Car Hire in Spain

Madrid: Andalusian rhythms 
Rent a car in Spain and head to the capital which is all at once a regional hub, a place of relaxation, of culture and artistic convergence. A visit to the city will inevitably take you to the Plaza Mayor. The square is full of life 24 hours a day and is the heart of Madrid. Do not miss the El Rastro Flea Market, one of the most famous in Europe. In search of culture? Madrid houses the paintings of the great Spanish masters Goya and Velasquez at the Prado Museum. To admire the works of Picasso you will have to go to the Queen Sofia Art Centre. Finally, do not leave the city without having experienced the cuisine and nightlife of Madrid which has the distinction of continuing very late into the night. 

Barcelona: Architectural treasures 
When driving in Spain nobody can resist the assets of the Catalan capital where the most eccentric artists of the 20th century have left their mark. The Sagrada Familia cathedral and Gaudi's Park Güell are the perfect illustrations. From Park Güell, go down Las Ramblas, the artery of the capital, to the port. The beaches of Barcelona are 10 minutes away from the city centre, so jump in your hire car and head for a day of rest and relaxation. Miles of golden sand and a resplendent sun from May to October await you. 

North-west Spain
The northen Spain consist of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country. Green landscapes, mountains, Atlantic beaches and marine villages await. This region is known as Green Spain... think water activities, hiking or adventure sports. Your Avis car hire is perfect for driving in Spain from village to village to discover this authentic region in a completely independent way. 

To the beach
In the comfort of your Avis car hire, drive along the west coast of Spain to the region's beaches and seaside resorts. From north to south, you will pass the Costa Dorada, Costa del Ahazar, Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida before arriving on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, the land of flamenco, bullfighting and Moorish palaces.

Which side of the road?
When driving in Spain, please drive on the right side of the road. 

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may not be used at all whilst driving
• Cyclists have right of way, at all times
• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility
• Do not use headphones when driving (except hearing aids)
• Always use indicators, you will be fined for not using indicators when needed

Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis car hire with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Motorways: 120 km/h (74 mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat
• Children aged under 12 and less than 135 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note, it is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk. 

If you want to learn more about driving in Spain, see the full Spain Road Rules guide.

There's so much to see by hire car in Spain. You could meander along the rocky, cliff-edged Costa Brava all the way to the French border. Or, from Madrid, take in the Roman heritage of Segovia. Why not motor down to the sun-baked plains of Andalusia? Visit the medieval gem of Córdoba, or Seville for flamenco and tapas, before gazing up at the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada from Granada.

Madrid to Segovia
If you’re starting in Madrid, head north in your rental car on the A-6 to begin your journey to Segovia, one of the most historic and beautiful cities in northwest Spain. The journey shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half. If you fancy a break en route, why not stop at the mountain towns of Guadarrama and El Espinar on your way?

Segovia has a rich architectural history with buildings dating back to medieval times. The former royal palace is a must-see as well as the impressive Roman Aqueduct. Also, you’ll also find Romanesque churches, a Gothic cathedral and medieval walls. Driving in Spain doesn’t get much better than this.

Alicante to Valencia 
From Alicante it’s about two hours' drive north to the beautiful city of Valencia. Valencia’s evocative old quarter dramatically contrasts with Europe’s newest cultural and scientific complex, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. You'll find that Valencia is a city of architectural beauty and contrasts.

What is driving like in Spain?

The roads in Spain are generally in good condition, and most towns are cities are relatively well-connected. Driving on the open road in the countryside is a breeze, although traffic coming in and out of Spain’s major cities can be noticeably bad.

Is it expensive to hire a car in Spain?

Avis has competitively-priced vehicles for all budgets throughout Spain, and the country is one of the cheapest in Europe for car hire. Check out our available hubs, and contact us to see how easily you can get out on the Spanish roads in the vehicle of your choice.

Do I need winter tyres to drive in Spain?

No, there is no legal requirement for passenger cars in Spain to be equipped with winter tyres. However, many of the cars in our Spanish rental hubs will have winter tyres available as an option.

What do I need to bring when I collect my hire car in Spain?

You need to bring your driving licence, credit card (the one you used to make the booking), proof of any discount (if applicable) such as your Avis Preferred card and photo ID (such as passport or driving licence).

If you’re moving house or travelling with a particularly large load, a van might be the best choice for you. Check out our van hire options to find your ideal larger vehicle.