Spain Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Spain is one of the most populated tourist destinations in the world for its multiple scenic spots. You can go there for a trip literally at any time of a year due to its mild and warm Mediterranean climate. In Spain, a road trip is a good idea for the maximum freedom. It’s not difficult to drive in Spain, the road condition is good, comfortable, and the traffic rules is rigorous and reasonable, traffic signs are clear, you can drive easily. So, pack your suitcase and get ready to go, enjoy an unforgettable road trip!

Car Rental Tips

Book in Advance

Generally, we recommend that you make your reservation one month in advance so that you could choose the desired vehicle and date.

If you proceed directly to the car rental store without a booking, it is likely that the car you need might be unavailable.

*If you are already a QEEQ diamond member, you only need 1$ to freeze your booking and make the rest of the payment before pick-up, which does not affect your credit card limit.

Required Documents

Passport, Driver’s License, IDP(Optimal), Credit Card

International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, which allows you to drive legally in countries that need one.

If it is inconvenient for you to apply an IDP, generate a free driver’s license translation on QEEQ.com (Only available on Japanese site).

Car Choices

The choice of your car depend largely on the duration of your trip, passenger number, luggage amount and road conditions.

• City Driving for small groups (1-3 passengers)

If you are a couple, or travel with a friend or two, or if you travel alone, a reasonably priced small car would be a good choice.

Compact size cars have 4 to 5 seats. We recommend sparing one passenger capacity so you could relax and have more space.

• 4 to 5 passengers including children and elderly

Medium and large size cars are recommended. These models could still possess a fair mount of space with 2 to 3 suitcases. SUVs are suitable for hybrid road conditions. Eco-friendly cars such as the Prius could save your spend on gasoline. Choose what you need giving you peace of mind on long trips.

• Traveling in a group of 6 or more

It would be a wonderful experience to choose a van for everyone to have his or her own seat. These models accommodate a passenger capacity from 7 to 12 people. While it is noticeable that large cars cannot make quick and sharp turns. So we recommend renting two small or medium-sized cars if you spend a lot of time driving through towns.

Online Booking Process

We are endeavoring to make your booking as convenient as possible. Enter our website QEEQ.com, log in, enter the required information, and follow the instructions, you are free to rent your desired car.

Insurance

What Insurances Are Available?

*For Autopilot Cars:

1. Insured: Protection for the person renting the car, including passenger accident insurance and personal accident insurance (PAI). This includes the personal safety of the driver, passengers, and their personal belongings.
2. Automobile Insurance: protection for the vehicle of the renter. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is one example.
3. Third-party Insurance: insurance that protects third parties other than the renter and the car rental company. Basic Third Party Liability (BTL) insurance, etc.

International car rental booking will include the basic insurance required for car rentals: Vehicle Damage Coverage, Theft Protection, and Third Party Liability Insurance.

The deductible is the maximum amount of money you’re liable for in the event your rental car is damaged or stolen as long as you follow the conditions of your rental agreement. For example, the deductible is 1000 dollars, if the damage to the rented car is less than 1000 dollars, the customer pays; if the damage is more than 1000 dollars, the customer pays up to 1000 dollars; and the store’s insurance company pays for the part exceeding 1000 dollars.

Many travelers want more comprehensive coverage and purchase additional insurance. Personnel, vehicle and third-party coverage varies by insurance type. Here are some examples of common types of insurance (note: more checks means more coverage):

When and How to Purchase Insurance

There are two ways to obtain insurance: one is to purchase insurance when booking the car online; the other is to purchase insurance at the local store where the car is rented when picking up the car.

Generally, insurances provided by rental car companies usually has narrower coverage, higher premiums, so purchasing insurance online when booking the car is highly recommended.

How to Choose Insurance

If you are traveling with limited budget, it is better to choose the kind of insurance policy with the most comprehensive coverage. The main reasons are:

Firstly, repairing fee for the car would probably be higher abroad.

Secondly, in case of an accident, the medical cost and compensation are very high.

Thirdly, the wider the coverage, the less the troubles you would deal with, which saves tons of time and energy.

Taking automobile insurance as an instance, comparing to common insurance policies, the most comprehensive insurance coverage, including glasses, tires, chassis protection, and considerations for special road conditions such as sand and rocks, is very necessary, but basic insurance of car rental companies usually does not include full coverage as such.

Picking Up the Car

Check Before Departure

Before proceeding to the car rental shop, make sure you have brought with you all necessary documents for picking up the vehicle, and two international credit cards is recommended to ensure that there is enough credit limit for pre-authorization.

Proceed to the Car Rentals

If there is a pickup store nearby, you could just walk there, following signs for airport rental cars.

If the rental car center is far away, there is usually a free shuttle bus bound for the rental car center. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes approximately, so take the bus when you see the logo of your car rental company.

If the shuttle is not available, you can contact the car rental company and wait for staff member to pick you up at designated location. In case you have difficulty communicating with the store staff, please call QEEQ and we will assist you in English or other languages.

Inspect the Car

When you receive your reserved vehicle, inspect the bodywork for damage. At that time, it’s a good idea to document the entire process with your smartphone camera or take a picture of the dashboard. Because if you forgot to check the condition of your vehicle before departure, you may be charged for wronged damage repairs when you return it.

Payment

Payment is due on the day of the rental unless you are paying online or purchasing a tour package.

Insurance is usually included in the rental price, but some car rental companies offer paid options for more comprehensive coverage.

Last but not least, keep all contracts and documents safe for possible further usage. Once you have received your keys, check the seat heights, mirror positions, secure child seats, and then you are ready to go!

Traffic Rules and Signs

Drive on the Right

In Spain, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. So if it differs from you country you might need to spend some time to be familiar with the rule in case of an accident.

Pedestrians Priority

Pedestrians have absolute priority. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians.

Turn Off the Engine when Stop

In Spain,when motor vehicle is parked on the side of the road, if it stopped for more than 60 seconds while the engine is still on, the owner will be fined 100 euros. When you encounter serious traffic jams on highways, if you do not turn off the engine, you will also be punished according to this provision.

Honk Restrained

Horn is prohibited except special circumstances.

Spare Glasses

Drivers wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses must keep a spare pair of glasses in the vehicle.

Safety Belt and Child Seat

Seat belts must be worn by the driver and passengers (including) in the rear. Children under 12 years old and 1.35 metres in height require a suitable safety seat.

Yield to Special Vehicles

When driving in Spain, you need to give way to trains, trams, buses and ambulances.

Right of Way

In Spain, the right of way is very important, and whoever has it has the priority regardless of whether there are warning signs of it. The main rules of the right of way in Italy are: turning vehicles give way to straight ahead ones; cars on side streets give way to those on main streets, and those not in a traffic circle give way to those who have entered a traffic circle.

Stop Sign

In Spain, you may see the sign is written in Spanish as “ALTO” instead of “Stop”.

If you see a STOP sign on the road, all vehicles must stop for 3 seconds, even if there is no one on the road. If there are STOP signs in all four directions of the intersection, then you need to stop and then start according to the order of which all cars arrived. STOP sign is for one-vehicle-one-stop, it is strictly prohibited to follow the previous car and then pass directly.

Give Way Sign

In Spain, you may see the sign is written in Spanish as “Ceda el paso” instead of “Yield” or “Give Way”.

Yield signs are mostly found at intersections where side roads enter the main road, you must slow down and be ready to stop, give priority to other vehicles and pedestrians, and ensure safety before passing.

When there are pedestrians in front of you, you must come to a complete stop and do not give way while driving.

Traffic Circle

In Spain there are many traffic circles and vehicles drive in anti-clockwise direction. When entering a traffic circle, vehicles inside the traffic circle have priority and cars outside need to yield to vehicles inside the traffic circle. In a traffic circle, drive around the outside lane of the traffic circle, the inside lane is the overtaking lane, do not occupy it for long, and before leaving the traffic circle, you need to follow the signage of the traffic circle.

Speed Limits

Strict speed limits are enforced in Spain and radar speed cameras are common. Speed limits are measured in kilometers per hour.

In general, it is 120 km/h for highways; 90 km/h for rural roads; 50 km/h for urban roads; and 20 km/h for residential areas. Specific speed limits are still determined by on-site signs, and some roads have different speed limits for different sections.

Other Road Conditions

Spain’s roads are spacious, with little traffic. However, some of the towns are built on mountains, on which roads are basically narrow ones that are more difficult to drive on, and you need to be careful when traveling.

Spain has many historic cities with narrow roads and strict laws to protect them. Be careful when driving and parking in these city.

Highway Regulations

Spanish highways are divided into autopistas, which are generally tolled; and autovias, which are not tolled. Both types of highways have two directions of lanes and at least two lanes in each direction.

It is recommended that when planning a trip, check in advance whether you would pass through a tolled highway, and if so, set up a navigation to avoid the tolled highway. If you did not plan or cannot avoid the tolled highway, you need to follow different channels to pay the tolls.

You can find out which motorways require toll payment on this website.

Toll Payment

Tolls may be paid in cash, by credit card or using electronic toll services (requires the installation of a device in the car)

It is recommended to use the manual toll lanes, which are simple and convenient. However, note that there are no manual toll lanes at night.

If you accidentally entered the wrong toll lane, please do not change your lane immediately, there is a button next to the electronic toll lanes to call a staff member, who will come and take care of you.

Refueling

Types of Gasoline

Spanish oil prices are in line with international oil prices, about 1.1-1.2 euros/liter, diesel is 10%-15% cheaper than gasoline. There are gas stations everywhere in Spain. Prices in different areas may differ slightly.

Spanish gasoline pumps are divided into gasoline (Gasolina) and diesel (Gasoleo), the choice is usually Gasoleo normal. Diesel gun is black, gasoline is usually green.

When you refuel your car in Spain, choose the specified type of gas according to the gas cap or the vehicle’s instructions. If you are not sure what type of fuel to put in your car, ask the store staff when you pick it up. If you do not know how to recognize the fuel gun, consult a bystander or gas station staff.

Be careful not to add the wrong kind of fuel. If you do, please contact the store as soon as possible to arrange a repair to clean up the fuel tank and the fuel circuit system. Don’t start hastily to cause damage to the car.

Refuel Steps

Both self-service and manual refueling are available in Spain, and can be paid by credit card or cash.

Cash:

1. Remember the gas gun number
2. Pay at the cashier
3. Choose the gas at the dispenser
4. Refuel your car
5. Change at the cashier

Credit Card:

1. Put in the card
2. Enter information as required
3. Take out the card
4. Choose the gas number
5. Refuel your car

Parking

Where can you park

• Pubic Parking Areas

Shopping centers and supermarkets usually have exclusive free public parking lots around them.Scenic spots and busy areas are usually paid parking lots.

• Park at roadside

In Spain, street parking is generally divided by color, into white spaces, blue spaces and green spaces.

White spaces: If you see a white space in the city, you are very lucky to have a parking space that is free.

Blue spaces: Inside the blue line is a paid parking space, next to the meter, usually come with a time limit, allowing temporary parking, paid time period of up to 4 hours. Lunch breaks and evenings are free time, usually it’s not allowed to stay overnight.

Green spaces: Only neighborhood residents or specific groups of people are allowed to use them. Temporary parking is not permitted or your car will be towed.

Parking Restricted Areas

• You cannot park at spaces for the disabled, at the entrance and exit of a building, beside a fire hydrant or bus station.

• No parking in areas with prohibition signs.

How to Pay the Bill

• Pay by the Meter

The meter beside the street parking space could be used to pay the bill by Master/Visa credit card or coins.

Steps: Drop coins/Swipe the card—Choose time period—Confirm—Print the bull—Put the bill on the windshield

• Pay at the Parking Lot Entrance/Exit

Parking lots tend to charge a higher fee. You could pay by credit card or cash, either before or after the parking.

Before parking:

Find the self service machine—Choose time period—Pay the bill—Print the bill—Put the bill on the windshield

After parking:

Get the parking ticket at the entrance—Park your car—Put the ticket inside the self service machine—Pay the bill—Print the bill—Put the bill at the exit

Accident Handling

If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not panic. Check whether the passengers are injured, help yourself and seek help from passersby. Emergency contacts are available at any time.

Police, fire and ambulance: 112

This website provides access to multiple embassies of each country in Spain:

https://www.embassypages.com/spain

Scratch

Ensure the safety of personnel→Move the vehicle to the side of the road without obstructing the traffic→Call 112 →Take photos or videos of the condition of the vehicle →Register the accident by police and keep a proper record of the accident→Contact the rental car company and insurance company.

Theft

Call 112 → Police take notes → Insurance report → Verify information → Payment

Malfunction

Call the rental car company → They will send someone nearby to tow your car or change a tire.

If the rental car company is unable to help you, contact a towing service with the help of the police. Car repairs are very expensive sometimes, so it is important to have insurance.

Roadside Assistance

When renting a car and driving in Italy, if a traffic accident occurs, in addition to calling 112, you can also contact the following emergency contact numbers:

• Roadside Assistance Number in Spain:

REALE Seguros: +34 900 365 900

MAPFRE: +34 900 822 822

CNAE（Confederación Nacional de Autoescuelas): +34 91 352 02 57

• You can also contact your car rental company:

AVIS: 1-800-352-7900

SIXT: 1 (888) 749 8227

Budget: 800-218-7992

Thrifty: 1-800-283-0898

Hertz: 1-800-654-5060

ACE: (877) 822-3872

Dollar: 800-235-9393

Yesaway: 1 424-800-4990

Returning the Rental Car

To return the car, just drive back to the rental car company, but pay attention to the following things:

Refuel Before Returning

Usually, the basic rule for returning a car is to refuel the gas before returning it to the rental car company.

Even if the time is up, and there may not be a convenient gas station, it’s okay to drive for a while (about 5 kilometers or so) after refueling.

If you tried to return the car after the due time without refueling, or if you drove an excessive long distance after refueling, we will calculate the remaining time and charge you an additional fee.

Inspect the Car

When you arrive, we will have a representative inspect your vehicle for damage. If it had any damage, additional payment would be made.

Reconcile the Fee

When you return the car, the staff will check and record the vehicle and print the settlement list on site. Please check the list carefully, and if you have any unknown charges, you can raise them in person or call customer service to solve the problem.

Keep the Contract and Document

After returning the car, it is recommended to keep the contract and receipts in a safe place in case of needs.

Help after Trip

Traffic Citation

How to Pay Fine Ticket:

1. Online payment is the most convenient. There is a payment web site attached on the ticket, follow the instructions to enter the ticket serial number and then add your credit card information to pay the fine. Please mind the due date, otherwise you would pay a late fee.
2. If you could not pay right away, tell the rental company, and the company could charge your credit card directly, although there is usually a commission.
3. If there are no violations during the rental period, the deposit will be automatically unfrozen and refunded to the main driver’s credit card within a month.

Insurance Claim

If you bought a full coverage insurance, you would receive a fast claim settlement. The following documents should be prepared:

1. Passport
2. Driver’s License
3. Credit Card Checkback History
4. The Car Rental Contract
5. Car Damage Deduction Bill

For more detailed information, check the terms and conditions of insurance company:

https://www.qeeq.com/term?info=axa_policy&browser_open=1

Unknown Charges after Trip

If you received an unexpected deduction when you return to your home country, it might be that your violation fee is paid by the car rental company, but usually the deduction amount will be more expensive than the violation fee because that includes the management fee charged by the car rental company. If you don’t know what the violation was, you can contact our customer service for help.

Classic Routes

Central Region

• The Don Quixote Route

The Don Quixote Route in Spain offers a captivating journey through the landscapes and towns that inspired Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel. This approximately 2,500-kilometer route takes you through the heart of La Mancha, starting in Alcalá de Henares and passing through iconic locations such as Esquivias, El Toboso, Campo de Criptana, and Consuegra, before ending in Ciudad Real. The route can be completed in about 7 to 10 days, allowing travelers to explore windmills, medieval castles, and charming villages that bring the story of Don Quixote to life.

Southern Region

• Routes of the AI-Andalus Legacy

The Andalusi Legacy Route in Spain offers a fascinating journey through the rich cultural and historical heritage of Andalusia, shaped by centuries of Moorish influence. This approximately 2,000-kilometer route takes you through key locations such as Granada, Córdoba, Seville, and Málaga. Starting in Granada, you can explore the Alhambra and Generalife, then move on to Córdoba to visit the Mezquita. In Seville, the Giralda and Alcázar await, and finally, in Málaga, you can enjoy the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. The route can be completed in about 7 to 10 days, providing an immersive experience into the Andalusi legacy.

Eastern Region

• A Road Trip Along Spain’s East Coast

The East Coast Road Trip in Spain offers a scenic journey along the Mediterranean coastline, showcasing beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and charming towns. This approximately 1,200-kilometer route starts in Barcelona and takes you through key locations such as Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante, and Murcia, before ending in Almería. Starting in Barcelona, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. In Tarragona, visit the Roman amphitheater and aqueduct. Valencia offers the City of Arts and Sciences and the historic old town. Alicante features the Santa Bárbara Castle and beautiful beaches, while Murcia provides the stunning Cathedral of Murcia. The route can be completed in about 7 to 10 days, offering a perfect blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions along Spain’s east coast.

• The Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean Coast Route in Catalonia offers a delightful five-day journey through beautiful beaches, traditional fishing villages, and cultural landmarks. Starting in Tarragona province and ending in Girona, this 350-kilometer route is perfect for sea lovers. Begin at Delta de L’Ebre Natural Park for nature and bird-watching, then head to PortAventura World in Salou for fun. Explore Tarragona’s Roman history, a UNESCO site, and continue to Barcelona for iconic sights like the Sagrada Familia. Finish on the Costa Brava, visiting charming towns like Palamós, Begur, Roses, and Cadaqués. This route blends nature, culture, and relaxation.

Northern Region

• The Northern Way

The Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago along the coast offers a scenic and enriching road trip experience. This approximately 825-kilometer route starts in Irún, near the French border, and follows the northern coast of Spain through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, ending in Santiago de Compostela. Key stops include San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Gijón, and Ribadeo. The journey can be comfortably completed in about 7 to 10 days by car, allowing travelers to enjoy stunning coastal views, charming seaside towns, and the rich cultural heritage of northern Spain. This route combines natural beauty with cultural and historical significance, making it a perfect road trip for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

• The Vía de la Plata (Silver Route)

The Silver Route (Ruta de la Plata) in Spain offers a historic and scenic road trip experience. This approximately 800-kilometer route starts in Seville and travels north through the regions of Extremadura and Castile and León, ending in Gijón on the northern coast. Key stops include Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, Zamora, and León. The journey can be comfortably completed in about 7 to 10 days by car, allowing travelers to explore Roman ruins, medieval towns, and stunning landscapes. This route combines rich cultural heritage with natural beauty, making it an ideal road trip for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

• Route around the province of Cáceres

The Cáceres Province Route offers a captivating journey through one of Spain’s most historic and picturesque regions. This approximately 150-kilometer route starts in the city of Cáceres and takes you through key locations such as Trujillo, Plasencia, and the Monfragüe National Park. Starting in Cáceres, explore its UNESCO World Heritage old town with medieval architecture. Drive to Trujillo, known for its impressive castle and historic plaza. Continue to Plasencia, a charming town with a beautiful cathedral and historic walls. Finally, visit Monfragüe National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The route can be comfortably completed in about 3 to 4 days, offering a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Useful Information

• Embassies in Spain:

https://www.spain.info/en/query/spanish-embassies

• Emergency Number: 112
• Official Tourism Website of Spain:

https://www.spain.info

• AlertCops (AlertCops is a free mobile application that anyone, regardless of their language, origin or hearing or vocal disabilities, can use to notify law enforcement authorities of an alert, information, data or news about a crime or security incident that they are a victim of or witness to ):

https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/publico/alertcops/en

• Roadside Assistance Number in Spain:

REALE Seguros: +34 900 365 900

MAPFRE: +34 900 822 822

CNAE（Confederación Nacional de Autoescuelas): +34 91 352 02 57

Thank you for reading through to the end, enjoy your Spain road trip!