Car Rental in A Coruna

Where to drive

• Santiago de Compostela: Drive approximately 75 km (around 1 hour) south to visit the iconic cathedral and historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the end of the Camino de Santiago.
• Costa da Morte (Death Coast): Explore the rugged, wild coastline stretching west from A Coruna. Fisterra, often considered the 'end of the world' by Romans, is about 100 km (1 hour 30 minutes) away, offering breathtaking views and lighthouses.
• Fragas do Eume Natural Park: Head about 50 km (45 minutes) east to discover one of Europe's best-preserved Atlantic forests, perfect for hiking and exploring medieval monasteries.
• Lugo: Travel inland approximately 95 km (1 hour 15 minutes) to see the remarkably preserved Roman walls of Lugo, another UNESCO World Heritage site, encircling the entire old town.
• Rías Altas: Drive north and east along the 'Upper Estuaries' for picturesque coastal towns like Betanzos (25 km, 20 minutes) and Pontedeume (35 km, 30 minutes), known for their medieval charm and seafood.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you will typically need a valid driving license (held for at least 1-2 years, depending on the rental company), an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not from an EU country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, though some companies may have a higher minimum or apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in A Coruna vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while mid-range and SUV options typically range from 40-70 EUR. Premium vehicles can exceed 100 EUR daily. Expect prices to surge by 50-100% during the peak summer months (July-August) and around major holidays.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right. Speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads outside urban areas, and 50 km/h in urban areas (or 30 km/h on single-lane roads). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, or 0.03% for new drivers (less than two years of experience). Headlights are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

Parking in A Coruna can be challenging, especially in the city center. On-street parking often uses blue zones (Zona Azul) where you pay at a meter for a limited time, typically Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings. Parking garages (parking subterráneo) are widely available and offer a more convenient, though more expensive, option. Free parking areas exist further from the center but can fill up quickly. Always check signage carefully.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasolina for petrol, diésel for diesel) is readily available at numerous service stations in and around A Coruna and throughout Galicia. Prices are comparable to the rest of Western Europe, with petrol and diesel typically costing around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter in 2026. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash, especially in more rural areas.

Which car to choose

For navigating A Coruna's city streets and exploring charming Galician towns, a compact or economy car is often ideal due to narrow roads and limited parking. If you plan extensive trips along the rugged coast or into mountainous areas, a mid-range sedan or a small SUV with slightly more power and ground clearance might be more comfortable. Manual transmission is common in Spain, but automatics are available, though often at a higher price.

Frequently asked questions