Driving in Spain
 

I am considering renting a car in Seville to go to Cadiz, then Granada and back to Seville. Has anyone done something similar? If so, how difficult did you find it?

Hi,

I was just in Spain. I rented a car in Sevilla, drove to Arcos de la Frontera, then Ronda, then Granada.

It was very easy. No problems at all. They drive on the same side as we do. Signs are very good on the highways, mostly good in the small towns (with a few minor exceptions). I'd have a good map with you, but the highways are just like here. I got turned around twice but always knew it within five minutes and then I was on my way again with no problem.

I picked up my car in the Santa Justa train station in Sevilla. It is very easy to get out of town from there.

Have fun!
Karen

Driving in Spain is very easy. The places you're going are all connected by major highways and traffic is minimal except in city centers or right along the coast in prime tourist season.

the cheapest company for car rental in Andalucia is www.carjet.com. My parents travel to the south of Spain regularly and research it every time. I'm also booking a car at the moment for July and they've come out the cheapest.

As said in previous posters driving in Spain is easy and roads have good signs.
Unfortunately together with Greece and Portugal it has the highest death toll in Europe in car accidents.
The lack of traffic in certain areas and the relatively lack of police control, makes some roads dangerous.
Be attentive and careful outside highways.

Thank you everyone... car's last post is almost enough for me to completely write the idea off though. I forgot to mention I don't speak Spanish either...

I am afraid my intention was just to warn you about realistic facts.
I think that for your trip you will be much better by car than by public transportation and you will be able to reach many more places.
I think that the spanish car accidents match more or less in percent the US ones, so judge for yourselve.
I believe that not speaking spanish should not be a big deal.

We have driven rental cars all over Spain on three different trips and never had a problem (except getting temporarily lost in some of the cities). We found that Auto Europe had by far the best rates on our most recent trip.

We drove the whole 2.5 months.

We spoke a little "bad" Spanish.

Get the car, you will be glad that you did...very easy, fun but the gas is expensive...do it any way if you feel comfortable.

Get one with a cassette player and bring your favorite tapes!

Happy Planning,
Oaktown Traveler

Driving in Spain was pretty simple. There are lots of really good maps available. Be sure and invest in them. However it took us a while to figure out the signage. Some are very small and very low. It is easy to miss them.

For those of you who drove through Spain did you obtain your maps once you arrived? And, did you find good city maps?

By "gas is expensive" how much are we talking about? We are thinking about renting a car and are wondering about gas prices...

I recommend to buy maps localy and try to get the latest edition, there have been major changes in roads and highways in the past few years and chances of buying and old dated map outside Spain are high.
Even in Spain you have to be careful and look for the latest edition.

Cost of gas is around 1,20$ per liter or close to 5$ a gallon.

Good helping out there car...thanks!

Get your maps at "home". As you may have read in my trip report about Spain and more my treasured Michelin got "mis-placed" by my darling hubby while on our 2.5 month journey...we had plenty of back-up maps which I advise you to obtain.

Parking fees should also be included in your budget.

Happy Planning,
Oaktown Traveler

I have a question to tag on to this thread, if that's okay. I'm also going to Seville next month for a week. I don't usually like to rent cars abroad, especially in an area I don't know well, but thought I might for at least a couple days to see the countryside a little more, since I'll be there a week.

I also was looking at Carjet's website, and was going to use them. However, they don't seem to show addresses or maps on their web site as to pickup places. I know where the airport and train station is, of course, but does anyone know where their "downtown" location is?

As another note, I'll be staying at Hotel Amadeus which is in a pedestrian area, I believe. So, does anyone know a good place to park a car in Seville for a couple days, one there I can drive in and out each day? Is there a parking garage near the train station I could use, that might work for that rental location. Did you park your car in Seville several days, Kaudrey, or just leave town after getting it.

We are in the process of making plans for a trip to Granada and Seville next week. Got a good rate with National Atesa. It is called "one rate" and includes CDW and TP plus taxes. We are renting at the Algeciras port, so National is our easiest option as we are coming in from Morocco.

Another question regarding driving in Spain, how are you assured of getting a car with a "trunk" rather than a hatchback. We are renting a car in Seville and dropping off in Granada. Every compact car on the various sites list hatchback not trunk. The cars with what looks like a trunk are mid size range which according to some on this site may be too large for the small towns. Any suggestions. Thanks.

I haven't driven a car in Spain, but my sister-in-law did. She and her friend were driving late at night on the highway on an unlit road and accidently killed someone when two pedestrians ran across the highway. Although the police arrived after being summoned by some very helpful locals and asserted the person killed and his colleague (who fled) were illegal immigrants entering the country under cover of night and illegally crossed the road, it doesn't bring back the person who died and will never erase those awful memories.

So I guess the moral here is, either don't drive at night or be very, very careful.

Sylviam:

The cars are made with the Hatchback design BUT, you request one that has a covered luggage design.

Happy Planning,
Oaktwon Traveler