Car Rental in Alicante

Where to drive

• Drive to Elche (≈30 km, 30 min) to see its UNESCO-listed Palmeral, a vast palm grove unique in Europe, and the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria.
• Explore the charming coastal town of Altea (≈50 km, 45 min) with its whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, and artisan shops, offering stunning Mediterranean views.
• Visit the Fonts de l'Algar (Algar Waterfalls) near Callosa d'en Sarrià (≈65 km, 1 hr), a natural park with cascading waterfalls and clear pools perfect for a refreshing swim.
• Take a scenic drive to Guadalest (≈60 km, 1 hr 15 min), a historic village perched on a rock with a medieval castle and breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
• Head south to Torrevieja (≈50 km, 45 min) to discover its salt lakes (Las Salinas), known for their unique pink hues and therapeutic properties, and enjoy its extensive beaches.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you will typically need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not issued in a Roman alphabet or is not from an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age to rent is generally 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge for those under 25. Drivers must typically have held their license for at least one year.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Alicante vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles might range from 40-70 EUR or more daily. Expect prices to be 2-3 times higher during peak summer months compared to the quiet winter period.

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 national roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise indicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l (0.25 mg/l in breath), or 0.3 g/l for new drivers (less than two years' 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 Alicante city center can be challenging. Blue zones (zona azul) indicate paid street parking, usually enforced during business hours; you'll need to use parking meters or mobile apps. Green zones (zona verde) are often reserved for residents. There are numerous underground parking garages (aparcamientos subterráneos) available for a fee, which are usually the most convenient option in the city center. Free parking can be found further from the center, but spaces are limited. Always check local signage carefully.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Alicante and the surrounding region. Petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are standard. Prices are displayed per liter and are roughly comparable to the European average, approximately 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol as of 2026, though this can fluctuate. Most stations accept major credit cards and cash. Some smaller, rural stations might have limited operating hours or be self-service outside peak times.

Which car to choose

For exploring Alicante and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is ideal due to narrower city streets and easier parking. If you plan extensive road trips along the coast or into the mountainous interior like Guadalest, a comfortable mid-range sedan or a small SUV might be preferable for better handling and space. Manual transmission is common, but automatic cars are readily available, though often at a slightly higher price. Consider air conditioning, especially during the hot summer months.

Frequently asked questions