Barcelona Car Hire For Travel To Andorra

Hello,

I am staying in Barcelona in February and thought I would take the family up to Andorra for a few days skiing. Can anyone recommend a car hire company in Barcelona that provides 4-wheel drive vehicles at a reasonable price that are allowed to cross the border into Andorra? I would also like to know if how good the roads are up in Andorra and whether a 4-wheel drive vehicle is even necessary? Thanks.

I drove up to the Pyrenees a few years ago. A car with snow tyres is all you need really. I didn't have any problem crossing the border. As for companies, I think we used hertz at the airport. Have fun.

Hi Jonny. To answer your last point first, a 4WD is not essential as the main roads to Andorra and those in Andorra itself are cleared of snow pretty much as it falls, are in good condition and are not tricky to drive. You will see the majority of cars in Andorra are 2WD. I think all hire companies allow travel to other countries, especially Andorra, but there may be an insurance surcharge. Only in the heaviest snowfalls you may be stopped and required to fit chains, unless winter tyres are fitted. And that is the problem... almost all hire cars in Barcelona will not be 'winterised' with suitable rubber/chains. I can only suggest that you check all the usual hire companies and if necessary speak to one of their help desks to try and get the car set up for possible snowfall during your stay. All the best!

Hi Ade73. Thanks for the helpful reply. I have managed to find a few companies that have snow chains as an option, and now I know a 4x4 is not necessary I think I will have a few more options open to me. Thanks!

Jonny, do read the T&Cs carefully, looking particularly for Cross Border charges. This is something that has been sneaked in in the past 3 years. On my first time, I refused to pay them. On the following visits, the hire companies stated that my insurance would be invalidin the cross border country.

Some companies have now put a maximum charge.

Jonny, snow tyres are far more useful than chains on these roads. It was our first ever ski trip when we did it and we were a little naive and it was before the internet as we know it now so no info really. It was a lovely drive up in the sun and dry. We left for Barcelona early in the morning and it decided to snow. Needles to say it was the scariest drive of my life. We were sliding everywhere. Uphill, downhill, all 4 of us were terrified particularly sliding in the dark. Lol. Since then we've always had the tyres and it never happens. We've never used chains and we drive every year without fail at least once.

Ade is right - winter tyres would be the best bet. They will cope with anything apart from a recent very heavy dump of snow (for which you will also need chains) and more importantly do not require any work putting them on and off. However, I suspect you will struggle to find them at any Barcelona car hire company .

Chains are a very poor substitute and can only be used where there is a good covering of snow on the road - not much use for frost or light flurries. They can also be a pain to put on if you are not used to them