With this guide, all your car rental and driving concerns are addressed, ensuring a memorable and safe journey across Spain. We also provide a quick-reference summary table at the end for your convenience.
Yes, Indian travelers can rent and drive cars in Spain when they present a valid passport, their Indian driving licence plus an International Driving Permit, and meet the age and payment conditions set by the rental company.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport at the rental counter.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must hold a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• EU/EEA Driving License (valid across the EU/EEA, as well as in Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards vary by offer but commonly include Visa and MasterCard, with some locations also accepting UnionPay, AMEX, JCB, and Diners Club. Debit cards are generally not accepted for deposit.
Age requirements:
Depending on the specific offer, the minimum driving age ranges from 18 to 21 years, with maximum ages between 75 and 100 years. Young driver surcharges usually apply to drivers roughly between 18–24 or 19–24 years old. Typical young driver fees range from about EUR 7.95 to EUR 28.07 per day (often capped for the rental), for example: EUR 9 per day (EUR 135 cap, minimum EUR 27) or EUR 16.5 per day (EUR 156 cap, minimum EUR 28). Some offers also charge senior driver fees for renters from about 75 years and above.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Discover a variety of car rental options in Spain, ranging from international operators to local enterprises, tailored to meet diverse travel needs.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

GOLDCAR
Locations:
221Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and those seeking convenience
Hertz
Locations:
545Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Alamo
Locations:
528Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Europcar
Locations:
760Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business trips
SIXT
Locations:
481Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a variety of vehicle options
Centauro
Locations:
112Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Locations:
1003Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and corporate clients
Record Go
Locations:
161Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
OK Mobility
Locations:
166Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
CLICK RENT
Locations:
248Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelersChoosing the right rental car can make your travel more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Consider your travel group, destinations, and driving needs. With QEEQ, you can compare various car types and policies to find the best fit for your journey.
Evaluate your group size and luggage requirements.
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Ideal for city driving and shorter trips.
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Balanced space and fuel efficiency.
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for extended distances.
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Suitable for families and group travel.
Choose between automatic and manual transmissions.
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, widely available.
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, enhances fuel efficiency, offers more control.
Consider your comfort level with manual driving in unfamiliar areas.
Some prefer automatics for convenience during long trips.
Understand what insurance coverage is provided with your rental.
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, generally included.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional.
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be optional or included.
Personal insurance
Verify if your insurance or travel insurance covers rentals.
Review booking flexibility and potential fees.
Free cancellation
Typically available up to 24-48 hours before pickup.
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid options are cheaper but less flexible.
Change fees
Fees for modifying dates, locations, or car types.
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for cancellations or delays.
Check distance restrictions and related charges.
Unlimited mileage
Ideal for long road trips and extensive travel.
Limited mileage
Lower daily rate but additional costs for extra miles.
Factor in your planned route and potential detours.
Consider mileage costs when comparing rental options.
Understand fuel requirements and associated costs.
Full-to-Full
Return with the same fuel level, most economical choice.
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but potentially costly.
Same-to-Same
Return with the same fuel level as pickup, fair pricing.
Compare pre-purchase fuel options with local fuel station prices.
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy.
Madrid, Barcelona, SevilleMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation.
Andalusia region, Pyrenees road tripsConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option.
Mediterranean coast, Canary IslandsCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
Spain is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Travelers from India visiting Spain can explore iconic destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville, each offering unique experiences. Renting a car in Spain allows you to access diverse regions, from the Mediterranean coastline to picturesque inland towns, all while enjoying the convenience of flexible travel.
When renting a car in Spain (ES) as a traveler from India (IN), you are required to have at least basic insurance to comply with local laws. Additional coverages are recommended for protection against potential damages, theft, or accidents. Understanding the options available will help you avoid unexpected expenses.
Covers damage to the rental car due to collision or other incidents, excluding theft.
Protects against financial liability in case of vehicle theft.
Covers injury or damage caused to third parties or their property.
Provides medical coverage for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
Reduces excess amount or deductible for damage claims.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Spain. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Smart planning can help you reduce costs significantly when renting a car in Spain. Here are some effective tips tailored for travelers from India.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Spain.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Indian and Spanish traffic rules differ in driving side, speed limits, alcohol tolerance, and road signage. However, they share similar seatbelt laws and mobile phone restrictions.
Driving Side
Drive on the right-hand side
Drive on the left-hand side
Speed Limits
120 km/h on highways, 50 km/h in urban areas
100 km/h on highways, 50 km/h in urban areas
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.05% BAC for general drivers
0.03% BAC for general drivers
Road Signage
Mostly standardized with EU practices using pictograms
Varied styles, sometimes with regional languages
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants
Mandatory for all occupants
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices allowed
Hands-free devices allowed
Parking Rules
Designated parking zones with clear signage
Similar, with additional flexibility in rural areas
Common questions for travelers from India renting a car in Spain