Car hire in Valencia

Our València locations offer a quality fleet for city streets and coastal drives. A compact car is ideal for the narrow streets of the old town and for squeezing into tight parking spaces, while an estate or SUV gives you more room for luggage and beach gear on longer trips along the coast. For families, a people carrier gives everyone room.

Add the extras you need when you book, including GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover. 

What are the age requirements for hiring a car in València? 

The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car. 
 
Can I pick up my hire car in València and return it to another location? 

Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car in València and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible. 
 
Is it worth hiring a car in València? 

It depends on your plans. València's centre is flat, compact and well served by metro, tram and bus. A car is the better choice for the Albufera lagoon, the beaches along the coast and the hilltop castles and villages inland, all of which are easier to reach at your own pace. 
 
What is parking like in València? 

Central València has paid street parking and plenty of underground car parks, though spaces in the old town are limited. Look out for signs and payment instructions, as rules can vary from one area to the next. Many hotels offer their own parking, so ask when you book. 
 
What type of car should I hire for València? 

A compact car suits the city's narrow streets and tight parking. For longer trips with family or luggage, an estate or SUV is more comfortable. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book. 
 

Spain drives on the right. Parts of València's historic centre are restricted-access zones monitored by cameras, so avoid driving into the old town unless your hotel has confirmed you can. The city also has a low-emission zone, so check the current rules before driving into the centre.

If you visit in March, expect road closures during Las Fallas, when many central streets are blocked for the festival. The AP-7 motorway along the coast is a toll road, so keep a payment card handy.

For the full rules, see our Spain road rules page. 
 

Founded as a Roman colony in the first century, València is a fascinating jigsaw of historic and contemporary architectural styles. The city’s starring construct is its cathedral, an imposing kaleidoscopic clutch of Roman, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical influences. Step inside for an encounter with what’s reputed to be the Holy Grail—the chalice that Jesus drank from during the last supper—or admire from afar at one of the tree-shaded cafés lining its adjacent Plaza de la Virgen.

At the other end of the spectrum, the sleek otherworldly City of Arts and Sciences complex bristles with large-scale attractions—an IMAX cinema, opera house and sports arena. Its L’Oceanogràfic is home to sharks, dolphins and beluga whales to name but a few of its 500 resident species.

The likes of El Greco and Goya are easy finds in València’s many art galleries. For something more offbeat, the González Martí Museo Nacional de Ceramica offers a quirky journey through the history of pottery. No need to venture in—its opulent fairy-tale façade is a compelling exhibit in itself.

The golden sweep of Las Arenas is 2km from València’s city centre and is its nearest beach. There are sun loungers and umbrellas to hire, with a lively restaurant-lined promenade for refreshments. Venture further north to the adjoining La Malvarossa. Laid-back and relatively undeveloped aside from a scattering of sea-front cafés, these quieter shores are a firm favourite among locals and families.

The vast freshwater sweep of Parc Natural d’Albufera, separated from the sea by a slim stretch of dunes, is where to decompress from the bustle of city life. Hike or bike your way around its tranquil landscapes, or settle at the sleepy village of El Parmar on the lagoon’s southeastern tip. This is where you’ll find the best paella in Spain—not surprisingly, as the grain is grown in the area.

The pretty Spanish town of Buñol, 30 minutes’ drive inland from València, explodes with juicy scarlet pulp on the last Wednesday of every August. La Tomatina—a very messy tomato-throwing festival—attracts over 20,000 visitors every year to hurl more than 100 tonnes of over-ripe tomatoes, and the aftermath is gory.

Rent a car with Avis in València to take your explorations further, to the hot springs at Montanejos, the serene beach of Port Saplaya and the imposing hilltop fortress of Castell de Xàtiva.