Renting a Car in Spain: What to Know Before You Book

Photo by Bert Christiaens

Spain has been my home base for a while now, and one thing I’ve learned from traveling around the country is that you definitely don’t need a car everywhere.

If you’re spending a few days exploring Madrid or Barcelona, I’d actually skip the rental car. Both cities have great public transportation, and parking can be more trouble than it’s worth.

But if you’re heading beyond the major cities?

That’s where renting a car can completely change your trip.

There are so many beautiful places outside of Barcelona that are worth exploring. While you can always book a guided day tour (which I love doing too!), sometimes having your own car gives you the freedom to really take your time, experience the local culture, and explore at your own pace.

Having a rental car is especially convenient if you want to visit several places in one trip or simply don’t want to worry about carrying everything with you on public transportation. Some of my favorite places to explore from Barcelona include Costa Brava, where you can discover beautiful beaches and coastal towns, Girona, and the Catalan Pyrenees. Having your own car also means you can stop somewhere spontaneously along the way, which, in my experience, can sometimes lead to the best travel memories.

A car gives you the freedom to explore smaller towns, beaches, countryside, and destinations that aren’t always convenient to reach by train.

Where Should You Rent a Car in Spain?

Before booking directly with the first rental company you find, compare prices.

A platform like EconomyBookings lets you compare rental cars in Spain from multiple suppliers in one place.

When comparing options, don’t automatically choose the cheapest one.

Look at:

• Supplier ratings
• Deposit requirements
• Insurance
• Mileage limits
• Fuel policy
• Cancellation terms
• Pickup and drop-off location

Those little details can make a seemingly cheap rental much more expensive.

Photo by Adrianna Calvo

Airport vs. City Pickup

You might assume renting from the airport is automatically more expensive, but that’s not necessarily true.

EconomyBookings’ booking data has found that airport rentals can sometimes be cheaper than downtown locations, depending on the destination.

So when I’m comparing transportation costs, I wouldn’t rule out the airport without checking both.

Also consider convenience. If you’re landing at Málaga Airport and immediately heading toward the Costa del Sol or Andalucía, for example, picking up your car before leaving the airport may save you time.

Timing can also affect the price, so it’s worth checking the best time to book a rental car before locking anything in.

What You’ll Need

Generally, you’ll want:

• Your driver’s license
• Passport or ID
• Credit card in the main driver’s name
• Booking confirmation

Depending on where your license was issued, you may also need an International Driving Permit, so check the requirements for your specific situation before traveling.

Before Driving Away…

This is one habit I recommend with every rental car:

• Take photos and videos.
  
• Walk around the entire vehicle and document any scratches, dents, wheels, windows, and existing damage before leaving the lot.
  
• Also double-check your fuel level and understand whether your booking has a full-to-full fuel policy.

It takes two minutes and can potentially save you a major headache later. The first time I ever booked a rental car myself, I skipped these steps and ended up being charged a HUGE damage fee for something that was already there before I even drove the car. Safe to say, I learned my lesson… never again. 😂

Now I always take photos and videos of the entire car before leaving the lot, just in case.

Is Renting a Car in Spain Worth It?

It depends on your itinerary.

If you’re staying within Madrid or Barcelona, probably not. Both cities have excellent public transportation, so getting around without a car is easy.

But if you want to explore beyond the major cities, a rental car can be incredibly useful. From Barcelona, you can reach places like Costa Brava, Girona, and the Catalan Pyrenees more easily, while in Andalucía, a car makes it much simpler to visit smaller villages, beaches, and less-connected destinations.

My biggest advice is to compare before you book. Check the total cost rather than just the advertised daily rate, read the rental conditions, and choose a supplier with solid reviews.

Having your own car can give you an entirely different way to experience Spain, and sometimes those spontaneous stops along the way become the best part of the trip.