Europe > Spain > Granada (GRX)
The Car or no Car advice for Granada can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Granada ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Granada ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Granada?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Granada is one of Spain’s most walkable historic cities. The old centre is compact, atmospheric, and best explored on foot. Areas such as the Albaicín and Sacromonte are full of narrow lanes where cars are either restricted or impractical. Walking here is part of the experience, not an inconvenience.
Public transport fills the gaps well. The modern Granada Metro (technically a light rail / tram-train system) runs north–south through the city and is useful for reaching outer districts. Buses are frequent, inexpensive, and serve the hills better than any car ever could. Taxis are also affordable by European standards, which reduces any real need to drive inside the city.
Most major sights, including the Cathedral, Royal Chapel, and viewpoints such as Mirador de San Nicolás, are easily reached without a car.
Alhambra and city highlights 🏰
The Alhambra (no need for the preceding the as it means “The Red Fort” in Arabic) is Granada’s crown jewel. Importantly, it fundamentally does not require a car. Dedicated buses run frequently from the city centre and railway station, and many visitors choose to walk up through shaded routes. Driving offers no advantage here, as parking near the complex is limited and tightly controlled.
Day trips by train or bus 🚆🚌
Granada works well as a rail base. High-speed and regional trains connect the city with Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, and Madrid. Buses are equally useful for destinations such as the Alpujarras villages on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Bus journeys can be slow due to winding roads.
When a rental car becomes useful 🚗
A car becomes attractive if you want maximum flexibility. Exploring the Sierra Nevada National Park, remote Alpujarras villages, or coastal areas such as the Costa Tropical is far easier by car. Rural Andalucía rewards slow exploration, and public transport does not always align well with hiking routes or small hill towns.
Car hire prices in southern Spain are usually reasonable, especially outside peak summer months, which makes short-term rentals appealing for one or two days.
Conclusion – should you rent a car in Granada? ✅
For the city itself, absolutely not. Granada is at its best on foot and by public transport 🚶♀️. However, if you plan to explore mountains, villages, or coastline, a rental car quickly becomes a valuable addition to your trip 🚗.
