Rental Cars
For road trips and rural regions (Andalusia's white villages, northern Spain, Canary Islands), a rental car is the best choice. Spain's roads are excellently developed, gasoline is cheaper than in Germany, and rental prices are among the lowest in Europe.
Prices (Small Car, e.g., Seat Ibiza)
| Period | Price/Day | Price/Week |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Season (Nov–March) | €8–18 | €50–100 |
| Shoulder Season (Apr–May, Oct) | €15–30 | €90–180 |
| High Season (June–September) | €30–60 | €180–380 |
| Peak (August, Holiday Weeks) | €45–90 | €280–550 |
Providers & Booking
Recommended: Book through comparison portals — billiger-mietwagen.de and CHECK24 have the best full insurance packages without deductible. Direct booking with the provider is almost always more expensive.
Reliable Providers: Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz — more expensive, but less stress upon return.
Cheap Locals: Goldcar, Record Go, OK Rent a Car, Centauro — often 30–50% cheaper, but: aggressive upsells at the counter! Only book with full coverage through the comparison portal.
Important Rules
- Speed Limits: Urban areas 30–50 km/h, country roads 90 km/h, expressways 100 km/h, highways (Autopista) 120 km/h. Speed cameras are common and fines are hefty (from €100).
- Toll Roads (Peajes): In Catalonia and the Basque Country, there are toll highways. Barcelona → Girona about €8, Barcelona → French border about €13. The AP-7 on the Costa Brava was tolled but has been free since 2021! Payment: card or Telepeaje transponder.
- Parking: Blue zones (Zona Azul) = time-limited, about €1–2/hour. Green zones = for residents. White lines = free. In old towns (e.g., Seville, Granada, Córdoba), entry is often only for residents — clarify beforehand!
- Gasoline: About €1.45–1.60/liter (2025). Cheaper than in Germany. Cheapest gas stations: Alcampo, Carrefour, BonÀrea.
- Warning Triangle: Two warning triangles and a safety vest are mandatory. Usually in the trunk of rental cars — check!
- Alcohol Limit: 0.5 per mille (novice drivers under 2 years: 0.3 per mille).
Achtung
In the old towns of Seville, Granada, Córdoba, and Barcelona, there are environmental zones and ZBE zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones) with camera surveillance. Unauthorized entry can cost €200. Check before driving if your rental car has the correct environmental badge (Distintivo Ambiental) — most newer rental cars have it.