Barcelona to Andorra

antodeco

Hi all,

Travelling to Andorra in 3 weeks. Flying into Barcelona and driving up to Andorra. My understanding is it's around 2.5/3 hours of a drive.

I also know there's a few rolls along the way. Does anyone know what way the tolls work? Assume there is a manned station that I can pay with a card and get a receipt? Or are there any unmanned lanes you can get a receipt?

Reason for the receipts is so I can show the hire car company that I've paid them (so they don't try and charge me again).

Also, are there speed cameras along that route? Obviously won't be speeding but just in case there's some zones that drop speed without knowing if there's a camera there.

Thanks

manshay

I have driven this route twice but on our last two trips we took the bus transfer service booked via andorra travel services. I would recommend the bus transfer- slightly more expensive but it reduces the strain on the driver. On both ski trips-by car hire we drove the car to Arinsal and parked it for a week until we returned to the airport!

There was some snow when we left Soldeu at 5:15am on Saturday morning, I was glad I wasn't driving! The route will take at least 3 hours, don't believe google, depending on where in Andorra you are travelling to and traffic.

You can avoid the tolls, the consensus from several online sources, links below, is to travel west.

I don't think you need to keep toll receipts, there is no way to drive through without paying afaik.

https://www.arinsal.co.uk/forum/arinsal/index.php/Thread/278-Driving-from-Barcelona/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1tcgiTXcpr08BffTTwQYdA0--Pa0&hl=en_US&ll=41.93860330696382%2C1.6457604999999997&z=9

https://www.pasdelacasa.com/forum/pas/index.php/Thread/762-Driving-from-Barcelona-to-Andorra/

Make sure the car hire company allows you to bring the car to Andorra, some charge a fee.

Get an e-sim for your phone from Andorra telecom, Andorra is not included in free EU mobile phone roaming.

Don't hire snow socks- can be purchased in filling stations and supermarkets just over the border. There was NO snow in the border with spain , thru Andorra la Vella to Canillo on Saturday morning.

If you drive the following is a reasonable roadhouse to stop for food: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mifB3UB55jxn2Xep8

Use waze to advise of the speed cameras and other hazards, it helps to advise you of the appropriate speed limits.

Enjoy your holiday!

tea and coffee

Is that correct regarding the roaming? Three (for example) says its included with same rates as rest of the EU...

EagererBeaver

Can roam fine in Andorra.

The airport in Barcelona is the wrong side of the city for going north, you'd have been better going to Girona. Depending on the day/time you might need to add on an hour or so to your estimate for traffic.

Waze as mentioned will take care of all speed cameras for you. Tolls have both manned and contactless.

manshay

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121589707#Comment_121589707

It's not (yet) in the EU, so the "free" EU roaming rules do not apply. I'm not on 3, but know Vodafone IE charge astronomic rates. I had a look at 3 IE website but you have to pick a priceplan. Maybe 3 do include free Andorra roaming. I few years ago I paid €40 on roaming charges for a 30 minute drive between the border and Arinsal. Double check your plan!

antodeco

Thanks for the replies, especially the roaming piece! Would never have thought about Andorra not being part of the EU roaming agreement!

In terms of the drive, car rented already. Herself is used to driving the "wrong" side of the road, so no real issues there. Have informed the car rental company that we are going to Andorra. They charge an extra €15 per day, so I'd assume they'll have the appropriate tyres for Andorra.

We are staying in Pas de La Casa and there are a few others going with us, but staying in different areas.

Landing into Barca around 14:30 so will aim to get to Andorra for before 19:00. Return journey will leave around 9:00 to ret get into Barca around 12 and wonder around for a few hours. Flight not until 18:00