How to Hire a Car in Spain

Step 1: Choose the right rate

The most important decision you make when hiring a car in Spain is not which car to choose — it is which type of rate to book. Most comparison sites and budget airline booking pages sell rates that exclude full insurance cover. The headline price looks low, but the supplier will ask for a large security deposit at the collection desk, and you will be pressured to buy expensive counter insurance.

The alternative is a zero excess rate. This type of rate includes the maximum level of insurance in the price, meaning no deposit is required at the desk and you have no personal financial liability if the car is damaged.

Step 2: Check what you need to bring

Before you travel, make sure you have the following:

• Your driving licence — a full, valid licence held for at least one year. UK licence holders do not currently need an International Driving Permit for Spain, but this may change, so check before you travel.
• Your passport or national identity card — required at the collection desk to verify your identity.
• A physical Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card — in the main driver's name. Virtual cards and prepaid cards are not accepted.
• Your booking confirmation — either printed or on your phone.
• If you have additional drivers, they must be present at collection with their own licence and ID.

Step 3: Collecting the car

Car hire suppliers at Spanish airports fall into two categories. On-airport suppliers have desks in the arrivals hall and keep their vehicles in an adjacent car park — you walk or take a short transfer to collect the car. Off-airport suppliers are based a short distance from the terminal and operate a courtesy minibus service to and from the airport; your confirmation email will include details of where to meet the bus.

At the supplier's desk or office, the agent will check your documents and ask you to sign the hire agreement. If you have booked a zero excess rate, there is nothing further to pay and no deposit should be taken (apart from the refundable fuel deposit). This is less of a worry if you have booked zero excess but before you drive away, walk around the car and make sure all existing damage is marked on the contract. It's also advisable to photograph the car from all angles, including the roof and the base of the doors. For the record, we'd recommend taking a photo of the fuel guage and current mileage.

Step 4: Driving in Spain

Spain drives on the right. Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on non-urban roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas unless signs indicate otherwise. Many urban areas now have 30 km/h zones. Motorway tolls are quite common and can be paid by card.

Spain has strict drink-drive laws — the legal limit is 0.5 mg/ml blood alcohol, lower than the UK limit. Mobile phones must not be held while driving. Carrying a warning triangle/emergency beacon and a reflective vest is a legal requirement.

See our full driving in Spain guide for more detail on tolls, parking, and city low-emission zones.

Step 5: Returning the car

Unless you have booked a 'return as is' fuel policy, return the car with a full fuel tank. Most hire cars in Spain operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, and if you return the car without a full tank, you'll be charged for the missing fuel. A refilling service charge also normally applies

Ideally, on return an agent should inspect the car for any damage. If you booked a zero excess rate, any damage is already covered (provided you supply an accident report if another vehicle was involved) and should not affect your card. If there are any disputes about charges, ask for the damage to be itemised in writing before you leave the facility.

See our guide to returning your hire car for a full checklist.

Useful links

• Car hire in Spain without a credit card
• Debit card car hire in Spain
• Zero excess car hire explained
• Common car hire mistakes to avoid