Last updated: April 2026
Driving in Spain: What You Need to Know
Before you rent a car in Spain, here are the essential driving facts:
| Drive Side | Right |
|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | Recommended |
| Speed Limit (Motorway) | 120 km/h |
| Average Fuel Price | €1.55/L |
| Minimum Rental Age | 21+ |
Sources: DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) · Spain Tourism — Driving Guide
💡 Insider Tip
Toll roads (autopistas) are common — budget €20–40 extra for a Barcelona to Valencia drive.
Best Cities for Car Hire in Spain
Click on any city below to see detailed rental information, driving tips, and provider comparisons.
Gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga is the ideal starting point for a road trip through Andalusia. ...
Car hire in Malaga →Barcelona's El Prat airport is one of Spain's busiest car rental hubs. Having your own car unlocks t...
Car hire in Barcelona →While Madrid itself is best explored by metro, a rental car opens up the historic cities surrounding...
Car hire in Madrid →Seville is the heart of Andalusia and a perfect base for exploring the region's white villages (pueb...
Car hire in Seville →Mallorca is best explored by car — the island's rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountains, hidden coves, ...
Car hire in Palma de Mallorca →Alicante serves the Costa Blanca region, popular with both holidaymakers and expats. A rental car le...
Car hire in Alicante →Tenerife's dramatic volcanic landscape rewards drivers with some of Europe's most spectacular roads....
Car hire in Tenerife →Spain's third-largest city is surrounded by orange groves and rice paddies of the Albufera Natural P...
Car hire in Valencia →