Car Hire in Spain

Spain's major hire hubs sit inside the arrivals terminals at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), with strong coverage also at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI); at some locations, including certain counters at AGP, a short shuttle connects the terminal to the hire facility, so follow signs for "Alquiler de Coches" after clearing customs. Demand peaks between June and September across coastal and island destinations, when advance booking of several weeks is advisable to secure your preferred vehicle class. On the road, Spain's autopista network charges tolls at manual booths accepting cash or card, and some hire vehicles carry a VIA-T electronic transponder for tagged lanes — ask at the counter about activation fees before driving away. Fuel runs roughly EUR 1.55–1.57 per litre for Euro 95 petrol; refuel at a station near the airport before returning the car, since agencies charge a premium for any shortfall. Cities including Barcelona and Madrid operate Low-Emission Zones where non-compliant vehicles face fines from EUR 200, though registered Spanish hire cars carry the required environmental sticker. Budget for an authorisation hold of EUR 150–400 on a credit card in the primary driver's name — debit cards are not accepted. Drivers under 25 should expect a daily young-driver surcharge, and if your licence uses a non-Latin script, carry an International Driving Permit.