Can tourists or non-residents drive into the centre of Granada?
Granada is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia, and many travellers wonder: Can you drive into the centre of Granada if you are not a resident? The answer is yes, but with significant restrictions. The City Council regulates traffic in the city centre through various regulations that affect both residents and visitors: Low Emission Zones (LEZ), restricted access areas and lanes reserved for public transport.
That is why, before traveling, it is essential to know the current regulations (as of August 2025) to avoid fines and plan ahead.
Current regulations for accessing Granada city center by car
Traffic in Granada is subject to several types of restrictions:
- LEZ (Low Emission Zone): access is restricted for vehicles without an environmental label or without a tax address in the city. The zone covers a total of 23.55 square kilometers, practically the entire city center.
- Neighborhoods with restricted access controlled by cameras, such as Albaicín, Sacromonte, Carrera del Darro, Realejo, Recogidas, or parts of the historic center.
Which areas are restricted to traffic in Granada city center?
The areas with the most limitations are the upper and lower Albaicín, the Realejo neighborhood, Tablas, and the surroundings of Carrera del Darro and Sacromonte. All of them have specific access schedules, monitored by license plate recognition cameras. You can check official information and updated timetables on the Granada City Council website. These restricted areas are mainly intended for residents, public transport, and other authorized vehicles.
As for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), the cars allowed to enter the city center are those with an authorized environmental label, meaning gasoline vehicles prior to 2001 and diesel vehicles prior to 2006 are restricted. Since we are mainly referring to tourists and non-residents, we will now focus on the low emission zone.
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Who can drive freely in these low emission zones?
Tourists and non-residents in Granada can access the city center (LEZ) under the following conditions:
- Vehicles with environmental labels B, C, ECO, or Zero emissions.
- Vehicles entering car parks included in the municipal system, provided they remain for at least one hour. For example, Parking Hermanos Maristas, which allows you to drive directly to its location without the risk of fines.
- Public transport (buses, minibuses, taxis, and ride-hailing services); PMR vehicles authorized and adapted for people with reduced mobility; bicycles, e-bikes, and PMVs; loading and unloading with a municipal permit.
Access to the Granada city center car park is validated as long as the car remains parked for more than one hour. It is important to remember that this authorization is only to access the car park, not to drive freely through restricted streets.
Alternatives if you cannot access with your car
If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, there are very practical alternatives:
- Park in car parks outside the center and continue your trip by public transport.
- Use central car parks included in the LEZ, such as Parking Hermanos Maristas, which allows you to legally access the center. License plates are reported daily to the City Council, ensuring safe access without fines.
- Choose urban buses, the light metro, or a taxi.
How to get to Granada by car and avoid fines
If you are coming from outside, you may wonder how to get to Granada by car without breaking the rules.
Recommended routes to reach the center without violating restrictions
The main entrances are the A-44 (Sierra Nevada–Costa Tropical motorway) and the A-92 (Andalusia motorway). From there, the best option is to head directly to an authorized car park.
Tips for tourists driving to Granada
- Plan your route before entering the city. GPS devices do not always warn about restricted streets.
- Avoid driving through historic neighborhoods such as Albaicín, Realejo, or Carrera del Darro, unless you are a resident.
- Book your spot in an authorized car park. This guarantees your legal entry to the center.
- Keep in mind that authorization is only to reach the car park, not to drive freely through restricted streets.
Is it a good idea to enter Granada city center by car?
In short, yes, it is possible to enter Granada city center by car as a tourist, but only under certain conditions. LEZ restrictions, bus lanes, and neighborhoods with limited access make it very difficult to drive without fully understanding the rules.
Therefore, the best option is to book at an authorized car park such as Parking Hermanos Maristas in Granada, which allows you to access the center safely and without the risk of fines. This way, you can enjoy your visit to Granada with complete peace of mind.
