Deutsch
Español
Français
Italiano
Nederlands
Polski
Português
How to Rent a Car: What You Need at the Desk
To rent a car, bring a valid licence held over 1 year, a photo ID and a card in the main driver's name. Here is each step from booking to return.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
Driving in Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Driving side
- Right-hand traffic
- Speed limits
- 50 / 90 / 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit
- 0.5 ‰
- Motorway tolls
- motorway tolls paid at the barrier
- Must carry
- a reflective vest and a warning triangle
- Emergency number
- 112
- Rental locations
- 39
- Rental offices
- 550
- Rental companies
- 22
Renting and documents
An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence.
Rules of the road
Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads and 120 km/h on motorways. The alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰, and 0.3 ‰ in the first years of driving. You must carry a reflective vest and a warning triangle in the car.
Tolls and winter tyres
Motorways charge at the barrier, payable by cash or card.
Taking the car abroad
You can usually drive into neighbouring EU countries, but the rental company has to allow it and often charges for it. In an emergency dial 112.
Compare car rental in Spain
500+ rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Popular searches in Spain
One click to the results with the filter already set.
Airports in Spain
- Alicante Airport ALC
- Asturias Airport OVD
- Bilbao Airport BIO
- César Manrique Lanzarote Airport ACE
- Fuerteventura Airport FUE
- Girona-Costa Brava Airport GRO
- Gran Canaria Airport LPA
- Ibiza Airport IBZ
- Josep Tarradellas Airport Barcelona-El Prat BCN
- Madrid-Barajas Airport MAD
- Málaga-Costa del Sol AGP
- Menorca Airport MAH
Regions in Spain
Rental companies in Spain
Offices come from open map data — not every one can be booked through our search.
Frequently asked questions
Spain: which side of the road do they drive on?
On the right. Speed limits are posted at the roadside and differ between towns, open roads and motorways.
Which currency will I be charged in?
Prices are usually set in EUR. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.
Can I drive the car into another country?
Often yes within the EU, but never assume it. Crossing a border has to be allowed by the rental company and usually costs extra, so check the terms before you book.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence.
What are the speed limits in Spain?
50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, 120 km/h on motorways.
Are the motorways tolled?
Motorways charge at the barrier. Payment is by cash or card.
Travel guides to read before you book
Rental Car Insurance Explained: Do You Need It?
Rental car insurance includes third-party liability, which EU law requires for every vehicle. Damage to the car itself is a separate layer with an excess.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
International Driving Permit: Who Needs One and How
An international driving permit translates your licence and is valid only with it. A US permit costs $20 from AAA, a Great Britain one costs £5.50.
Oct 27, 20268 min read
Payment and driversCan I Rent a Car for Someone Else? Who Can Drive
Can I rent a car for someone else? Not really: only drivers named in the contract may drive, and many companies ask for 2 years with a full licence.
Oct 27, 20268 min read
Waivers and excessCollision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Excess Explained
A collision damage waiver covers damage to the rental car but leaves an excess. With extra cover that excess is typically 600 to 1,500 euros, or zero.
Oct 27, 20269 min read
Age and documentsHow Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car?
The standard EU car licence age is 18, but many rental companies set a higher minimum and charge drivers under 25 extra. Here is how the two rules fit.
Oct 27, 20268 min read