Driving to Barcelona: ZBE Rules, Parking Tips & Local Advice | Hostal Girona
- Hostal Girona
- Nov 26
- 4 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
Planning to Drive to Barcelona? Start Here:
If you're planning to drive into Barcelona - from France, Girona, the airport, or with a rental car - this guide gives you the clear steps to enter the city without stress. Learn how the ZBE works, where to park near Hostal Girona, how to avoid fines, and the easiest routes locals actually use. Everything you need for a smooth arrival is here.
ZBE Barcelona: Everything Drivers Need to Know
How the ZBE Works
Barcelona’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE) covers the entire area inside the ring roads. It operates Monday to Friday, 7:00–20:00.
Foreign Vehicles MUST Register Before Entering
If your car has a non-Spanish licence plate, you are legally required to register it online before driving into the ZBE.
✔ Quick online process
✔ Applies to all tourists
✔ Avoids automatic camera-detected fines
Daily Permits for Non-Compliant Cars (24 Days/Year)
If your car does not meet emission requirements, you may request daily permits - up to 24 days per year.
Most Tourist Fines Come From ZBE Mistakes
Not from parking or speeding. Registering your vehicle is the most important step before you drive.
How to Enter Barcelona by Road
(From France, the Airport & Costa Brava)
AP-7 Route from France (La Jonquera Border)
The easiest and fastest route is the AP-7 motorway (France: A-9 / E-15).
Local Tips
Avoid Friday afternoon arrivals. La Jonquera often gets congested.
Occasional police checks may appear, even inside Schengen.
Download your toll payment app ahead of time (see details here).
Driving from Girona & the Costa Brava
Well-signposted, easy roads with smooth access into Barcelona.
Driving from Barcelona Airport (T1/T2)
Follow “Barcelona Centre” → Gran Via → Eixample for the most direct route to the hostal.
Book Direct & Get Parking Discounts Best price + parking assistance when you stay at Hostal Girona.
Where to Park in Barcelona (Green & Blue Zones Explained)
🟩 Green Zone — “Zona Verda”
Mainly for residents. Non-residents may park but at higher hourly rates.
🟦 Blue Zone — “Zona Blava”
Designed for visitors. Pay by meter or mobile app.
Free Parking on Sundays & Public Holidays
Many streets in Eixample become free or lightly regulated. Always check street signs, as rules vary by block.
Prefer easy, secure parking? Our partner garage is just 2–3 minutes from the hostal.
🅿️ Parking Near Hostal Girona
Partner Parking, No Reservation Needed
We offer secure, covered private parking very close to Hostal Girona — ideal for travellers staying in the Eixample.
✔ Discounts for stays of 2+ nights
✔ Only 2–3 minutes walking distance
✔ No pre-booking required
✔ Pay easily at reception
How it works:
Park your car in our partner garage.
Bring your ticket to reception.
Pay directly at Hostal Girona (best price guaranteed).
Short walk to: restaurants, shops, Passeig de Gràcia, and major attractions.
Reserve your stay with discounted parking
🚦 Driving Rules & Safety Tips for Barcelona
✔ Mandatory Items in the Car
Reflective vest
V16 emergency light (triangles no longer required)
Clean, visible licence plate (important for ZBE cameras)
✔ Speed Limits
Motorways: 120 km/h
Highways: 90 –100 km/h
City streets: 50 km/h or below
✔ Cyclists
Catalonia has many cyclists, especially on weekends. Keep 1.5 metres distance and change lanes fully when overtaking.
✔ Local Tips
Avoid rush hour when entering or leaving the city
Download offline maps - tunnels can interrupt signal
Park once → explore the neighbourhood by foot
Stay at Hostal Girona - Drive Easy, Sleep Local
Hostal Girona is located in the heart of the historic Eixample district — famous for its octagonal blocks (xamfrans) designed by urban planner Ildefons Cerdà.
Cerdà’s street design improves:
Yellow and white curb markings in Barcelona showing restricted parking rules near Eixample.
Yellow and white curb markings in Barcelona showing restricted parking rules near Eixample.
visibility
turning radius
traffic flow
Even today, visitors find the Eixample surprisingly easy and logical to drive in.
We help travellers with:
– Parking guidance
– ZBE rules
– Local driving tips
– Authentic neighbourhood recommendations
– A warm, personal stay in a historic Barcelonian home
Book Direct - Best Rates Guaranteed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my foreign car before entering Barcelona?
Yes. All non-Spanish vehicles must register for the ZBE before entering. If not, fines are automatic.
Is parking available near Hostal Girona?
Yes, our partner parking is only 3 - 5 minutes away, secure, and discounted for guests.
Is the ZBE active on weekends?
The ZBE operates Monday to Friday, 7:00 - 20:00. Outside these times, any car may enter.
Are Sundays free for parking?
Many Eixample streets are free or lightly regulated on Sundays and holidays. Always check the signs.
Is the Eixample easy to drive in?
Yes. Its grid layout and wide streets make it one of the most driver-friendly areas in Barcelona.