Summary
Driving in Spain can be challenging due to the local driving habits; however, renting a car is often essential for specific trips. While navigating car rental options abroad can feel overwhelming, it resembles the process of renting a car at home, especially with many English-speaking car rental aggregators available.
Is it Practical to Rent a Car in Spain?
Renting a car in Spain may not be the most economical transportation choice, but it can offer unmatched convenience. Base rental fees typically exceed the cost of a train or bus ticket, and on top of that, travelers will need to budget for road tolls and fuel.
Nevertheless, for those looking to explore Spain’s less accessible areas, such as the Alpujarras, Rías Bajas (west of Santiago de Compostela), or regions near Cadiz and Tarifa, a rental car is invaluable.
If, however, your itinerary revolves around major cities, opting for a rental car might not be wise. Parking in these urban centers often presents significant challenges. What should be a quick 15-minute drive can easily turn into a frustrating search for parking. Moreover, traffic congestion, particularly in Madrid, can lead to long travel times, with rush hour bottlenecks starting as early as 5 a.m.!
Consequently, larger cities usually come equipped with metro systems. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao have well-developed transportation networks, while places without a metro system—such as Granada, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Toledo, and Segovia—are small enough that a vehicle is unnecessary.
Where to Rent a Car in Spain
With a plethora of rental companies available, the most effective approach to secure a rental car in Spain, particularly for international travelers, is to use an aggregator website. These platforms display a variety of well-known car rental companies, including Hertz, Budget, National, and Alamo, along with several local European brands.
Most visitors will collect their rental cars at the airport upon arrival. While some airports, like Barcelona Airport, allow direct reservations through their sites, the selection may be limited. Typically, major Spanish cities and popular tourist destinations have nearby airports where rental cars are readily available. Alternatively, travelers can choose to pick up a car at non-airport locations, although they should be prepared for higher rates.
What You Will Need to Rent a Car
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old, although there may be an additional young driver fee for those under 25
- Valid driver’s license
- International driver’s permit (required for drivers from non-EU countries)
- Passport for the primary driver
- Credit card with a name matching the rental agreement
Car Sharing
Car sharing represents one of the most cost-effective and practical ways to travel throughout Spain and Europe. This option is safer and more trustworthy than hitchhiking since you can meet the driver before the trip, allowing you to make an informed judgment about their character. Although car sharing is an age-old practice, it has successfully transitioned into the digital space.
Among the most popular car-sharing platforms in Europe are:
- Blablacar – A French platform that connects travelers from France to Spain and has expanded globally. It has assimilated various old ‘Covoiturage’ sites as well as the German Mitfahrgelegenheit service.
- Compartir.org – A Spanish equivalent that has fostered a dedicated user base in Spain.
