Updated:
For a realistic estimate, local transport charged by the hour needs to be separated from national routes calculated by distance. Our calculator gives an initial estimate; the final price is always confirmed after reviewing the job.
Worked examples using our calculator
Illustrative calculations checked on 1 November 2026. These are not fixed route offers or invoices for past jobs. Kilometres are assumed inputs; we confirm the actual route and vehicle positioning separately.
L4 van · 150 km
150 × €1.10 = €165; from 100 km the €250 minimum applies.
Calculator estimate: €250 – €275 + VAT
L4 van · 300 km
300 × €1.10 = €330, but from 300 km the €350 minimum applies. No supplements selected.
Calculator estimate: €350 – €385 + VAT
300 km · priority + night/weekend
€350 × 1.25 × 1.20 = €525. The two supplements combine to +50%.
Calculator estimate: €525 – €578 + VAT
Local box van · 4 hours + tail lift
4 × €35 + €25 for tail-lift use = €165. Four hours is the minimum for this vehicle.
Calculator estimate: €165 – €182 + VAT
Why is there a range rather than one exact price?
The calculator gives an indicative range of −10% to +10% around the calculation, without going below the applicable minimum including selected supplements. This is an estimate, not a discount or a booking confirmation. Amounts are rounded to whole euros.
How supplements are applied
Selected tail-lift use adds €25 before percentage supplements. Priority departure adds 25%; night, weekend or public-holiday service adds 20%. The percentages apply successively: together they add 50%, not 45%. Local hourly minimums and national minimum charges are different, and on routes of 100 km or more the national minimum rises by distance band.
VAT, tolls, ferries, allowances and extraordinary waiting are excluded from these examples. Tell us about loading help, additional stops and access requirements so they can be assessed before confirming the quote.
The factors that determine the price
1. The vehicle required
An L4 van, a 3,500 kg box body and a 12 or 18-tonne rigid truck have different operating costs. It's not just about the number of items: their dimensions, total weight, whether they can be stacked and the loading equipment available all matter too.
2. Distance and the starting point
A dedicated route takes into account the kilometres needed for pickup and delivery, plus vehicle positioning when relevant. To calculate the route properly we need exact addresses or postcodes.
3. Urgency and timing
An immediate departure can mean reorganising the schedule and reserving a vehicle exclusively for the client. Night, weekend or public-holiday services can also carry a surcharge.
4. Loading, unloading and waiting
The quote changes if a tail lift, pallet truck or extra help is needed, or if there's a long wait. Telling us in advance about docks, ramps, restrictions and schedules avoids incidents and unexpected costs.
| Item | What we need to know | How it affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Dimensions, weight, pallets and type of load | Determines capacity and base rate |
| Route | Origin, destination and possible stops | Defines kilometres and time |
| Timing | Date, time and level of urgency | Can add surcharges |
| Operation | Access, tail lift, waiting and staff | Changes the service time |
What an initial estimate usually doesn't include
Unless stated explicitly, an automatic estimate doesn't include VAT, tolls, ferries, driver allowances, special permits or extraordinary waiting time. These items are reviewed before the service is confirmed.
Indicative prices by route
Estimates for a dedicated direct service from Barcelona, without urgency or night/weekend supplements, plus VAT. They use the same rates as our online calculator; the final price is confirmed before departure.
| Route | Distance | Driving time | L4 express van | 3,500 kg box van + tail lift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona – Zaragoza | 315 km | about 3 hours | €350 – €385 | €375 – €415 |
| Barcelona – Valencia | 350 km | about 3 h 30 | €350 – €425 | €380 – €460 |
| Barcelona – Bilbao | 610 km | about 6 hours | €605 – €740 | €660 – €805 |
| Barcelona – Madrid | 620 km | about 6 hours | €615 – €750 | €670 – €820 |
| Barcelona – Seville | 1000 km | about 9 h 30 | €990 – €1,210 | €1,080 – €1,320 |
| Barcelona – Málaga | 1000 km | about 9 h 30 | €990 – €1,210 | €1,080 – €1,320 |
Special urgency, night or weekend services, long waits, tolls and extra stops may add to these figures.
How to get an accurate quote
Send us the origin, destination, date, time, dimensions, weight and a general photo of the load. If there's any access limitation or you need a tail lift, mention it from the start.
Request a quote →Price per hour or per kilometre?
In Barcelona and the Vallès, many local services are priced by the hour because traffic, waiting and loading operations matter more than distance. On dedicated routes across Spain, a per-kilometre base adapted to the vehicle and the job is normally used.
Published by On Set Transporte · ONSET TRANSPORTE, S.L. — goods transport from Barcelona and the Vallès throughout Spain. Vehicle capacities refer to our fleet; availability is confirmed for each job.