Europe > 🇪🇸 Spain
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Spain can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Spain; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Spain?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Spain?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Spain
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| A Coruña | LCG | |
| Alicante | ALC | |
| Almería | LEI | |
| Barcelona | BCN | |
| Bilbao | BIO | |
| Ceuta | JCU | |
| El Hierro | VDE | |
| Fuerteventura | FUE | |
| Girona | GRO | |
| Granada | GRX | |
| Ibiza | IBZ | |
| Jerez | XRY | |
| La Gomera | GMZ | |
| Lanzarote | ACE | |
| La Palma | SPC | |
| La Seu d’Urgell | LEU | |
| Las Palmas | LPA | |
| Madrid | MAD | |
| Malaga | AGP | |
| Melilla | MLN | |
| Menorca | MAH | |
| Murcia | RMU | |
| Palma | PMI | |
| Reus | REU | |
| Santander | SDR | |
| Seville | SVQ | |
| Tenerife North | TFN | |
| Tenerife South | TFS | |
| Valencia | VLC | |
| Vigo | VGO | |
| Zaragoza | ZAZ |
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Big Cities
You’ll rarely need a car in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Bilbao, or Málaga. The metro systems are quick, clean, and extensive. Because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive, ditching the car will usually save time and stress.
High-Speed Rail (AVE)
Spain’s AVE network is exceptional — one of the best in the world. For example, Madrid to Barcelona takes just 2.5 hours; Madrid to Sevilla just 2 hours. Fast trains link nearly all major cities, so hiring a car between them isn’t necessary.
Islands & Resorts
On islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Mallorca, and Ibiza, buses cover many tourist routes. Hotels also run shuttles, and taxis are easy to get. Therefore, many visitors only rent a car for a single day to explore.
🚗 When a Car Makes the Trip Better
Andalucía’s Hill Towns
Road-tripping between Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara, and Grazalema is far easier with a car. Buses do exist, but connections are slow and infrequent.
Northern Spain
Regions like Asturias, Cantabria, La Rioja, and Navarra shine brightest with a car. Because they are mountainous and rural, you’ll reach beaches, viewpoints, vineyards, and villages more efficiently by driving.
Costa Brava & Costa de la Luz
Although public transport reaches many coastal towns, the best coves, headlands, and quieter beaches require wheels.
National Parks
Places like Picos de Europa, Doñana, and Sierra Nevada reward independent drivers who want to stop frequently for scenery.
🛣️ Driving Conditions
Spain’s roads are generally excellent. However, some rural mountain regions have narrow, winding stretches. Toll roads exist, but most have been phased out, making long drives cheaper than before.
🚨 Practical Safety Notes
Spain is straightforward for driving, especially during the day. Just remember:
-
Cities have strict low-emission zones
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Many old towns have medieval streets not designed for cars
-
Speed cameras are common
✈️ Domestic Flights
Internal flights can save hours over long distances. As a result, many travellers fly between Madrid, the Canary Islands, and the Balearics rather than drive.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Spain?
🚫 Don’t rent a car if you:
-
Stay in big cities
-
Rely on high-speed trains
-
Prefer to avoid narrow medieval streets
🚗 Do rent a car if you:
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Want to explore rural Andalucía
-
Plan to see northern Spain’s mountains and coastlines
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Prefer total freedom for beaches, landscapes, and small pueblos
⭐ Final Verdict
Spain works brilliantly with or without a car. Cities and long-distance travel are better by rail. Meanwhile, rural regions reward you with unforgettable drives, spectacular scenery, and the freedom to explore at your own pace 🇪🇸✨.
