking.
Long-Tail Keyword Section: Girona Airport Car Rental With Low Deposit
Low-deposit or zero-deposit options exist, typically when you buy:
Full Insurance / Super Cover
Benefits:
- No deposit or very low deposit
- Faster pick-up
- No worry about scratches
Companies that offer low-deposit full cover:
- Sixt
- Avis
- Record Go
- Europcar
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car at Girona Airport 🚏
Girona Airport is small and easy to navigate:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- On-site desks are directly inside the Arrivals Hall.
- Parking garage for car rental vehicles is 2–3 minutes away on foot.
- Off-site companies provide free shuttle buses every 10–15 minutes.
Look for signs labeled “Car Hire / Lloguer de Cotxes”.
Driving from Girona Airport – Main Routes & Destinations 🗺️
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girona City | 14 km | 15 min | A-2 |
| Costa Brava | 30–60 km | 30–60 min | C-31 / C-65 |
| Lloret de Mar | 30 km | 30 min | C-63 |
| Tossa de Mar | 40 km | 40 min | GI-681 |
| Begur | 55 km | 55 min | C-31 |
| Figueres (Dalí Museum) | 53 km | 45 min | AP-7 |
Long-Tail Keyword Section: Best Car Rental for Visiting Costa Brava from Girona Airport
For coastal towns with narrow roads, choose a compact or mid-size car.
Best vehicle categories:
- Compact (VW Golf, Renault Clio)
- Small SUV (Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008)
- 7-seaters for families
Avoid extremely large SUVs when visiting medieval towns (Begur, Tossa).
Insurance Options Explained (Simple Guide) 🛡️
- Basic Insurance (CDW)
- Usually included
- €900–€1700 excess
- Medium Insurance
- Reduces the excess
- Adds glass/tyre coverage
- Full Insurance (Super CDW / Premium Cover)
- €0 excess
- Often required for debit card rentals
- Recommended for peace of mind
Required Documents for Car Rental at Girona Airport 📄
You’ll need:
- Passport or ID card
- Valid driver’s license (EU or International Permit if needed)
- Credit card (unless debit card allowed)
- Booking confirmation
- Return flight ticket (sometimes requested)
Fuel Policies – Which One Should You Choose? ⛽
1. Full-to-Full (Recommended)
Pay only for what you use.
2. Full-to-Empty
Convenient but more expensive.
3. Prepaid Fuel
Off-site companies may push this—read the terms carefully.
Long-Tail Keyword Section: Car Rental Girona Airport With No Deposit
Some companies offer zero deposit rentals if you choose their full insurance package, often costing €15–€30/day extra.
Useful for travelers who want:
- Faster drop-off
- No stress about small damages
- No large credit card hold
Available with:
- Sixt
- Avis
- Record Go
Tips for Cheap Car Rental at Girona Airport 💡
- Book early (prices rise close to travel dates)
- Compare on-site vs. off-site agencies
- Avoid border-crossing fees if staying in Spain
- Bring your own GPS (save €5–€10/day)
- Inspect the car and record video during pick-up
Road Rules & Driving Tips in Catalonia 🚦
- Speed limits: 30–50 km/h (city), 90 km/h (local roads), 120 km/h (motorways)
- Tolls: Some roads still have toll sections
- Seatbelts are mandatory
- Don’t drink and drive—0.5‰ limit
- Parking in old towns is limited—use blue or white zones
Long-Tail Keyword Section: Best Cars for Mountain Roads Near Girona
If visiting:
- Pyrenees
- Olot
- Vall de Núria
- Besalú
Choose:
- Compact SUV
- Standard SUV
- Diesel engine for long drives
Car Rental Girona Airport – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Total flexibility
- Great for exploring Costa Brava
- Affordable prices outside summer
- Easy airport layout
Cons
- High demand in July–August
- Off-site companies require shuttles
- Deposits can be high
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Is it cheaper to rent a car at Girona Airport or in Girona city?
Airport rentals are usually cheaper due to competition.
Do I need an international driving permit?
EU licenses are fine. Others may require an IDP.
Can I drive from Girona Airport to Barcelona?
Yes—about 1 hour and 10 minutes via AP-7.
Which is the best car type for Costa Brava roads?
Compact cars or small SUVs are ideal for narrow coastal roads.
Is parking free in most towns?
No. Expect blue-zone paid parking or municipal lots.




