Car Rental in Zaragoza

Where to drive

• Monasterio de Piedra: Drive approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (100 km) southwest to this stunning natural park with waterfalls and a historic monastery.
• Huesca and the Pyrenees foothills: Head north for about 1 hour (75 km) to Huesca, a gateway to the pre-Pyrenean mountains, ideal for hiking and exploring medieval towns.
• Albarracín: A picturesque medieval village in Teruel province, roughly 2 hours (170 km) south of Zaragoza, often voted one of Spain's most beautiful.
• Monegros Desert: Experience the unique semi-desert landscape just an hour's drive (60-80 km) east, perfect for a distinct natural adventure.
• Tarazona: Visit this historic city with its impressive cathedral and mudéjar architecture, about 1 hour (85 km) west, offering a glimpse into Aragon's past.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you will need a valid driver's license, your passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not from an EU country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. Drivers must generally be at least 21 years old, and a surcharge often applies for drivers under 25. Most rental companies require you to have held your license for at least one year.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Zaragoza typically range from around 20-30 EUR per day for an economy car during off-peak seasons, rising to 40-60 EUR or more for SUVs and premium models. Summer months (July-August) see the highest prices, with daily rates for an economy car potentially reaching 45-70 EUR, while winter offers the most economical options, sometimes as low as 15-25 EUR per day. These figures are approximate and can fluctuate based on availability and booking lead time.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on national roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 mg/ml in blood or 0.25 mg/l in breath, but for new drivers (less than 2 years experience), it's stricter at 0.3 mg/ml or 0.15 mg/l. Headlights are generally required in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

In Zaragoza, street parking is often regulated by blue or green zones, requiring payment at a nearby machine or via a mobile app. Blue zones usually allow for longer stays than green zones. Look for signs indicating 'zona azul' or 'zona verde'. Free street parking can be found further from the city center, but it fills up quickly. There are also numerous underground parking garages available for a fee, which are often the most convenient option in the central areas.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Zaragoza and the surrounding region. Unleaded petrol (gasolina sin plomo) and diesel (gasóleo) are the most common types. Fuel prices are comparable to the European average, currently around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol. Most stations accept major credit and debit cards, though some smaller, rural stations might prefer cash. Self-service is common.

Which car to choose

For exploring Zaragoza city and short trips to nearby towns, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrower streets and easier parking. If you plan to venture into the Pyrenees or other mountainous regions, a car with a slightly more powerful engine or even an SUV (though not strictly necessary) might be more comfortable, especially for longer distances or if carrying extra luggage. Manual transmission is very common in Spain, but automatics are readily available, often at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions