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Exploring Spain by Car: A Comprehensive Guide to Car Hire and Attractions

Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is marked by a diverse landscape that includes beaches, mountains, and rolling plains, as well as a rich mosaic of cultures. From the cosmopolitan streets of Madrid to the historic realms of Andalusia, Spain beckons travelers with its vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, and picturesque vistas.

Renting a car in Spain opens up a world of possibilities for the traveler seeking independence and the ability to explore at their own pace. With a vast network of well-maintained roads connecting cities, towns, and the countryside, you can uncover hidden gems beyond the reach of standard tour routes. 

Driving Across Spain: What to Expect

  • Road Conditions: Spain has an excellent network of roads, including the extensive Autovía (expressways) and Autopista (toll highways) that connect major cities and regions.
  • Driving Laws: Spain drives on the right-hand side. Drivers must adhere to strict speed limits and are advised to be aware of unique local driving customs.
  • Tolls: Many of Spain’s Autopistas are toll roads. Tolls can be paid in cash or card, and some even offer electronic payment systems for quicker passage.
  • Parking: In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, parking can be scarce and is often regulated by blue and green zones with a pay-and-display system. Look out for parking garages ("parking subterráneo") in town centers.
  • Helpful Info: Drive Smart Spain 

Must-Visit Attractions by Hire Car

  • Madrid: The capital city is a good starting point, with attractions such as the Prado Museum and Royal Palace. Approximately 13 kilometers to Madrid-Barajas Airport.
  • Barcelona: Drive about 1.5 hours northeast of Barcelona to reach the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is situated around 12 kilometers from the city center.
  • Granada: The Alhambra Palace is a jewel of Andalusian history and about a 20-minute drive from Granada’s city center. Granada Airport is approximately 17 kilometers west of the city.
  • Seville: The heart of Andalusian culture and home to the Seville Cathedral, about a 20-minute drive from Seville Airport.
  • Valencia: Known for its City of Arts and Sciences, and just a 15-minute drive from Valencia Airport.

Car Rental Policies in Spain: Essential Information

When hiring a car, keep the following in mind:

  • Excess and Insurance Coverage: Check the level of excess and insurance cover. You may opt for additional insurance like Premium Insurance for peace of mind.
  • Vehicle Options: A range of cars is available to match your preferences, from compact cars for city driving to spacious estates for family trips.
  • Deposit and Payment: Rentals require a deposit, typically held on a credit card in the driver’s name. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but come with more restrictions.
  • Breakdown Assistance: Included with car rentals in Spain, providing you with support in case of any mechanical issues.

One-Way Rentals: Journey with Ease

Many car hire companies in Spain offer the convenience of one-way rentals. This service allows you to collect your car in one city and return it in another, ideal for those planning an extensive tour across the country or even into neighboring countries, such as Portugal or France.

Distances from Airports to Main Resorts: Distances can vary significantly depending on your destination. For instance:

  • From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona city center: Approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles).
  • From Madrid Airport to Madrid city center: Approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles).
  • From Malaga Airport to Marbella: Approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles).
  • From Alicante Airport to Benidorm: Approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles).

Overall, driving in Spain can be a convenient way to experience the country's rich culture and diverse landscapes. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, plan your routes in advance, and enjoy your journey through this beautiful country.

Minimum age requirements to hire a car in Spain

The minimum age to rent a car in Spain varies by car hire agent, however most suppliers have a minimum age requirement of 21. The minimum age to drive, generally in Spain is 18. Drivers under the age of 25 will normally be subject to a young driver charge. The amount can vary significantly between car hire companies. Minimum age requirements and young driver supplements can be found in the table below;
 
Car Hire Agent
Minimum Age
Young Driver Fee (per day)
Avis
21
€20.95
Budget
21
€21.17
Enterprise
21
€7.85
Europcar
21
€18.35
Firefly
21
€5.00
Goldcar
21
€10.00
Hertz
23
€19.80
Sixt
18
€5.00

 


Cheapest car hire in Spain

Renault Twingo

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 8.21 EUR/day
Renault Twingo

7 Days rental at 57.50 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Peugeot 108

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 8.38 EUR/day
Peugeot 108

7 Days rental at 58.69 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 8.52 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 59.69 EUR from 22/04/2024

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Peugeot 308

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.30 EUR/day
Peugeot 308

7 Days rental at 79.13 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Megane

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 11.58 EUR/day
Renault Megane

7 Days rental at 81.11 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Captur

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.98 EUR/day
Renault Captur

7 Days rental at 83.90 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Seat Ibiza

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 8.83 EUR/day
Seat Ibiza

7 Days rental at 61.84 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Clio

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 9.18 EUR/day
Renault Clio

7 Days rental at 64.31 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Ford Fiesta

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 10.16 EUR/day
Ford Fiesta

7 Days rental at 71.12 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Peugeot 5008

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 33.16 EUR/day
Peugeot 5008

7 Days rental at 232.13 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Peugeot 5008

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.15 EUR/day
Peugeot 5008

7 Days rental at 253.11 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Peugeot 5008

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.15 EUR/day
Peugeot 5008

7 Days rental at 253.11 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Citroen C4 Picasso

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.33 EUR/day
Citroen C4 Picasso

7 Days rental at 107.33 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Peugeot 3008

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.35 EUR/day
Peugeot 3008

7 Days rental at 107.49 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Citroen C4 Picasso

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 16.82 EUR/day
Citroen C4 Picasso

7 Days rental at 117.79 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Zoe

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 19.65 EUR/day
Renault Zoe

7 Days rental at 137.58 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Renault Zoe

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 16.08 EUR/day
Renault Zoe

7 Days rental at 112.58 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Tesla Model 3

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 53.56 EUR/day
Tesla Model 3

7 Days rental at 374.93 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Fiat 500 Hybrid

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 14.40 EUR/day
Fiat 500 Hybrid

7 Days rental at 100.80 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500 Hybrid

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 15.69 EUR/day
Fiat 500 Hybrid

7 Days rental at 109.87 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500 Hybrid

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 15.69 EUR/day
Fiat 500 Hybrid

7 Days rental at 109.87 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Spain

  • Choose Rhinocarhire: Opt for Rhinocarhire, a reputable provider known for its reliable service and transparent pricing in Spain.

  • Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance options provided by Rhinocarhire, including coverage for collision damage, theft, and liability. Consider additional insurance for comprehensive protection, especially for driving in diverse terrains and urban areas.

  • Road Conditions Awareness: Be prepared for varying road conditions in Spain, from well-maintained highways to narrow and winding roads in rural areas. Drive cautiously and be mindful of sharp curves, especially in mountainous regions.

  • Traffic Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Spain's traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, road signs, and parking rules. Respect local driving customs and be cautious of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

  • Explore Cultural and Historical Sites: Utilize your rental car to explore Spain's rich cultural heritage, including attractions like the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the historic city of Toledo. Plan your routes to discover the best of Spain's landscapes and historical landmarks.

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Spain

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    90kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    EUR  1.55/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    EUR €

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    21

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in Spain

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Sixt
69
8.7/10
39,843
€ 22.71
€ 27.42
€ 62.70
 Alamo
54
8.6/10
38,842
€ 22.84
€ 24.52
€ 28.52
€ 29.09
 Topcar
8
8.6/10
3,183
€ 13.64
€ 15.52
€ 18.77
€ 52.39
 Enterprise
142
8.5/10
62,407
€ 24.26
€ 27.38
€ 29.85
€ 31.40
 Budget
105
8.4/10
58,352
€ 20.58
€ 22.29
€ 30.41
€ 55.25
 Orlando
302
8.4/10
15,783
€ 8.21
€ 11.58
€ 75.68
€ 89.64
 Centauro
29
8.3/10
13,140
€ 13.62
€ 15.83
€ 18.53
€ 120.45
 Drivalia
16
8.3/10
4,319
€ 15.46
€ 17.03
€ 24.08
 Keddy by europcar
116
8.3/10
25,913
€ 15.44
€ 17.09
€ 27.17
€ 77.54
 Hertz
37
8.3/10
10,131
€ 18.55
€ 21.60
€ 26.94
€ 52.51
 Avis
113
8.3/10
33,555
€ 22.69
€ 27.49
€ 30.24
€ 60.64
 Europcar
137
8.2/10
82,756
€ 17.56
€ 19.72
€ 30.17
 Firefly
10
8.1/10
6,263
€ 19.48
€ 22.64
€ 27.57
 Goldcar
29
7.9/10
12,133
€ 12.25
€ 13.79
€ 15.33
 Ok mobility
23
7.9/10
15,606
€ 8.38
€ 11.30
€ 15.35

Car rental agent statistics in Spain

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    9.8/10
    Highest rated agent:
    SIXT
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    6.7/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    EUROPCAR
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    436,095
    Total number of reviews in
    Spain
  • Most Locations Icon
    143
    Most Locations in Spain:
    ORLANDO
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    19
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    42
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Spain

ItemPercent
January€ 45
February€ 41
March€ 45
April€ 49
May€ 52
June€ 56
July€ 76
August€ 70
September€ 49
October€ 44
November€ 38
December€ 50
ItemPercent
January€ 44
February€ 39
March€ 42
April€ 42
May€ 45
June€ 48
July€ 64
August€ 63
September€ 42
October€ 39
November€ 36
December€ 46
ItemPercent
January€ 96
February€ 101
March€ 107
April€ 103
May€ 113
June€ 135
July€ 137
August€ 139
September€ 96
October€ 95
November€ 95
December€ 99
ItemPercent
January€ 56
February€ 58
March€ 68
April€ 68
May€ 70
June€ 83
July€ 99
August€ 89
September€ 65
October€ 60
November€ 55
December€ 64
ItemPercent
January€ 91
February€ 87
March€ 99
April€ 116
May€ 119
June€ 138
July€ 202
August€ 200
September€ 129
October€ 110
November€ 92
December€ 98
ItemPercent
January€ 35
February€ 31
March€ 32
April€ 34
May€ 39
June€ 41
July€ 59
August€ 52
September€ 37
October€ 33
November€ 29
December€ 38
ItemPercent
January€ 71
February€ 70
March€ 86
April€ 87
May€ 88
June€ 102
July€ 125
August€ 119
September€ 82
October€ 75
November€ 69
December€ 78
ItemPercent
January€ 83
February€ 75
March€ 90
April€ 119
May€ 132
June€ 144
July€ 174
August€ 157
September€ 104
October€ 101
November€ 88
December€ 86

Select category to see average car hire prices in Spain

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Spain

DieselUnleaded
Mar , 2023

€ 1.59

€ 1.64

Apr , 2023

€ 1.52

€ 1.63

May , 2023

€ 1.40

€ 1.57

Jun , 2023

€ 1.42

€ 1.58

Jul , 2023

€ 1.43

€ 1.58

Aug , 2023

€ 1.56

€ 1.67

Sep , 2023

€ 1.67

€ 1.75

Oct , 2023

€ 1.68

€ 1.73

Nov , 2023

€ 1.54

€ 1.57

Dec , 2023

€ 1.51

€ 1.54

Jan , 2024

€ 1.48

€ 1.53

Feb , 2024

€ 1.51

€ 1.55

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Feb , 2024 1.51 1.55
Jan , 2024 1.48 1.53
Dec , 2023 1.51 1.54
Nov , 2023 1.54 1.57
Oct , 2023 1.68 1.73
Sep , 2023 1.67 1.75
Aug , 2023 1.56 1.67
Jul , 2023 1.43 1.58
Jun , 2023 1.42 1.58
May , 2023 1.40 1.57
Apr , 2023 1.52 1.63
Mar , 2023 1.59 1.64

Car rental price statistics in Spain

  • Average Price Icon
    € 57.47
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 1506.64
    Highest daily price:
    Volkswagen Touran
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    15,777
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    626
    Most popular model:
    Seat Arona
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    367
    Location with most cars:
    Malaga - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 8.2 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    ORLANDO - Gran Canaria - Airport
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Other Car Hire Locations in Spain

We specialise in car rentals throughout Spain to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Barcelona
€8.1
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €8.1 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €13.1 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €9.5 per day
Madrid
€7.4
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €7.4 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €12.7 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €8.6 per day
Mallorca
€10.0
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €10.0 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €18.3 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €13.5 per day
Malaga Airport
€6.4
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €6.4 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €10.2 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €6.8 per day