Exploring Spain by car is a fantastic way to see this captivating Mediterranean country at your own pace. When you rent a car, you have access to charming, out-of-the-way towns that are otherwise inaccessible. Not only does renting a car give you the freedom to choose your destinations, but you can customize your trip to your own travel style. So how complicated is renting a car in Spain? It’s not—we’re here to give you our best Spain car rental tips to make your vacation smooth and enjoyable. Read on!

Spain Car Rental Tips: All You Need to Know So You Can Drive Stress-Free 

Requirements for Car Rental in Spain

Before setting out on your Spanish road trip adventure, make sure you have all the minimum requirements and necessary documents to rent a car. Here are the specifics that you’ll need:

1. An identification card. Your passport will suffice.

2. A credit card. In some places, you’ll have the option of using a debit card instead of a credit card. We recommend you use your credit card.

3. You must be at least 21 years old. Some rental companies have a Young Driver surcharge for drivers between 21 and 25, which can be from 5 to 25 euros per day. They may also ask for a year or two of driving experience.

4. A valid driver’s license for renting a car and an International Driver’s Permit. The international driving permit is just a translation of your original license, so you must carry both with you while driving. Rental companies will want to see your regular driver’s license and will not check if you’ve got an international one or not, but you still need to carry it. Spain recognizes Spanish, European Union, or International Driver’s Permits for driving within the country. Hopefully, you won’t have to take it out. But if you’re pulled over, you’ll be heavily fined if you’re not carrying it.

Read more about a valid driver’s license in Canada here. For getting one in the US, visit AAA or IDLService.com. Both are authorized to issue them.

Choosing the Type of Car

Consider these factors when selecting the type of car:

• Transmission: Manual transmission cars are more common than automatic transmission cars in Spain. They are also less expensive to rent. But, unless you’re confident driving a stick shift, I’d advise against saving money here. Developing this new skill in a foreign country is not the best idea!
• Fuel: Diesel cars are as popular as gas in Spain, and diesel is just as available as gasoline at gas stations in Spain. Diesel cars can go farther with less fuel, while gasoline cars are faster. If you go for diesel, you should have no issues finding a diesel pump. They are clearly marked at all gas stations.
• Size: When selecting a car, think about where you’ll go. Many charming towns have old, narrow streets without sidewalks, making smaller cars a better fit. This is especially true if you plan to explore beyond highways, navigate cramped city streets, or fit into tight parking spots, including underground lots. I suggest going for the smallest car that suits your needs, as they’re more convenient in tight spaces.

Basic Tips for Renting a Car in Spain 

These are our best tips from our experience renting a car in Spain:

• First, check if your credit card covers car rental insurance before purchasing it with the rental company. You may save money!

• Major car rental companies in North America also have branches in Europe. So, if you’ve already got loyalty points with a local company like Hertz or Avis, check if you can get perks from their counterpart in Spain, especially if you feel more comfortable with a familiar company.

• Compare prices at booking sites for the best rate. But don’t settle with these numbers! After finding a few options you prefer, visit each company’s website to get the final quote, considering potential variations in fees, insurance, taxes, and other factors. Make your final decision once you have all the exact quotes. Also, keep an eye out for any discounts that might be available.

• When booking online, check to make sure you understand the conditions of your reservation. Check for penalties for late or early pick-up or drop-off, cancellation, etc.

• Pre-paying when you make the reservation will usually get you a better price. It also has the added benefit of making the payment in your home currency, saving you from currency conversion fees. However, keep in mind that this option likely comes with a non-refundable condition in case of cancellation. Do this when you’re sure about your travel plans or if you’ve secured travel insurance.

• Dropping off your car at a different location or for one-way rentals is great for making the most of your holidays but can be more expensive than the same location drop-off. Find out what the cost is and assess the cost vs. the advantages.

• Check office hours for drop-off times and ask about the procedure in case they close.

• Some airport locations may charge airport fees at pick-up, so be sure to check for these charges. Check for those prices. Drop-off is not an issue, though. 

• In major Spanish cities such as Barcelona or Madrid, public transportation like the subway, train, or bus is efficient for getting around. It is actually more of a hassle to have a car because of the scarcity of parking spots and the excess of traffic jams. In this case, we suggest you rent a car from a location outside the busy city center before taking off for your next destination. 

• Renting for a whole week is usually cheaper than renting for five or six days, so consider this if you want the best prices.

Things You Might Need on Your Road Trip

• Make sure you let the rental office know where you plan on driving if you’re renting a car during the winter months. You’ll most likely already be getting winter tires, but you might need chains for some of your destinations.

• If you need any extra items, like an infant seat, booster seat, or sports equipment rack, include the rental cost in your comparison from the beginning.

Extra Tips for Safety and Protecting Yourself 

• Find out if the car you’ll be getting has a GPS. If not, you should download any maps for the regions you’ll be visiting on your cell phone so you can use them even if you do not have an internet connection.

• When you get your car, make sure you get a high-visibility vest along with the emergency kit. You need to wear it if you have an emergency and need to get out of the car on the roadside. Using it is mandatory in Spain, and you will get fined if you don’t wear it.

• Spanish traffic laws are similar to those in your home country, like always using seat belts, placing children in the back seat, using car seats for infants, refraining from texting or using your cell while driving, and prohibiting drinking and driving.

• Roundabouts are prevalent in Spain, and understanding how to navigate them correctly is crucial. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, and always signal your exit. Additionally, grasp the rules and practices for intersections, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.

• Familiarize yourself with the parking rules and regulations in various areas, including paid parking zones, time-limited parking, and blue zones. Avoid parking illegally or in restricted areas to prevent fines and the towing of your rental car.

• Also, familiarize yourself with the emergency contact numbers in Spain, including the police, ambulance, and roadside assistance services. (Read our Spain safety tips!) Additionally, understand the process to follow in case of an accident, including reporting the incident to the police and contacting the rental agency.

• Lastly, keep your rental documents for a couple of months after you return from your trip. This not only helps in addressing potential billing issues but also serves as a precaution in case of fines. If this happens, by the time the rental company receives a fine notice by mail, you might already be back home, and they will use your card to pay the fine. You’ll want to have the company’s contact information handy to find out what the charge was for.

Need more advice? Read our guide to driving and renting a car in Spain eBook before you hit the road!

FAQs 

What do I need to know about renting a car in Spain?

To rent a car in Spain, you’ll need a valid passport, credit card, and driver’s license. Drivers should be at least 21 years old with a few years of experience. Understand local traffic laws, consider fuel options, and choose a suitable car size for narrow streets. Compare rental prices, understand terms, and prioritize safety measures like wearing seat belts and understanding emergency procedures.

Is it advisable to rent a car in Spain?

Renting a car in Spain is a great idea. It gives you the freedom to explore Spain’s beautiful spots at your own speed. Whether it’s picturesque villages or offbeat locales, having a car makes it easier. But in big cities, public transport might be simpler because parking and traffic can be a hassle.

Those are our best car rental tips! Did this help? Do you need help with a customized itinerary that maximizes your time and miles in Spain? Let us know — we’ll be happy to chat with you!