Do I need an international driving permit for Spain?

EU driving licences are valid. UK licences are accepted for visits of up to 6 months. US and Canadian drivers are advised to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence, though in practice most hire companies accept the national licence alone.

Is the AP-7 motorway free?

Yes. Tolls were abolished on the AP-7 along the Costa Blanca in 2020. It is now free to drive from Alicante all the way to the French border. Some short sections of other motorways may still have tolls.

How much does it cost to hire a car?

Off-season (October–May): €20–35/day. Peak season (July–August): €40–70/day. Book online in advance for the best rates. Always decline the expensive excess waiver at the desk and buy separate cover online for €3–5/day.

What do the parking line colours mean?

Blue = paid parking (check meter hours). White = free parking. Yellow = no parking at any time. Green = resident-only parking (in some towns). Always check posted signs for specific rules.

White houses perched on cliff edge above deep gorge in Ronda

Home/Guides/Driving in Spain

Travel Guide

Driving in Spain

By Maya Kallio•Updated April 2026•8 min read• Fact-checked April 2026

Quick Answer

Spain drives on the right. Speed limits: 120 km/h (motorways), 50 km/h (urban), 30 km/h (single-lane streets). The AP-7 is toll-free. Car hire from €20–35/day off-season. Always book online — never at the airport desk.

Essential	Details
Motorway limit	120 km/h
Urban limit	50 km/h (30 km/h single lane)
AP-7 tolls	Free (abolished 2020)
Car hire	€20–35/day (off-season)
Alcohol limit	0.5 g/l (0.3 new drivers)

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Key Takeaways

✓Spain drives on the right — roundabouts go anti-clockwise.
✓The AP-7 motorway is toll-free along the entire Costa Blanca.
✓Book car hire online in advance — airport desk prices are much higher.
✓Urban speed limits were lowered to 30 km/h on single-lane streets in 2021.
✓Blue parking lines = paid; white = free; yellow = no parking.

1. Road Rules & Speed Limits

Spain drives on the right. Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on conventional roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas (reduced to 30 km/h on single-lane urban streets since 2021). Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers, and children under 135 cm must use an approved child seat.

Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l (0.3 g/l for new drivers). Fines are enforced on the spot and can be significant — €200+ for speeding, €200 for phone use, €500 for drink-driving.

2. Car Hire Tips

Book online in advance for the best rates — airport pick-up is the most convenient option. Check the excess/deductible carefully; buying the hire company’s "super CDW" or arranging separate excess insurance (online, from €3/day) is strongly recommended.

Most hire cars are manual; automatic vehicles cost more and should be requested explicitly. Fuel is cheaper than in the UK or Scandinavia. Most stations are self-service, and paying at the pump with a card is standard. Budget €20–35/day off-season, €40–70/day in August.

3. Motorways & Tolls

The AP-7 motorway runs the length of the Costa Blanca. Tolls were abolished on most sections in 2020, making it free to drive from Alicante to the French border. This is the fastest route between towns on the coast.

The parallel N-332 is the main coastal road but slower and busier, passing through town centres. For longer journeys (Alicante to Benidorm: 45 min; Torrevieja to Dénia: 2 hrs), the AP-7 is far quicker and less stressful.

4. Parking

Blue-line zones require payment (typically 08:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00, free at weekends). White lines mean free parking. Yellow lines mean no parking at any time. Underground car parks in town centres charge €1–2 per hour.

In summer, arrive early at beach car parks — they fill up fast. Many urbanisaciones have free street parking. The ORA system (blue zone) requires you to display a ticket from a nearby parking meter on your dashboard. Fines for expired tickets are typically €40–60.