Car Seat Laws in Barcelona: What Parents Need to Know for Safe Travel with Kids

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Visiting Barcelona with kids? Whether you're hopping in a taxi, picking up a rental car, or booking a private transfer from the airport, it's important to understand Spain’s car seat laws—especially when it comes to keeping your children safe.

At Taxi Bambino, we’re here to make family travel simple. So we’ve put together this easy guide to Barcelona’s child car seat rules, including what to expect in taxis, rental cars, and private vehicles, and how we can help you travel with peace of mind.

What Are the Car Seat Laws in Barcelona?

In Spain, the law states that children under 135 cm in height (approximately 4’5”) must use an approved child restraint system (CRS)—which means a car seat or booster seat suited to their age and weight.

✅ This applies to all cars: private, rental, and taxis.

Children must also sit in the back seat, unless all rear seats are already occupied by other children in car seats. In that case, a child may sit in the front—but only with a proper restraint system.

You can review Spain’s road safety guidance (in English) via the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).

What About in Taxis?

Here’s where it gets a bit tricky: Spanish law technically requires taxis to follow the same car seat rules as other vehicles, but there are exceptions for urban trips.

In Barcelona, taxis are exempt from the car seat requirement for short-distance, urban journeys. That means a taxi can legally transport children without a seat, if the ride stays within city limits.

But let’s be honest—just because it's legal doesn’t mean it’s safe.

At Taxi Bambino, we work with taxi services that do provide car seats when booked in advance. Whether you need an infant seat, toddler seat, or booster, we make sure it’s ready when your ride arrives—especially for Barcelona airport pickups, long drives, or rides outside the city center.

Renting a Car in Barcelona?

If you're renting a car, you’ll need to follow Spain’s car seat laws strictly. Most rental agencies offer child seats as an add-on, but you’ll need to book early—especially in peak travel seasons.

Keep in mind: children under 12 and shorter than 135 cm must be in the back with a child seat. No exceptions are made for tourists, and fines apply if you're stopped without one.

It’s also a good idea to check the condition of the rental seat—some families prefer to bring their own or rely on a trusted service like Taxi Bambino for essential transfers.

How Taxi Bambino Helps

Traveling with children in a new city can be stressful—but we make it simple and safe. When you book a taxi with Taxi Bambino in Barcelona, you can request:

• ✅ Infant seats (rear-facing)

• ✅ Toddler seats

• ✅ Booster seats for older children

We work with local drivers who understand how important safety is—and we make sure the right car seat is ready for your child at pickup.

So whether you're traveling from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), heading to your hotel, or taking a day trip to Sitges or Montjuïc, you can relax knowing your kids are protected.

Travel Smart. Buckle Up Right in Barcelona.

Understanding Barcelona’s car seat laws helps ensure a safer, smoother trip for your family. If you're unsure or want to make sure your next ride includes a child seat, we’re here to help.

👉 Book your child-safe taxi in Barcelona with Taxi Bambino right here—and enjoy your family trip with total peace of mind.