Car rentals in Spain: All you need to know

Whether you’re sipping Sangria and watching flamenco performances, or making pilgrimages to the surreal landmarks of the great architect Gaudi, Spain is a sun-soaked country that begs to be explored at your own pace. Having your own rental car makes it possible, whatever you’re in the mood to see.

How can I get a cheap car rental in Spain?

You can get a head start on your Spanish getaway by booking local transportation before you jet off. CarRentals.com makes it easy to check out cheap deals in one place. To keep costs to a minimum, aim to:

• Contrast competing rates from various rental companies;
• Pick up your vehicle at rental company branches not located in airports;
• Research and book your rental car well in advance.

What do I have to keep in mind when renting a car in Spain?

It’s important to consider the costs of different fuel policies with Spain car rentals. Full-to-empty policies, where you’ll pick up the car with a full tank of gas and expected to return it as close to empty as possible, can work out more expensive. That said, some companies do now offer partial refunds on any gas left over.

What spanish car rental companies are good?

There are numerous rental companies to choose from in Spain, including Enterprise, Avis, Alamo, and Sixt. Local firms are available as well, so just do a bit of homework ahead of time and check the latest user reviews online before making your choice.

What kind of car should I get in Spain?

Many vehicle types are available to book through CarRentals.com, so it all comes down to your circumstances:

• If you’re going on long road journeys, or are here with a few friends, rent a minivan or SUV;
• If you’re making short jaunts, or are alone or with a partner, an economy car can be good.

How old do I have to be to rent a car in Spain?

Rental companies will usually expect you to be at least 21 to drive one of their vehicles. There can also be a surcharge if you happen to be under 25 or - be aware of that - older than a certain age.

Do I need insurance to rent a car in Spain?

Yes, so do take a moment to check if your current car insurance or credit card insurance policies cover car rental in Spain. You’ll be able to purchase a policy from the checkout on CarRentals.com, or from your chosen rental company.

Can I book with unlimited mileage when renting a car in Spain?

Keen to explore areas like Andalusia and Galicia without worrying about incurring extra costs? You’ll want to see if there are any limits on how far you drive – an unlimited mileage policy will give you peace of mind on those epic road trips.

Can I use a debit card for a Spain car rental?

The majority of rental companies require credit cards, but some do offer rentals with debit cards providing you take out a bigger insurance policy.

Is it possible to hire a car one-way in Spain?

Being able to drop off your rental car at a different branch from where you collected it can suit many visitors to Spain. Just check with the rental company on how it can be done, and how much it may cost.

3 sights/cities you cannot miss in Spain

Spain is a vast country with so many places to discover with your rental car. Here are some stops that deserve to be on a visitor’s agenda:

• Gaze in disbelief at the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece which looms across Barcelona and resembles a building from a fantasy movie.
• Make time to explore the capital city of Madrid, which is just as fascinating as Barcelona with its array of palaces, museums, and all-over historic grandeur.
• Indulge your inner foodie in San Sebastian, a culinary hotspot known for its cutting-edge restaurants and its warren of streets dotted with pintxos bars.

What is a good road trip around Spain?

Hop behind the wheel of your rental car and you can embark on a stunning tour of the southern coast of Spain. Malaga is a good starting point – the birthplace of Picasso, it has an atmospheric museum devoted to the Modernist genius, along with historic landmarks galore. Then, head east to the resort town of Nerja, with its sandy beaches, and then onwards to Almeria, with its Moorish Alcazaba. You can round the journey off in Murcia, a city renowned for the quality of the tapas.

What activities is Spain especially good for?

Spain is known as a country pushing culinary boundaries. So, whether you want to perch at a bar and feast on tapas, or visit Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, it’s all here. Then there are the beaches. From the Costa del Sol to the Costa Brava, there’s more sand than you can shake a bottle of sunblock at. History and culture are also important here, with museums devoted to titans of art, and numerous centuries-old structures reflecting different epochs of Spain’s past.

3 traffic tips to keep you safe

• It is correct etiquette to flash your headlights as a warning to the driver ahead of you if you’re intending to overtake.
• Roundabouts are common in Spain, and it’s worth researching the correct driving etiquette to avoid mishaps.
• Bear in mind that using car horns is prohibited in built-up areas, except in an emergency.