Traveling from France, Germany or the Netherlands to Barcelona by car: the option that is gaining followers

30/07/2025

In recent years, more and more tourists from France, Germany or the Netherlands are choosing to travel to Barcelona by car —or rent one— with the aim of living a different and broader experience in the Catalan territory.

According to the Barcelona Tourism Observatory , in 2024 the private car (including motorbikes) was the second preferred means of transport to reach the region, with 38.2%, just behind the plane (41.9%). This implies that many travellers value the freedom and flexibility that a private vehicle allows.

Advantages of coming by car from Europe

• Flexibility and autonomy: traveling from places like France or the Netherlands by car, for example, allows you to stop whenever you want, visit lesser-known towns and places, and adapt the pace of the trip to the interests of each family.

• Extended visit to Catalonia: by staying in a strategic point like The Tiny House Barcelona , tourists can spend a few days in Barcelona city, and then explore the Costa Brava, the natural parks or inland towns, all by car.

• Family shared economy: for families with children, having a car is like having a tool bag: it makes it easier to carry luggage, children's equipment and take the children comfortably on day trips.

The Tiny House Barcelona: a unique experience in nature... 20 minutes from the center of the Catalan capital

Located in the Collserola Natural Park , a few kilometers from Barcelona, The Tiny House Barcelona offers sustainable accommodation with maximum comfort for families. It has an equipped kitchen, full bathroom, bed for two adults and two children, private garden and mini designer pool, in an unbeatable environment to get lost in nature without giving up urban proximity. In addition, the place has easy parking and direct access to expressways, so you can easily reach Barcelona airport or travel around the region. It is also well connected by public transport: in just about 20 minutes by train or bus you can reach the center of Barcelona, with all the efficient transport connections.

Trends and data to support it

The Tourism Observatory highlights that domestic and international travelers who choose to travel by car are increasingly choosing the option of combining stays in the region with urban stays. In Catalonia and Barcelona, the percentage of tourists who make excursions from the municipality where they are staying is growing year after year, and a significant part does so by private vehicle (32.2%) or by local train (26.6%).

At the same time, staying in places outside the center helps reduce tourist saturation in Barcelona city—a highly valued trend given the problems of overtourism , local protests, and the saturation of public spaces. Thus, opting for peri-urban stays like The Tiny House Barcelona has a sustainable and responsible value.

Benefits for families

• Space and tranquility: the private garden and swimming pool are ideal for children to play safely, and for adults to relax away from the frenetic pace of the urban center.

• Adjust to every need: own kitchen, large spaces, and controlled journey length, ideal for families with small children.

• Direct access to nature: hiking, bicycles, trails and green areas of the Collserola Park, all within your reach. Reconnect with Barcelona... and discover Catalonia.

The location allows you to combine cultural, gastronomic and leisure visits to Barcelona (beach, Sagrada Família, museums, emblematic neighborhoods) with day trips to discover the Costa Brava, Penedès or Montseny. This duality —city + nature— is increasingly attractive to European tourists looking for authenticity and variety in a single trip.

In summary: why choose a car and The Tiny House Barcelona?

1 Mobility and total autonomy: without depending on schedules, with freedom of stopping and route.

2 Sustainable and seasonal stay: choosing natural and less crowded places helps both the visitor and the territory.

3 Comfort for families with children: equipped spaces, safety and freedom to manage time.

4 Proximity to Barcelona without exposure to urban overcrowding.

5 Commitment to a responsible and quality experience, both for the traveler and for the country.