Car Rental in Spain — Complete Guide and Pitfalls 2026
Rental companies, insurance, motorways, fuel, and common scams — all in one place
Renting a car in Spain is the most convenient way to explore Costa Blanca, but it is also one of the biggest sources of stress for tourists. Aggressive insurance upselling at the counter, deposits of 1000+ euros frozen on your card, confusing fuel labels, and unfamiliar traffic rules — these are the pitfalls most first-time car renters in Spain fall into. In this guide you will find practical advice, a comparison of rental companies at Alicante-Elche Airport, and proven ways to avoid overpaying a single euro.
What This Guide Covers
• Rental company comparison — Goldcar, Record Go, Enterprise, Centauro, and more
• Insurance step by step — full coverage vs excess, what you really need
• Motorways and tolls — AP-7 toll-free since 2020, toll booth system, Via-T
• Stress-free refuelling — gasoleo vs gasolina, cheapest stations
• Pitfalls and scams — deposit holds, fabricated damage, hidden charges
• Traffic rules — speed limits, parking, fines
A car on Costa Blanca is not a luxury — it is a necessity if you truly want to explore the region. Buses run infrequently outside the main routes, and taxis for longer distances cost a fortune. With a rental car you can discover hidden beaches, mountain villages, and local restaurants that no tourist without a car would ever reach. The key is preparation — this guide is based on our first-hand experience with multiple car rentals in the Alicante province.
Which Rental Company at Alicante Airport Is Best?
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the third busiest airport in Spain for tourist traffic. You will find over 15 car rental companies here — from budget Goldcar and Record Go, through mid-range Centauro and Drivalia, to premium Enterprise, Europcar, and Hertz. Most company offices are located in the arrivals terminal (ground floor) or in the car park building across the road. A few companies — particularly cheaper ones — have offices off-site and provide a free shuttle bus (5-10 minutes).
If you are arriving late at night, make sure the rental office is open at that hour. Not all companies operate 24/7 — budget rental firms in particular close at 10 or 11 PM. It is also worth checking whether your flight is the last one of the day, as delays could mean the office is already closed when you land.
| Company | Price/week | Deposit | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldcar | from 55 EUR | 900-1500 EUR | Terminal | 3.2/5 |
| Record Go | from 65 EUR | 500-900 EUR | Terminal | 4.0/5 |
| Centauro | from 70 EUR | 600-1100 EUR | Shuttle bus | 4.1/5 |
| Enterprise | from 110 EUR | 300-600 EUR | Terminal | 4.3/5 |
| Europcar | from 120 EUR | 300-500 EUR | Terminal | 4.2/5 |
* Approximate prices for a week's rental of an economy class car with manual transmission, low season 2026. Deposit is held on your credit card — not charged, only frozen.
Goldcar — Why Is It the Cheapest?
Goldcar regularly wins on comparison sites as the cheapest option, but it is also the rental company with the most negative reviews on Costa Blanca. Typical issues include:
- • Aggressive upselling of extra insurance at the counter ("we won't hand over the keys without it")
- • Deposit hold of 900-1500 EUR on your credit card for up to 30 days
- • Charges for "damage" discovered after the car is returned
- • Long waiting times for deposit refund (up to 45 days)
If you choose Goldcar, be sure to purchase full insurance BEFORE arriving (through an aggregator or independent insurer) and take detailed photographs of the car from all angles BEFORE leaving the rental lot.
From our experience, the best value for money is offered by Record Go — office at the terminal, transparent fuel policy (full-to-full), reasonable insurance prices, and a deposit rarely exceeding 900 euros. For those who value comfort and zero stress, we recommend Enterprise or Europcar— you will pay more, but newer cars, lower deposits, and professional service more than compensate for the price difference.
What Insurance Should You Choose When Renting a Car?
Insurance is the most important decision when renting a car in Spain — and the biggest source of misunderstandings. Every rental company includes basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance in the price, but it comes with an excess (deductible) — the amount you pay out of pocket in case of damage. The excess typically ranges from 800 to 1500 euros, and that is exactly the amount held on your credit card as a deposit.
In other words — if you do not purchase full insurance, the rental company freezes the excess amount on your card. If any damage occurs during the rental (even a minor scratch), the company deducts repair costs from the held deposit. In the worst-case scenario, you lose the entire excess — up to 1500 euros.
Basic CDW (with excess)
- • Excess of 800-1500 EUR
- • Does not cover tyres, windscreen, underbody
- • Does not cover roof or keys
- • Deposit held = full excess amount
- • Any scratch = you pay
NOT recommended — false sense of security!
Full Coverage (zero excess)
- • Excess = 0 EUR
- • Covers tyres, windscreen, roof, underbody
- • Covers keys and towing
- • Minimal or zero deposit
- • Complete peace of mind on holiday
RECOMMENDED — worth the extra 5-15 EUR/day
How to Buy Insurance at the Best Price
• Aggregators (Discovercars, Rentalcars) — offer full coverage included in the package, often cheaper than at source
• Independent insurers (iCarhireinsurance, Rental Cover) — policy from 5 EUR/day, reimbursement within 14 days after a claim
• Credit card — some premium cards (e.g. Revolut Metal, Visa Infinite) include car rental insurance as a card benefit
• Directly from the rental company — the most expensive option, especially at the counter on pick-up day
Our advice: book through Discovercars or Rentalcars with the Full Protection option. You pay one upfront amount, and if damage occurs the aggregator handles the refund for you. Zero stress, no calling foreign insurance companies.
How to Avoid Credit Card Deposit Scams
The deposit is the issue that generates the most complaints from tourists. Most budget rental companies require a credit card (not debit!) in the main driver's name. A sum of 300 to 1500 euros is frozen on the card, which should be released after returning the car — but "should" is the operative word.
Unfortunately, many budget rental companies — Goldcar in particular and some local firms — have a practice of "discovering" damage after the car is returned, once the customer has already left. They then deduct costs from the frozen deposit, and the customer only learns about it from their credit card statement days later. How can you protect yourself?
Common Deposit Traps — How to Protect Yourself
1. Photograph the car BEFORE driving off
Take at least 20-30 photos with date and time stamps: every body panel, roof, wheels, interior, boot, dashboard, and fuel level. Record a short video walking around the car. This is your evidence against false claims.
2. Check the pick-up report
Before signing the collection document, make sure all existing damage (scratches, dents, chips) is marked on the vehicle diagram. If something is missing — insist it is added. Do not sign a report stating "no damage" if you can see any.
3. Use a separate credit card
Never give your main savings card for the deposit hold. Ideally, use a Revolut card or a separate credit card with a low limit. The deposit hold can last up to 30 days after returning the car.
4. Return during office hours
Never leave the keys in a drop-off box outside office hours. Without a joint inspection at return, you have no proof of the car's condition at handover. Insist on written confirmation of no damage at return.
5. Photograph the car AT RETURN
Before handing back the keys, take another full set of photos with date and time. If the staff member confirms no damage — ask for a signature on the return report or an email confirmation. This is your insurance against later claims.
How Do Motorways and Road Tolls Work in Spain?
Good news — the AP-7 motorway along the entire Mediterranean coast (from Alicante through Valencia all the way to the French border) has been toll-free since 2020! This means driving from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, Valencia, or Barcelona costs nothing in road tolls. Previously the same stretch cost tens of euros, making it a significant expense for longer coastal trips.
The road system in Spain is excellently signposted. Motorways (autovia) with the "A-" prefix are free, while the formerly tolled motorways (autopista) with the "AP-" prefix are progressively being freed from tolls as concessions expire. On toll sections, you pay at booths with a card, cash, or Via-T transponder.
Free Motorways (autovia)
- • AP-7 — Alicante-Valencia-Barcelona (free since 2020!)
- • A-7 — national road along the coast
- • A-31 — Alicante-Albacete
- • A-70 — Alicante ring road
- • Most roads with the "A-" prefix
Still-Tolled Sections
- • AP-7 Malaga-Estepona — Andalusia
- • AP-68 — Bilbao-Zaragoza
- • Tunnels — some tunnel crossings
- • C-32 — Barcelona ring road
- • Payment by card or cash at toll booths
Speed Limits in Spain
Many towns enforce a 30 km/h limit in residential zones. Speeding fines start from 100 EUR and can be delivered by post even months after you return home. The rental company shares your details with the police, so the fine will always find you.
Which Fuel to Use — Gasoleo or Gasolina?
One of the most common mistakes tourists make in Spain is filling up with the wrong fuel. Fuel names sound completely different and are easy to confuse. Putting petrol in a diesel engine (or vice versa) is a costly mistake — engine repair is not covered by insurance and costs between 2000 and 5000 euros!
GASOLEO / DIESEL
• Pump colour: black/yellow
• Label: Gasoleo A, Diesel, Diesel e+
• Equivalent: diesel fuel
• Price: ~1.30-1.45 EUR/l
GASOLINA / PETROL
• Pump colour: green
• Label: Sin Plomo 95, Sin Plomo 98, Gasolina 95
• Equivalent: unleaded petrol (95/98 octane)
• Price: ~1.40-1.55 EUR/l
Where to Refuel at the Cheapest Prices on Costa Blanca
• BonArea, Plenoil, Ballenoil — self-service stations, 10-15 cents cheaper per litre
• Costco — if you have a membership, the lowest prices in the region
• Carrefour, Alcampo — hypermarket stations, good prices
• Avoid motorway stations — always 10-20 cents/l more expensive
• GasAll app — fuel price comparison for all stations in Spain
The "full-to-full" rule: most rental companies use a full tank on collection, full tank on return policy. Fill up before returning — the company will charge for missing fuel at an inflated rate (up to 2-3x market price).
Manual or Automatic Transmission?
The standard at Spanish rental companies is a car with manual transmission. If you have never driven a manual or do not feel confident on narrow Spanish roads — it is worth paying extra for an automatic. Remember that Spain has very hilly terrain, especially on Costa Blanca, where roads in towns like Gran Alacant can be extremely steep.
Manual
- 30-50% cheaper
- Greater availability
- Lower fuel consumption
- Steep hills = stressful
- Requires practice and experience
Automatic
- Comfortable in traffic and cities
- Zero stress on steep roads
- Easier parking
- 30-50% more expensive
- Less availability — book early
Our recommendation: if you drive a manual daily at home — you will manage fine in Spain. If you have doubts or usually drive an automatic — do not risk it and pay the premium. On the steep climbs of Gran Alacant or in the narrow alleys of Altea, a manual can be genuinely frustrating.
Is Your EU Driving Licence Enough for Spain?
Yes — all EU driving licences are fully accepted in Spain as a standard EU document. You do not need an international driving permit or a sworn translation. Simply bring a valid licence in the plastic card EU format plus your passport or national ID card. The same applies to drivers from any other European Union country.
Documents Required for Car Collection
• Driving licence — valid, EU plastic card format, in the main driver's name
• Passport or national ID — as a second form of identification
• Credit card — in the main driver's name (not debit!)
• Booking confirmation — printout or electronic version on your phone
• Insurance voucher — if you purchased external insurance
Minimum age: 21 (some companies 23). Young driver surcharge (under 25): 5-15 EUR/day. Additional driver: 5-10 EUR/day or free in premium packages.
Where and How to Park a Rental Car in Spain
Parking in Spain follows different rules than in many Northern European countries. Coloured curb lines, ORA zones, and app-based parking meters can all surprise an unprepared driver. For a detailed parking guide, see our separate article:
Quick Parking Rules for Spain
• Blue line (ORA) — paid zone, meter or app (EasyPark, Telpark)
• Green line — paid zone for residents; tourists pay more and for shorter periods
• Yellow line — no parking! Fine 90-200 EUR
• White line — free parking, no time limits
• Pavement parking — permitted in many places if there is a white line
Practical Tips to Know Before Renting
• Book in advance: Prices rise dramatically in season. 3-4 weeks ahead = optimal price
• Compare on aggregators: Discovercars, Rentalcars, AutoEurope — same cars, different prices
• Read cancellation terms: Look for "Free cancellation" options — plans change
• GPS on your phone: Do not pay for the rental company's sat nav. Google Maps or Waze work great offline
• Child seat: Mandatory for children under 135 cm tall. Companies charge 5-10 EUR/day — consider bringing your own
• Reflective vest: Mandatory in the car (usually included in rental vehicles)
• Warning triangles: Two triangles mandatory in Spain (should be in the boot)
• Roundabouts: Spain drives on the right; on roundabouts with two lanes, stay in the right lane
• Alcohol: Limit 0.5 per mille (0.3 for new drivers). Fines from 500 EUR
• Phone while driving: Fine 200 EUR + 6 penalty points. Use hands-free only
Best Driving Routes from Alicante
Costa Blanca and its surroundings offer fantastic routes for car exploration. From Alicante Airport you have excellent access to the most beautiful spots in the province. Here are our favourite routes that we recommend to every guest:
Alicante → Gran Alacant (20 min)
The route from the airport to Gran Alacant follows the A-70 motorway and N-332 road. A straightforward route, ideal as your first drive after landing.
Alicante → Benidorm (45 min)
Free AP-7 motorway northbound. Beautiful sea views, exits to Villajoyosa (the chocolate town) and Altea (the artists' village). Access to theme parks: Terra Mitica, Aqualandia, Mundomar.
Alicante → Valencia (2h)
AP-7 toll-free the entire way! Oceanarium, City of Arts and Sciences, old town, Malvarrosa beach. Perfect day trip from Alicante — leave in the morning, return in the evening.
Alicante → Guadalest (1h 15 min)
Mountain route through the Cherry Blossom valley. Castle on a rock, turquoise lake, narrow streets, and museums. One of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Winding road — automatic transmission ideal.
Pre-Rental Checklist
Before booking: Compare prices on 2-3 aggregators (Discovercars, Rentalcars, AutoEurope)
Insurance: Purchase full coverage (zero excess) BEFORE arriving — cheaper than at the counter
Credit card: Make sure you have a credit card (not debit) with sufficient limit for the deposit
Documents: Driving licence + passport/ID + booking confirmation + insurance voucher
At collection: 20-30 photos from all angles + video + check the pick-up report
Fuel: Check fuel type in documents (gasoleo = diesel, gasolina = petrol)
At return: Fill up the tank, return during office hours, request written confirmation of no damage
Rafał Prońko
Właściciel Brisa Alacant
Właściciel apartamentu wakacyjnego Brisa Alacant od 2023 roku, regularnie odwiedzam Costa Blanca i znam region z własnych doświadczeń. Wszystkie miejsca opisane na blogu odwiedziłem osobiście — zdjęcia i porady pochodzą z moich własnych wizyt. Pomagam gościom odkrywać najlepsze atrakcje regionu Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a car in Spain in 2026?
Car rental prices in Spain in 2026 start from approximately 8 to 12 euros per day for a basic economy class vehicle from budget companies like Record Go or Goldcar when booked well in advance. The average weekly rental price for a compact car with manual transmission is 70 to 150 euros in low season and 150 to 350 euros during the summer peak from June to September. Automatic transmission cars typically cost 30 to 50 percent more than their manual counterparts. On top of the base price, you should factor in insurance costs, as full excess waiver coverage runs from 5 to 15 euros per day depending on the provider. The deposit held on your credit card usually ranges from 500 to 1500 euros. It pays to compare prices on aggregator sites like Discovercars, Rentalcars, or directly on the rental company websites, because price differences can reach up to 200 percent for the same car and period. The cheapest time to book is at least 3 to 4 weeks before your trip.
Is my EU driving licence valid in Spain?
Yes, all EU driving licences are fully accepted in Spain, as the country recognises driving licences issued by any European Union member state. You do not need an international driving permit or any additional translations of the document. Simply bring your valid driving licence in the plastic card format (EU standard) along with your passport or national identity card as a second form of identification. Car rental companies in Spain accept EU driving licences without any issues, as this is standard across the entire Schengen zone. The minimum age requirement at most rental companies is 21 years, though some firms like Goldcar or Enterprise charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25, typically between 5 and 15 euros per day. Remember that your driving licence must be valid for the entire rental period. If your licence is damaged or illegible, the rental company may refuse to hand over the vehicle. It is also worth keeping an electronic copy of your documents on your phone as a backup.
Which car rental company at Alicante Airport is the best?
There are over a dozen car rental companies operating at Alicante-Elche Airport, and the best choice depends on your priorities. Enterprise and Europcar offer the highest service quality, newer vehicles, and smoother pick-up procedures, but their prices are 40 to 60 percent higher than budget competitors. Record Go is an excellent value-for-money choice with an office right at the terminal, transparent fuel policy, and reasonable insurance prices. Goldcar offers the cheapest base prices but aggressively upsells additional insurance at the counter and often blocks a high deposit on your credit card, which catches many customers off guard. Centauro has good reviews for transparent conditions and fair pricing. Avoid booking through intermediaries who do not reveal the rental company name until the last moment. The key advice is to always book with full insurance through a reputable aggregator and to thoroughly photograph the car before leaving the rental lot.
How do toll motorways work in Spain and how much do they cost?
The motorway system in Spain is divided into free motorways marked as autovia with the prefix A (for example A-7) and formerly toll motorways called autopista with the prefix AP. The crucial piece of information for those travelling along Costa Blanca is that the AP-7 motorway along the Mediterranean coast was made toll-free in 2020 on the stretch from Alicante to the French border, meaning that driving from Alicante to Benidorm or Valencia is now completely free of charge. Some tunnel sections and bypasses around major cities remain tolled. Tolls on the remaining paid motorways in Spain are collected at toll booths where you can pay with cash in euros, a payment card, or a Via-T transponder. Prices on toll sections average between 5 and 10 eurocents per kilometre, so a longer journey such as Alicante to Madrid via toll road would cost approximately 25 to 40 euros. Before setting off, it is worth planning your route on Google Maps, which shows which roads are tolled.
Which fuel should I put in my rental car in Spain — gasoleo or gasolina?
Fuel labels in Spain differ from those in many other countries and first-time visitors often confuse them. Gasoleo (or Diesel, Gasoleo A) is diesel fuel, marked on pumps in black or yellow. Gasolina (Sin Plomo 95 or Sin Plomo 98) is unleaded petrol, the equivalent of 95 or 98 octane fuel, marked in green. Before leaving the rental lot, always check the vehicle documents or ask the staff which fuel your rental car takes, as putting the wrong fuel in is a serious mechanical failure not covered by insurance and costs engine repairs of 2000 to 5000 euros. Fuel prices in Spain in 2026 are approximately 1.40 to 1.55 euros per litre for petrol and 1.30 to 1.45 euros per litre for diesel. The cheapest refuelling is at self-service stations such as BonArea, Plenoil, or Ballenoil, which are 10 to 15 cents cheaper per litre than branded stations like Repsol or Cepsa. The GasAll app shows current fuel prices at all stations in the area.
Źródła i odnośniki
- DGT - Direccion General de Trafico: traffic rules in Spain(dostęp: 2026-05-15)
- AESA - Alicante-Elche Airport: rental company information(dostęp: 2026-05-15)
- Ministerio de Transportes: AP-7 toll removal(dostęp: 2026-05-15)
- OCU - Comparador de gasolineras: fuel price comparison(dostęp: 2026-05-15)
- Discovercars.com - Car rental comparison(dostęp: 2026-05-15)
Planning a Holiday on Costa Blanca?
Our apartment Brisa Alacant in Gran Alacant is the ideal base for exploring the region by car. Free parking within the complex, 20 minutes from the airport, and proximity to the AP-7 motorway mean you can park your rental car conveniently and head off in any direction along Costa Blanca. Carabassi Beach, Santa Pola, Elche, Benidorm — everything is within a short drive!
Useful Articles About Travelling in Spain
Before hitting the road in your rental car, read our guide to parking in Spain — curb colours, ORA zones, and fines. Also check the best flights to Alicante and plan your car collection right after landing. For a base camp, our guide to Gran Alacant will help you get to know the area. Read the Polish version of this guide for additional local perspectives.