Tips for Driving in Spain

Spain is one of the world's most popular destinations with numerous attractions spread across both city centers and the beautiful countryside. Get familiar with local rules, signs, and types of rental cars available before you embark on your journey.

Make Your Experience Spectacular!

Renting a car is essential if you want to explore little villages, mountains, secluded beaches, and vineyards you’d never see otherwise.

Car Rental Locations

You’ll find an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location perfect for your adventure.
• Airport: Begin the trip as soon as you arrive. Airports are usually located near major roadways that will allow you to get on the road quickly.
• Neighborhood: Great for day trips or to begin your journey after a visit to a major city.
• Train Station: Rent at a train station to explore a region further.

Unique Road Signs

Every country has unique road signs. To fully and safely enjoy your experience, please familiarize yourself with local signs and regulations before you drive. Below is a sampling of signs unique to Spain.

Ireland Street Signs

Automatic and Manual Transmissions

Many cars in Spain are manual transmission. When booking your rental car, you should specify either manual or automatic.

Driving Tips

• As a general rule, yield to traffic approaching from the right when no priority sign is posted.
• Be aware that radar traps are frequent and fines could be dealt with on the spot.
• The use of turn signals when entering or changing lanes is strictly enforced by police.
• If traffic suddenly slows, be sure to apply your hazard lights to warn those driving behind you.
• Do not turn left across an unbroken white line in the center of the road; continue on and find a suitable turning place.
• Drivers already engaged in a roundabout have priority over drivers entering into one. Cyclists have priority on roundabouts from any direction.
• Avoid sounding a horn at night in urban areas. Horns should only be used in an emergency.
• Wearing seat belts is compulsory in front and rear seats.

Ireland Street Signs

Park Smart

• Pay close attention to signs, as parking could be permitted only on one side of the street.
• No parking on streets with yellow curbs.
• Parking spaces marked with blue/green lines require tickets purchased from machines or attendants.
• Please check the parking hours in each area.
Usual paid parking hours:
• Monday-Friday: 9 am - 9 pm
• Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm

Fuel Your Adventure

Gas usually is self-service in Spain. Often you must pay inside with either a credit card or cash. Always make sure to fill up with the correct fuel – even the small sedans in Spain may require diesel.

Toll Roads in Spain

Spanish motorways with names beginning with “AP” (autopistas) are toll roads. Make sure you have enough money or a credit card on hand when driving on toll roads. Toll roads will add cost to your journey, but you will arrive to your destination quicker. You may choose to use free roads instead if you are exploring more casually, to avoid bypassing more picturesque landscape for the sake of time.

Legal Requirements for Driving in Spain

• Minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21. The minimum age can be 25 for certain types of vehicles.
• Valid driving license, identity card, and/or passport. Additional proofs of address could be requested.

Loyalty Club Information

Enterprise Plus
• Include the Enterprise Plus number at the time of reservation to earn points on qualifying rentals in Europe. Members can redeem points for free rental days at thousands of participating Enterprise® locations worldwide.

Emerald Club
• Emerald Club® makes the car rental experience faster with Priority Service. Include the Emerald Club member number at the time of reservation to earn credits toward free days on qualifying rentals.