Car Rental in Seville

Where to drive

• Explore the historic city of Cordoba, home to the Mezquita-Cathedral, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (140 km) drive northeast from Seville.
• Visit the cliff-side town of Ronda, famous for its Puente Nuevo bridge, a scenic drive of about 1 hour 45 minutes (130 km) southeast.
• Discover the stunning beaches and sherry bodegas of Cadiz, one of Europe's oldest cities, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes (120 km) south.
• Journey to the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, known for its Iberian ham and picturesque villages like Aracena, about 1 hour (90 km) northwest.
• Take a day trip to the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, approximately 2 hours (200 km) south, offering unique views and duty-free shopping (remember passport requirements).
• Drive through the 'White Villages' (Pueblos Blancos) route, such as Arcos de la Frontera, starting about 1 hour (95 km) southeast of Seville.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you'll generally need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year (some companies require two). If your license is not in a Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. European Union citizens typically only need their national driving license. A valid passport or national ID card is also necessary, and the minimum age for renting is usually 21, though some companies may have a surcharge for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Seville vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day during off-peak times, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from 50-100 EUR or more daily. Prices tend to surge during peak tourist seasons, especially spring and summer, sometimes doubling compared to the quieter winter months.

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 open roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (0.25 mg/L in breath), lower for new drivers (0.3 g/L). Dipped headlights are mandatory in tunnels and during periods of poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 12 or under 135 cm tall must use appropriate child seats or booster seats and generally ride in the rear of the vehicle.

Parking

Parking in central Seville can be challenging. Many areas are restricted or reserved for residents. Blue zones (zona azul) indicate paid street parking, typically enforced during business hours, with payment via meters or mobile apps. White zones are free but rare in the center. It's often best to use underground public car parks (e.g., Parking Saba Plaza de la Concordia, Parking Paseo de Colón) which are well-signposted and offer secure, paid parking. Prices can vary but expect around 2-3 EUR per hour or 20-30 EUR for a full day.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasolina for petrol, gasóleo or diésel for diesel) is widely available throughout Seville and Andalusia. Most service stations are self-service, with attendants sometimes available, especially at larger stations. Payment can be made by cash or credit/debit card. Approximate fuel prices in 2026 could range from 1.60 to 1.90 EUR per liter for petrol and 1.50 to 1.80 EUR per liter for diesel, but these are subject to market fluctuations.

Which car to choose

For navigating Seville's narrower streets and for economical city driving, a compact or economy car is ideal. If you plan to explore the Andalusian countryside, especially areas like the Sierra de Grazalema or other mountainous regions, a slightly more powerful vehicle or an SUV might offer more comfort and capability. Manual transmission cars are common in Spain, but automatics are readily available if preferred. For longer road trips with luggage, a mid-size sedan provides a good balance of space and fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked questions