Your Girona Adventure Starts at the Airport

US citizens can legally drive in Spain with their US driver's license, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. Spanish police may require an IDP for foreign licenses not in Spanish, and rental companies always request it. The IDP costs about $20-$25 USD and can be obtained from AAA before departure. Without it, you risk fines of €100-200 if stopped by police.

Spain operates both free and toll roads (peajes). On toll roads, use the 'tarjeta' (card) lane and pay with credit card at the booth—there is no electronic toll collection system like Spain's older Telepeaje that requires a device. Tolls cost €0.08-0.12 per km on average, so the 100km drive from Gerona to Barcelona costs roughly €8-12. Cash (euros) is also accepted at most toll booths. Rent a car with a credit card for easiest toll payment.

Yes, most rental companies in Spain rent to drivers aged 21 and older, though some premium vehicles require 23+. At age 23, expect a 'young driver surcharge' of €20-€35 per day from agencies like Europcar, Avis, and Hertz. This fee covers drivers under 25 due to higher accident rates. Budget an extra €140-€245 per week if you're 23. Compare quotes at local agencies vs. international chains—local companies sometimes waive or reduce this fee.

Most rental cars in Spain run on diesel (gasóleo) or unleaded gasoline (gasolina sin plomo 95/98). Diesel is significantly cheaper at €1.30-1.45/L vs. €1.45-1.60/L for gasoline. Check your rental agreement carefully—filling a diesel car with gasoline is a costly mistake. Gas stations are plentiful along highways and in towns, with many 24-hour stations near Gerona city and along the Costa Brava. Full-to-full fuel policy is standard; return the car empty to avoid prepaid fuel markups.

If you plan to explore the Pyrenees or mountain roads around the Girona region from November to March, snow chains are mandatory and winter tires (M+S rated) are highly recommended. The AP-7 toll road and local roads into the Pyrenees can see ice and snow. Rental companies in Gerona offer winter tire packages for €10-20 per day; chains cost €5-10 per day. Without them, you risk fines of €200+ and being turned away from closed roads. Coastal Gerona and the Costa Brava rarely need winter equipment.

Street parking in central Gerona costs €1.00-2.00 per hour, with blue zone (zona azul) meters operating Monday-Saturday 9am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Free parking exists outside the city center, but spaces fill fast. Airport rental offices have free long-term parking. Look for 'aparcamiento público' signs for public garages at €15-25 per day. Never park in resident-only zones (residentes) or you'll face €80-100 fines. Credit cards work at most parking meters.