Traveling in Spain is a joyful experience, particularly when driving along the roadways to discover the hidden gem spots. A rental vehicle makes the adventure easier for US visitors who appreciate driving on the right side. Go here for key things to know about renting a car in Spain.
Car rental in the country is relatively straightforward but it’s wise to research before the trip to be prepared. We’ll explore the highlights to ensure more informed decision-making upon arrival.
Expectations When Driving in Spain
The roadways in Spain are in incredible condition, with superior maintenance and most being paved. Periodically, an out-of-the-way lodging will be situated on an unpaved path, but overall, you’ll have a good experience.
In mountain zones, the roads are particularly curvy with the expectation that drivers will take exceptional care when following an ice or snow-covered area. Prioritize checking the conditions when planning the day’s itinerary upfront since some situations might warrant a guided tour for a safer travel experience.
Road signs in the country tend to follow other countries’ systems worldwide, but it’s still worth following some online guidance to ensure compliance with standard signage. Distances, for instance, are measured using kilometers instead of miles.
Many car rental guides will offer tips for driving in Spain, and you can also find guidance online.
Renting A Vehicle in Spain
A car hire in Spain or Leiebil i Spania is relatively simple if you have driven in other European countries, like having an EU or UK license.
For drivers with licensure from Canada, the US, or other countries not included on the countries “list,” you will need to have an IDP—International Driver’s Permit prior to arriving in the country.
These are merely a few dollars and can be easily secured with AAA/CAA sites or the local post office. They’re only available in the country where the driving license was obtained, making it imperative that this be received prior to your journey.
In other cases, if you have licensure that isn’t a photo style and intend to stay beyond a 90-day timeframe in Spain, an IDP is necessary for car rental.
Age For a Car Rental in Spain
Spain imposes a legal driving age of 18. However, some car rental companies will only rent to drivers who are 21 years of age or older, with some stipulating that drivers be over 23.
As a car renter falling in these age groups, the standard is that you will pay a young driver surcharge if under 25 despite a clean record and passing all exams. As a rule, having your license for at least a year is beneficial before traveling to Spain for a holiday.
Documentation For Spain Car Rental
As a rule, the following documents are essential to have when renting a car in Spain:
- A credit card in the driver’s name (not a debit card and not in anyone else’s name)
- Valid driving license from your home country
- IDP- international driver’s permit if required
- Valid passport for ID
There can be a heavy surcharge if a debit card is used for the rental fee, but it’s usually required to pay using a credit card. This is necessary for the security deposit (refundable) and the possibility of a deductible.
Insurance For Car Rental in Spain
TPL—Unlimited Third-Party Liability coverage is required with car rental in Spain. The costs are often included in the rental price and come with the credit card deductible hold. This is why rental agencies avoid debit cards.
While not mandatory, rental companies suggest theft protection and CDW- Collision Damage Waiver coverage.
The Added Driver Fees
Many rental carriers will charge additional fees but allow an extra driver for Spain car rentals. The price varies up to roughly $20 per day depending on the location, agency, and driver’s specifics. Again, this is something to research before leaving for a holiday and committing to a car rental in the country.
Daily charges could be more excessive in some locations, something you don’t want as an unexpected expense. It’s better to be prepared.
Best Car Rentals in Spain
The primary prominent agencies are also available in Spain. They are the best in terms of accessibility, efficiency, and vehicle variety. Still, you should also consider locally run smaller agencies close to your destination. All the primary airports have rental kiosks for hiring cars in Spain when arriving.
You also have the choice to travel to the closest location to pick up a car away from the airport, which is usually a more budget-friendly option. Consumers can also rent a car in one area and drop it off in another location within the country.
It’s merely a matter of entering the pickup spot, drop-off area, and travel dates and then filtering by the price points, the testimonials, and the inclusions.
Rental Car Types in Spain
The vast range of Spain’s rental cars have a manual transmission. It’s not impossible to find an automatic vehicle, but these are difficult to find, particularly in rural locations or small cities. More areas are seeing hybrid and electric autos but manual, petrol vehicles are the common selection.
If you prefer a different car, you must plan well ahead, particularly for an automatic car. Compare various car rental agencies before departing for the scheduled trip. You can reserve a specific vehicle early to then pick it up upon your arrival in the country.
Items Available with the Car Rental
Spanish law mandates that the trunk of a rental car have a few items available. Here are some to ensure you keep on hand at all times:
- Reflective/high visibility jackets or vests for each person riding in the car
- A spare tire and tools to make the change if there’s an incident
- Two warning triangles
When towing a caravan or trailer, it’s mandated that a fire extinguisher be kept in the auto.
Lowest Prices for Spain Rental Cars
Car rental rates will naturally rise dramatically in peak seasons and high travel times. This will happen during the summer and when school is on holiday. You’ll see a reduction in costs in the country when travel is at its lowest, like in the winter.
If you’re on a restricted budget but traveling to Spain, you could enjoy the holiday in the cooler months. The winter can be perfect for road trips with lower congestion on the highway. Lodging will be more affordable, and attractions will be more accessible.
A priority is to check out the weather conditions for the winter months, mainly January through March, with the car rental. While you’ll want a bargain, you also want quality. That means avoiding looking for the cheapest but the best value for the most affordable price.
Book Rental Cars Early in Spain
Spain is among the most favored travel destinations, making car rentals in the country popular with international travelers. There is an extremely high demand for these rentals, particularly over the summer months.
The recommendation is to book a planned holiday well in advance of your departure date in order to find the best deal; aim for roughly a month ahead of schedule with a trip scheduled for any time between June through August. The rest of the year allows at least a week or two in advance.
If you need a special type of car, like an automatic transmission, you’ll want to book even earlier to find the car and get it reserved, no matter which season it is. Compared to manual transmissions, these are challenging to find, making an early booking critical.
Final Thought
Traveling to Spain is a thrilling experience, making the destination one of the most popular. A rental car can take you beyond the standard attractions to find the hidden gems many don’t get to explore.
