Car Hire in Spain at the best price

A diverse and historically rich country, Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the south of Europe. Spain consists of 17 unique regions, each special in its own way flaunting a distinguished flair. Madrid's capital is home to the royal palace as well as a large number of other, smaller palaces, museums and cultural monuments. The areas of Galicia, the Basque Country and Catalonia are also extremely interesting and worth visiting, starting from the famous place for pilgrimage called Santiago de Compostela all the way to Gaudi's imposing cathedral Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Continue to the south towards Seville, the beautiful capital of the autonomous province of Andalusia and the birthplace of the world-famous flamenco. Malaga is not far from here, with its beautiful beaches, golf courses and Murray monuments.

Auto Europe offers you great deals on affordable car hire in Spain at thousands of popular locations. Vehicles can be picked up at airports, railway stations or city offices throughout Spain. You are invited to review the offers and prices of our business partners on our website. Compare all prices and deals easily and book a car in three easy steps. We will do our best to organise a carefree rental in Spain. In addition to premium cars and low prices, we will provide you with plenty of useful information and inspiration for the journey.

What are the most important driving rules in Spain?

• In Spain, cars drive on the right side of the road


• The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts.


• It is prohibited to use mobile phones and similar devices while driving, except for hands-free devices without headphones or earphones (hearing aids are allowed).


• The number plate of the vehicle must be visible.


• By law, all vehicles must be insured with compulsory third party injury insurance (CTP).


• Children under 12 years of age, or children below 135 centimetres in height, must sit in the back seats of the vehicle. Children under 3 years of age must be seated in an approved seat suitable for the weight and height of the child.


• All measurements, including speed limits, are metric (e.g. Kilometres per hour).


• Petrol stations (gasolinera) are generally served by assistants. Petrol in Spanish is gasolina, diesel is gasoleo, and unleaded petrol is gasolina sin piomo
• Spanish motorways (autopista) are denoted by the letter "A" or "E2, followed by the road number. The speed limit is 120 kilometres per hour.


• National highways (carretera nacionale) are denoted by the letter "N" or "CN", followed by the road number.


• The blood alcohol content limit is 0.5 grams per litre Do not drink and drive.


• Country roads (carretera comarcale) are denoted by the letter "C" , followed by the road number.


• Drivers may honk their horn or flash their headlights at you from behind repeatedly to warn you that they are intending to overtake your car. Always indicate when pulling out and while overtaking. Overtake on the left side.


• Updates to the European Community Directive 2006/126/EC were brought into force from January 19 2013. A single European licence replaced licences made in EU and EEA member states. It is required that drivers who currently hold a paper licence renew their licence before expiry in the country of their residence. Residents who have lived in Spain for more than two years and hold a licence with an undefined validity produced by another member state must also change their licence in compliance with Spanish regulation, drivers must take a medical examination when renewing their licence. For further driving tips and information on car hire in Spain, we have written a simple to understand guide that can be found at https://www.autoeurope.ie/driving-information-spain/.


• Drivers are expected to carry the following items with them in their vehicle at all times:


• Current driving licence (Permiso de conducir)


• ITV (vehicle inspection) paperwork. The sticker for roadworthiness should be placed on the windscreen


• Two hazard warning triangles in the event of the vehicle´s immobilisation on the roadside.


• High-visibility waistcoats for the driver and all passengers in the event of the vehicle´s breakdown or immobilisation.


• A replacement set of glasses, if a pair of glasses is worn for driving.


• A replacement set of light bulbs.

Important note regarding fuel in Spain

If you would like to rent a car in Spain, there are a few details regarding fuel that you need to be aware of prior to booking. The “full to empty” policy, offered by the majority of low-cost rental companies, means picking up a car with a full tank and returning it as empty as possible. There will be no refund for unused fuel and the price charged for the initial tank is higher than petrol station prices due to a refuelling fee. This policy is recommended to travellers who do not want or do not have time to refuel the car before returning it to the rent a car company.

The "full to full" fuel policy is still the best option for the majority of our customers. The car is provided with a full tank and you need to return the vehicle also with a full tank. On our booking engine you can see which fuel policy applies for the chosen rental.

What to do in Spain

Depending on the region of Spain where you are travelling, you can choose among a multitude of activities and places suitable for every budget and taste. Some of the the most popular options and quintessential activities definitely include sampling typical Spanish dishes, watching a flamenco show and visiting historic places. Auto Europe has a few ideas:

• Granada, Alhambra: A place amidst mountains brimming with magic is Alhambra, an ancient Moorish fortress, which served as a stronghold against Christian invasions during the period of Reconquista. Splendid Alhambra is one of the finest examples of Islamic art and architecture in Spain. The fortress houses fantastic landscaped gardens, intricate ornaments on pillars and walls as well as shiny marble stone floors. Enjoy the spectacular view over Granada from the walls of Alhambra.


• The Canary Islands: The Canary Islands have it all – eternal summer with pleasant temperatures year-round, volcanoes, deserts, mountains and beaches. The windswept island of Fuerteventura, diverse Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife are ideal places for an active holiday. Go hiking and stargazing in El Teide, enjoy the sandy, volcanic beaches with black or golden sand and admire the spectacular views from mountain tops. You will most certainly love it!


• Madrid: The Spanish capital Madrid is a royal city with impressive architecture. As an icon of elegance among European capitals, its impeccable aristocratic appearance is attractive to millions of returning visitors. Be it Madrid’s arts scene, local cuisine or nightlife, give this city a chance and you will not regret it!


• The Balearic Islands: The Balearic Islands have a different flair and are known as the go-to destinations for sun and fun seekers. If you’re into partying, head to Ibiza or Mallorca. A little more laid-back is Menorca and more suitable for a peaceful holiday. Experience the Mediterranean at its best – turquoise sea, pine trees, rocks and sandy beaches await you on each of the islands.


• Camino de Santiago: Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage route, if not the most frequented one in Europe. Its ending point is in Galicia at the town of Santiago de Compostela, where St James the Apostle’s tomb is believed to be. The five-hundred-mile long trail passes through northern or western Spain and leads you past old villages and towns through varied landscapes.

Road trips with my car hire in Spain

With our affordable prices for car hire in Spain, the whole county with numerous road trips routes lies ahead of you. From the beguiling Basque Country, attractive Andalusia all the way to charming Catalonia – take your pick.

The Basque Country:

Start your road trip in San Sebastian, known as Donostia locally, a picturesque town with a long golden sandy beach. Take a funicular all the way up to the Igueldo Mountain and enjoy the view over the Biscay Bay. Make the lovely town of Vitoria-Gasteiz your next stop in the Basque Country and admire the medieval streets and buildings alongside the city walls. For a rural touch head to Haro north of La Rioja. Visit one of the many wineries, take a stroll among the vineyards and enjoy this Tuscany-like place! You can end your road trip in Bilbao, the city of visual arts. Spend some time at Bilbao’s museums and make sure you go to the theatre.

Andalusia:

Include Seville Malaga, Granada and Cordoba in your road trip across Andalusia. All these lovely places will be at your fingertips with affordable car rental in Spain! Start from Alcazar in Seville book a historic tour of the old town, then drive two and a half hours to Malaga, your next stop. Spend a few days in Malaga for some beach fun and relaxation. The next city on your itinerary could be golden Granada and its imposing fortress Alhambra, still reflecting the Moorish times. Similarly, the last stop on this route, Cordoba, with its labyrinth-like streets is a wonderful reminder of past times. Cordoba reflects a historic mix of Jewish, Christian and Muslim tradition on its every corner.

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

Drivers in Spain must be at least 18 years of age. However, to rent a motor vehicle in Spain you must be between the ages of 21 and 75. Please note that drivers younger than 25 and older than 69 are often required to pay a surcharge for young and old drivers, respectively. This is clearly shown on our website under the info icon in search results as well as on your rental voucher.

Do I need to a pay tolls when driving my car rental in Spain?

Toll roads are denoted by the letters "AP", followed by the road number. Exits (salida) are denoted by a number. Drivers take a ticket upon entry into a toll road and payment is made at an exit booth. Cash and credit cards are accepted as methods of payment. Toll fees vary and may be higher during peak times. Lanes for credit card payments are denoted by a credit card logo or by the word tarjetas (cards).

A bit of history

The history of Spain is rich and diverse dating back to medieval times. After the end of the Reconquista movement, whose aim was casting out the Moors from the Pyrenean Peninsula and regaining the territory once occupied by Catholic kings, a common rule was established at the beginning of the 16th century. This marked the Golden Age of Spain and the beginning of Spanish expansion and the establishment of colonies in the New World. This global influence made Spain one of the strongest colonial forces of that time.

However, in the 17th century, its influence began to decline. Due to numerous wars, the death of rulers and the ongoing conflicts over the throne, Spain grew weaker. As the country became unstable, its influence in the overseas colonies also crumbled and many of them gained independence. This trend continued throughout the 19th century. It was difficult for Spain to unite all of its areas because of civil wars and dictatorships. After the death of dictator Franco, the state once again became a constitutional monarchy in 1976. A strong economic growth began, resulting in Spain joining the Eurozone in 1992. Today, Spain is a modern country with a moderate impact on the global level, a member of the G6 group and a guest participant in the G20 group.

What is the currency in Spain?

Spain is a member of the Eurozone and its currency is the euro (€). Money can be withdrawn from Spanish cash machines and ATMs. They accept all foreign cards such as VISA, Cirrus, American Express, and Citibank. Your bank may charge you commission for making cash withdrawals abroad. Though it is common to pay for goods with credit and debit cards, be advised that not all shops may accept payment with them. In addition, it is legally required to present personal identification when paying with credit or debit cards in Spain.

What time zone is Spain in?

Spain lies within Central European Time (CET), which is +01:00 of GMT.

Which are the most common phrases in Spanish?

The Spanish language as we know it is actually Castilian Spanish, the standard language of the press and TV, also widely spoken in central and northern Spain. In addition, there are several dialects in various Spanish regions such as Catalonian in Catalonia and Basque in the Basque Country. English is mostly spoken by the young and by tourism workers in major tourist areas. Here is a short list of the most common phrases in Spanish

Hello - Hola
Good morning - Buenos días
Good afternoon - Buenas tardes
Good evening - Buenas tardes
Where is the closest police station? - ¿Dónde está la comisaría de policía más cercana?
Where is the closest hospital? - ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?
Where is the closest ATM machine? - ¿Dónde hay un cajero automático?
Where is [location]? - ¿Dónde está [location]?
Can I pay by credit card? - ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito?
Can I pay by debit card? - ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de débito?
How much does this cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Thank you - Gracias
Keep the change - Quédese con el cambio

Electricity - Do I need a power adapter in Spain?

The voltage in Spanish outlets is 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, alternating at 50 cycles per second. A voltage converter is required if your electrical device does not accept this voltage. Outlets in Spain accept plugs with two round pins (predominate plug type in Europe and Asia). Appliances from the UK and Ireland will require an adaptor for use in Spain.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Spain?

Spain is a member of the European Union (EU). EU citizens visiting Spain may stay in the country for up to three months per six-month period. Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Spain, but your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. EU citizens planning to stay for more than three months must contact the Spanish government for residency requirements.

Can I hire a campervan in Spain?

Besides car hire, we are also offering motorhome hire in Spain. Such a way of travelling will make you even more flexible on your holidays. With accommodation on wheels, it is one worry less when planning your trip. Pick up your campervan in Spain in one of the many cities to start touring the south of Europe. You can see the extensive list of pick-up and drop-off destinations as well as the models on offer on our booking engine.

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