Spain Car hire Guide

Book cheap car hire in Spain with CarRentals.co.uk and experience the most out of your trip. Avis, Sixt and Hertz car hire in Spain are a popular choice for UK tourists.

Spain dazzles visitors with its cosmopolitan cities and relaxing beach resorts. Party lovers can dance the night away in Madrid or take in the wonderful architecture of Barcelona, a cultural hub. Spain has a diverse landscape that is best enjoyed using car hire. Visit remote villages to learn more about Spanish culture and explore the country’s vibrant cities at your own pace. If you visit the county during a major festival, make sure that you hire a car in Spain so you don’t miss out on the fun.

More cars are hired in Spain than almost any other tourist country, and for good reason. Compare car hire in Spain with us to find the vehicle that best suits your needs and budget for your trip. There are vehicles suitable for couples, families and business travellers. A road map and GPS system will make it easy to find your way around. Book cheap car hire in Spain with us and you will be eligible to our GPS optional exra.

Car hire driving tips in Spain

Getting around with car rental in Spain is easy as there is a good road network with mostly well-paved roads. There are six highways which connect major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona as well as roadways which follow scenic routes along the Atlantic coast.

Need to know essentials

Driving licenses: drivers are required by law to be over the age of 18 and they must hold a UK license or an International Driving License.

Which side does Spain drive on: traffic travels on the right hand side of the road.

Speed limits: Cities/towns: 50kph

                      Open roads: 90 to 100kph

                      Motorways: 120kph

Alcohol limits: drinking and driving is prohibited and blood alcohol levels should not exceed 0.05 per cent. Drivers who violate this law will be subject to a fine, license suspension or prison time. Drivers who have had their license for less than two years need to have a blood alcohol limit of 0.03 per cent or lower.

Compulsory items: seatbelts in the front and rear as well as headlamp convertors are compulsory. Drivers must carry their driving license, vehicle paperwork and identity documents in their vehicle at all times. Wearers of glasses must carry a spare pair of glasses.

Seatbelts: children who are younger than 12 years have to use a special child seat. All occupants of a car must wear seat belts at all times.

Mobile phones and GPS: drivers are prohibited from using mobile phones unless their vehicle is equipped with a hands-free kit, and fines can be up to 200 euros. GPS is a useful way of navigating yet should be programmed while the vehicle is at a standstill. Book Spanish car hire here and get GPS as an optional extra for your trip.

Cost of fuel in Spain: unleaded and diesel are available. The prices for fuel are similar to UK prices.

Car hire and fuel payment: credit cards can be used to pay for fuel at stations across the country. Book a hire car in Spain with us and you need to ensure the car hirer can provide a credit card against which the hire company will secure a deposit for damages.

Insurance: third-party insurance is mandatory. Drivers may like to consider additional cover for theft and collision damage.

Traffic and parking: it can be difficult to find parking in Spanish cities; however, parking fees are less expensive than in other European countries. In small towns, it is advisable to park on the outskirts of the town centre, where it is easier to find parking and there is less traffic. Parking is restricted in towns and cities, while it is prohibited in some areas. Parking should be in the same direction of the traffic flow. Parking payment is usually made at ticket machines. 

Our travel editor's recommended drives 

Granada to the Sierra Nevades: this 60-minute drive winds through Moor villages which date back to 1500 AD. The region boasts activities such as skiing in the winter and in the summer, there are numerous cultural attractions to explore.

Santillana del Mar to San Pelayo: this route offers a scenic coastal path through Laredo before heading inland through the Mena Valley. San Pelayo is picturesque and there are outdoor activities available such as hiking.

Rioja to Hondarribia: there are several routes between the two towns and along the way, you can stop over in Pamplona, which is renowned for hosting popular festivals. Once you arrive in Hondaribia, explore the medieval quarter or sample a fresh seafood dish at one of the local restaurants.

Spain travel tips

Spain is a diverse country offering travellers everything from bustling cities to remote villages nestled among mountains. The country attracts tourists because of its breathtaking beach resorts while party-lovers flock to the numerous festivals which are held throughout the year. It is easy to travel in Spain, but there are a few tips which will help you to plan your trip.

Spain weather and tourist seasons

The peninsula of the country has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers, while the southeastern region has a semi-arid climate. An oceanic climate is prevalent in the northern areas of Spain. The summer (June to August) is peak season for tourists who are planning beach holidays, but it is more pleasant to go sightseeing during the cooler months of spring or autumn.

Spain contact numbers (+34)

Medical -112

Police – 112

Fire – 112

To report an accident to the police - 902 102 112

British Embassy – 91 319 0200

United States Embassy – 91 587 2200

Canadian Embassy –  91 423 3250

Australian Embassy – 91 353 6600

Irish Embassy – 91 436 3780

Holidays and festivals

Spain hosts colorful festivals throughout the year, which provide tourists with an opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions. The Semana Santa festival is held in Malaga during Easter. Las Cruces is held in May, and this celebration features flower arrangements, live music and parties. La Tomatina takes place in Bunola and San Fermines is hosted by Pamplona. Many public holidays in Spain follow the Roman Catholic tradition. These include National Day (12 October), Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Money matters

The euro is used in Spain, with one euro being made up of 100 cents. Other currencies are not accepted and shops do not exchange money. Money exchange counters can be found in many banks, tourist areas and international airports. It is also possible to exchange travellers cheques, and this is a safe way of carrying money as they are insured. Credit cards are accepted in most retail outlets; however, there may not be credit card facilities in small villages. There are plenty of ATMs that accept international cards throughout the country.

Health and safety

Spain is relatively safe, but tourists should use their common sense to avoid crime. Do not walk alone at night in major cities and ask the locals if there are any areas that you should avoid. Beware of pick-pockets in tourist regions and crowded areas such as subways. Do not carry a lot of cash with you and do not leave valuables unattended. Health concerns are not a major worry among visitors to Spain, with most tap water potable and few diseases to pose a threat.

Fitting in…

Avoid political discussions about the Catalonia and Basque regions as most local people are patriotic. The Civil War and the rule of Francisco Franco are also topics that should be avoided. Spaniards who are close friends or relatives will great each other by kissing both cheeks. Lunch time is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 and it is customary to wait until everyone is seated before starting to eat. Evenings get going late, local often dine closer to midnight and that afternoon siesta means the fiesta can continue into the wee hours. Snack on tapas if you can’t wait. Don’t expect to be find shops open during the heat of the afternoon. 

Visas for Spain

Spain is in the EU and it is part of the Schengen Agreement, so EU citizens do not require a visa. Non EU citizens need to obtain a Schengan visa and should apply with a Spanish embassy in their country of residence. The necessary documents include an itinerary, proof of onward travel and a valid passport.

Electricity

The voltage in Spain stands at 220 Volts, 50 Hertz. The electric sockets use two round pins and tourists can use a universal adapter.

Business hours

Businesses usually close from 14:00 until 17:00 and are open again in the evening. Bars, restaurants and chain stores remain open throughout the day. Most businesses are closed on Saturday evenings and on Sundays. During December, opening times are extended for Christmas shoppers.

Helpful phrases

The official language in Spain is Spanish, but other languages are spoken according to regional differences, such as Catalan, Galician and Aranese. English and French are usually studied at school; however, English is not widely spoken. It is easier to find an English speaker in big cities or tourist areas than in the countryside. Large hotels and resorts usually employ English-speaking staff.

Ola - Hello

No comprendo - I don't understand

Perdoname - Excuse me

Como se lama? - What is your name?

Donde esta? - Where is…?

De nada - You are welcome

Muchas gracias - Thank you very much

Resources online

www.lonelyplanet.com/spain

www.wikitravel.org/en/Spain#b

www.spain.embassyhomepage.com/