Car Rental Spain

Speed limits in Spain

• Motorways: 120 km/h (75 mph)
• Residential roads: 20 km/h (12 mph)
• Cities/busy areas: 50 km/h (30 mph)

Other roads are governed by local speed limit signs, usually around 90 – 100 km/h.

Main roads in Spain

• The Autovía A-3 is one of the main free-to-use roads in the country. Spanning 350 km, it connects the capital city of Madrid to Valencia on the east coast. From there, drivers can carry on to Alicante on the AP-7.
• The Autovía A-6 is a 600km-long road that connects the capital city to Arteixo. It runs northwest from the center of the country, passing by the outskirts of León, before heading through Lugo and onto the coast, just north of Portugal.
• The Autopista AP-9 is a toll road that begins in A Coruña and runs south to the small town of Tui. It runs through Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra and Vigo, and becomes the E1, which eventually leads to Porto, Portugal.

Road types in Spain

• Autovías (A or E) are free-to-use roads equivalent to expressways or motorways.
• Autopistas (AP) are long-haul toll roads equivalent to motorways.
• Madrid motorways (M) are a map of roads encircling the capital city, which connect to major national Autovíasand Autopistas.
• European roads (E) are a network of roads that connect different destinations across the European continent and across international borders. Depending on their size, they can be equivalent to anything from a suburban road to a motorway.
• Radial motorways (R) are long-haul roads that often connect to national roads.
• Carretera Nacional (N), or national roads, are Spanish highways that often connect one major city to another.

Toll roads in Spain

The Autopistas (AP) are the main tolled roads in Spain. Major tolled roads include:

• AP-51: Villacastin – Avila
• AP-6: Villalba – Adanero
• AP-61: San Rafael – Segovia
• AP-68: Bilbao – Zaragoza
• AP-71: León – Astorga
• C-32: Castelldefels – El Vendrell

The rest of the roads, including A, M, R and N roads, can be used free of charge.

Driving basics

• You must be 21 or over with a full driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to rent a car in Spain.
• By law, you must carry the following items in your car at all times:

          - Warning triangle

          - Headlamp deflectors

          - Reflective jackets (not mandatory, unless you have to walk on the motorway or hard shoulder).

• Using your horn unnecessarily and in urban areas is forbidden. It’s recommended that you flash your lights to give warning.
• In Spain, you still drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a lush port town that mixes old town life with glittering cityscapes. Explore this cultural hub and step through ancient architecture, museums and markets, crowned by a skyline of skyscrapers. Whether you want to wander down narrow alleys, on the waterside or through a modern metropolis, Bilbao has it all.

Barcelona

Known for its curving beaches and colorful streets, Barcelona is a bucket list destination for every visitor to Spain. Stand in the awesome shadow of La Sagrada Família – the world’s largest unfinished church – and take in art history at Museu Picasso. With hidden history around every corner, it’s a European explorer’s paradise.

Ibiza

In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic island of Ibiza is famous as a backpacking destination for those looking for blue waters and buzzing nightlife. However, away from Ibiza Town and San Antonio, you can experience peace among historic cobbled streets and quiet coves.

Madrid

The capital of Spain is the epitome of Spanish style and culture. World-famous architecture curls around every corner, botanical parks and gardens slice up the city in shades of green and the sound of the bustling Plaza Mayor brings life to every street. Madrid also houses European art collections like no other and is home to the beautiful, must-see Royal Palace.

Malaga

If you’re looking for glamorous resorts and hillside retreats, Malaga is the place for you. Wake in the morning to walk on white sand, take a moment to explore ancient citadels, and relax in the evening with a spot of shopping and an al fresco meal. Malaga truly is the poster destination for a Spanish postcard, and your friends will wish they were here once they see your pics.

Tenerife

Just outside of central Europe lies the Canary Islands, home to the volcanic island of Tenerife. If you time your trip right, you can catch the Carnival de Santa Cruz, a world-famous festival that rivals those in Rio. If you want to avoid the noise, however, the island is home to numerous picturesque peaks and beautiful beaches waiting to be explored.

Seville

Waiting at the foot of the River Guadalquivir in Andalusia, Seville is one of Spain’s southern gems. Its warm baroque architecture rivals that of the capital and its winding streets beckon eager travelers. The perfect place to sip coffee in a quiet market square, Seville’s iconic attractions, such as the Alcazar Palace and Seville Cathedral, are something to behold.

Santander

It’s no surprise that this city was once the royal summer residence. Santander’s Gothic architecture, lush Jardines de Pereda and crisp beaches provide offer a slice of Spanish heaven. Peruse its elegant country palaces and Cathedral in the morning and wander along the blue bay searching for fresh Spanish seafood come lunchtime – what’s not to love?

Valencia

Valencia really is a melting pot. Located on the Turia River, where it meets the Mediterranean, it reflects the ancient architecture that blends beautifully with its futuristic cityscape. Take a trip to the City of Arts and Sciences and get lost in its planetarium, huge museum and oceanarium, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Murcia

This ancient red city is home to one of Spain’s top universities and the Plaza Cardenal Belluga, a peaceful market square with ornate architecture and great views of the Cathedral. Murcia is an eclectic combination of architectural styles, so each corner of the city feels like you’re wandering through different periods of Spanish history, which you can explore further at the Museo de Santa Clara or the impressive Archeological Museum.