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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire deals in Valencia. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up at Valencia Airport (VLC), in the city centre or at Joaquín Sorolla train station and compare on-airport and shuttle car hire to suit your itinerary. Our guide covers parking zones, old town restrictions and coastal drives to Alicante, Javea and Benidorm, plus when to book for low prices and how to choose between manual and automatic.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia Airport (VLC) | • Major hire companies on-site • Often cheaper than city centre • Longer hours (many 24/7) • Convenient pick-up/return process |
• Airport surcharges may apply • Can be busy during peak season |
| Valencia City Centre | • Convenient if arriving by train • No need to travel to airport • May avoid airport fees |
• Limited hours • Sometimes higher prices • Smaller vehicle selection • Navigating city traffic upon pickup |
| Joaquín Sorolla Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • Good connection to city centre |
• More limited hours • Fewer hire companies |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Valencia cost around €56 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €22 per day.
Compare pickup spots. Check Valencia Airport, city centre and nearby off-airport shuttles. VLC is often cheaper with longer hours, while shuttle locations 1-2 km away can undercut on-airport rates.
Time it right. Book months ahead for July–August when cars sell out. In winter or shoulder seasons, compare closer to your dates as prices can drop.
Skip city costs. Delay pickup until you leave the Old Town to avoid APR fines and €20+ daily garages. Walk or use public transport in central Valencia.
Pick the cheap spec. Go manual and compact. Automatics often add €10+ per day and smaller cars save on fuel and parking.
Stretch the hire smartly. Compare 5 vs 7 days. A 7-day rate can be close to 5. Return to the same location if you can to avoid typical €50–100 one-way fees.
Trim running costs. Choose full-to-full fuel, refill at supermarket stations off the motorway, and use toll-free AP-7 sections or A- roads when it doesn’t add much time. For parking, Blue Zones are free 2–4 pm and 8 pm–9 am, and the City of Arts and Sciences garage can be €7 with a museum ticket.
| Parking Type | Details | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Zone (Zona Azul) | • Paid street spaces in commercial areas • Usually 2-hour maximum |
• Pay at meter (cash or card) • Display ticket on dashboard |
| Orange Zone | • Semi-resident spaces • Higher rates than Blue Zone • Prioritises residents |
• Avoid if possible. It is designed to discourage visitor access |
| Green Zone | • Resident-only spaces | • Do not park here without local permit • Risk of fines/towing |
| Public Garages | • Underground spaces in city centre • Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de Brujas, etc. |
• Easier option than street spaces • City of Arts and Sciences offers discounted access for museum ticket holders |
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a hire car so you can see:
Albufera Natural Park – dunes, lagoon, rice fields
Costa Blanca – Dénia, Jávea, Calpe, Altea
Alicante – promenade, castle
Guadalest Valley – castle, reservoir
Castellón and Costa del Azahar – beaches, towns
Peñíscola – castle, beach
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Valencia?
If your licence is not from the EU/EEA and not in Spanish (or you don't have an official Spanish translation), you need an International Driving Permit. You should carry both your original licence and the IDP.
What documents are required to hire a car?
You will need a valid driver's licence, your passport or ID and a credit card in your name. Most companies ask that you are at least 21, and they often charge extra if you are under 25.
Can I drive to other regions or countries?
Your hire car usually allows you to drive anywhere in Spain. If you plan to drive to France or Portugal, you should tell the hire company as they might charge extra fees or require more insurance.
What are the driving rules I should know?
You must drive on the right side of the road. Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt. Children under 135cm tall need a proper child seat and must sit in the back seats, although there are a few exceptions. You can only use your mobile phone if you have a hands-free system. Spain has very strict drink-driving limits, which is about one beer or less.
What is the speed limit in Valencia and around?
The speed limit is 120 km/h on motorways (autopistas), 90 km/h on main country roads and 20-50 km/h in city areas. You should look out for local signs as some town centres have 30 km/h zones.
What happens if I get a traffic fine with my hire car?
The hire company will send the fine to you and usually adds a fee for handling it. If you pay the fine quickly, you often get a 50% discount. People commonly get fines from speed cameras or for driving in restricted zones.
Is it worth getting additional insurance?
Your hire includes basic insurance, but it comes with a high excess of €1000-1500. This is the amount you have to pay if the car is damaged. The hire desk will offer you extra insurance (Super CDW) to lower or remove this excess. You should check if your credit card offers coverage or if buying a separate policy might be cheaper.
What should I do in case of breakdown or accident?
If the car breaks down, call the hire company's roadside assistance. The number is on your key fob or contract. For an accident where someone is hurt, call 112. If it's a minor accident, fill out the European accident report form you'll find in the glove compartment.
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