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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Spain. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up at Madrid, Barcelona or Málaga airports or city centres across the country, then drive key routes like Madrid to Valencia or Seville to Granada. Filter by vehicle type, price, insurance and fuel policy and check tips on toll roads, speed limits and low emission zones.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
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| Airport Locations |
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| City Centres |
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| Train Stations |
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On average, car rentals in Spain cost around €52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €13 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Check airport vs city centre quotes. In Spain, city pickups in Madrid, Barcelona or Málaga can be cheaper due to airport surcharges and after-hours fees.
Time it right: For summer, Easter and Christmas or busy coastal cities, booking earlier usually wins. Off-peak, watch prices and rebook if they drop.
Pick a smaller car: Compacts are typically 30-40% cheaper than SUVs and easier to park in old towns.
Flex your dates: Weekly rates often beat daily pricing. Nudge your pickup/return to hit a 7-day window and compare one-way vs same-location returns.
Mind the fuel policy: Choose full-to-full, refuel near drop-off and keep the receipt to avoid top-up charges.
Trim driving costs: Prefer toll-free autovías (A-roads) over AP toll roads, and skip paid GPS by using offline maps on your phone.
| Type | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Street Spaces (Blue Zones) | Common in cities |
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| Underground Garages | Available in most cities |
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| Free Areas | Limited in city centres |
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Local Driving Rules:
Low Emission Zones: Madrid and Barcelona have established low emission zones that restrict certain vehicles. Check vehicle requirements before entering these areas to avoid fines.
Book a rental car to visit:
Zaragoza – AP-2
Córdoba – A-4
Antequera – A-92
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
Picos de Europa National Park
Valencia – AP-7
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Spain? If you have a non-EU licence, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your regular licence. If your licence is from the EU, it is valid on its own.
What type of insurance is mandatory for rental cars in Spain? Rental companies must include third-party liability insurance in all their agreements. You can also get extra cover like a collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection.
Are there additional fees for young or senior drivers? Many rental companies charge extra if you are under 25 or over 70. The extra charge for young drivers is often between 15-25€ per day.
How do I handle toll roads in Spain? You can pay on most toll roads using cash and credit cards. If you'll be driving a lot, you could ask your rental company for a Via-T electronic toll device. They usually cost about 1-3€ per day.
What should I do if I receive a traffic fine? If you get a fine, the rental company will learn about it after you return the car. They will usually charge you an admin fee. Then, they will either pay the fine and bill you or pass your contact information on to the authorities. Always ask for proof of any charges.
Can I take my rental car to Portugal or France? Most rental companies let you drive to nearby EU countries. But you should always check the company's rules for driving across borders and ask about any extra fees.
What is the fuel policy for car rentals in Spain? Most rental companies use a "full-to-full" policy. This means they give you the car on a full tank, and you must return it full. Some companies let you pay for a full tank upfront, but this is usually not a good deal.
How do I navigate low emission zones in major cities? Madrid and Barcelona have low emission zones where only certain cars can drive. You should check if your rental car is allowed in these zones. If not, you can park outside the zone and use public transport to get into the city centre.
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