Car Hire Seville – Guide for Car Rental Seville

Tourist Information and Online Bookings for Renting a Car in Seville

As the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville offers visitors plenty of culture, architecture, food, and atmosphere to explore. While the historic city centre is compact and walkable, having your own rental car provides maximum freedom to discover sights farther afield at your own pace.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting a car as a tourist in Seville, from rental agencies and vehicle types to driving rules, parking, necessary documentation, and more.

You can check the price and book hire cars online below:

Choosing a Rental Car Agency in Seville

When searching for Seville car rentals, you’ll find dozens of rental companies both big and small. Major international agencies located right at Seville Airport arrivals terminal include:

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Europcar
• Hertz
• Sixt

Booking ahead online tends to offer cheaper rate quotes versus walk-in rentals. But smaller, local Spanish chains like Record Go, Plus Car, and Spain Car often have competitive prices as well.

When comparing rental rates, be sure to factor in any additional fees, insurance charges, mileage limits, cancellation policies, and other fine print details. You’ll also want to inquire about child safety seats, GPS navigation devices, and any other rental addons.

Book your seville airport rental car online

Vehicle Types & Categories

From compact run-arounds to passenger vans and luxury cars, Seville car rental agencies offer diverse vehicles to accommodate all group sizes and budgets. Common categories and models include:

Economy/Compact Cars – Ideal for solo tourists or couples. Models like VW Polo, Opel Corsa, Fiat Punto.

Standard/Intermediate Cars – Great for 2-3 passengers with some luggage capacity. Models like Ford Focus, Renault Megane, Nissan Juke.

Full-Size Cars – Perfect for 4 passengers with lots of room for luggage. Models like Peugeot 508, Audi A4, Citroen C5.

Premium Cars – Luxury rentals like Mercedes, BMWs, etc. for those looking for an indulgent Spanish escape.

Passenger Vans – For large groups up to 9 passengers. Models like the Volkswagen Caravelle.

When booking, think about your passenger and luggage needs to select an appropriately sized vehicle category. Also consider transmission type (manual vs. automatic), fuel efficiency, and other features like bike racks. Don’t forget to ask about the availability of extras like GPS navigation devices.

Required Documentation for Renting

In order to pick up your rental car, all drivers must present the required documentation. Be sure have the following documents handy at the time of pickup:

• Valid Driver’s License – Held for 1+ year (often 3+ years for young drivers). Both physical licenses with a photo or official digital licenses are usually accepted. An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU license holders driving in Spain.
• Valid Passport – Required as proof of ID and age for car rental drivers throughout Spain.
• Credit Card – For payment and deposit/security hold. Debit cards or cash may also be accepted.

Your full name on each document must also match. Some rental companies have minimum age requirements for picking up a vehicle, generally around 21-25 years depending on the car category.

Car Rental Insurance Options

Spanish law requires minimum third-party motor insurance to drive legally, which will be basic coverage included with your rental. However, you can also add supplemental insurance for more protection:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – Covers damage to the rental car if involved in an accident. Lowers your financial liability for repairs.
• TP (Theft Protection) – Provides coverage in case the rental vehicle is stolen.
• Super CDW – Eliminates all liability for vehicle damage, like zero excess insurance.

Always read the fine print so you understand your potential out-of-pocket costs for issues like windshield chips, flat tires, underside scratches, etc. Some credit cards provide rental car insurance benefits when you pay with them – ask your issuer what’s covered.

Driving Laws & Rules in Seville

Traffic in Seville is generally quite tame and relaxed. Nevertheless, obeying local driving laws keeps all road users safe. Be sure you’re familiar with rules regarding:

• Seat Belts – Compulsory for all passengers
• Mobile Phones – Prohibited while driving, including hands-free devices
• Alcohol Limit – Strict 0.05% BAC (0.03% for new drivers)
• Headlights – Must be on day and night
• Speed Limits – 120 km/h on highways; 90 km/h on major roads; 50 km/h in urban areas
• Parking Regulations – Street spaces marked with blue lines are pay parking. Be on the lookout for additional road signage regarding parking laws.

Note that traffic infringements like speeding or illegal parking will incur fines, so keep a look out for road signs and any temporary rules.

A full guide to driving laws and rules in spain can be found here.

Navigating Seville’s Streets & Parking

Within Seville’s historic city centre, streets are maze-like, narrow, pedestrianised, and tricky to navigate by car. Instead, opt for on-foot exploration or public transportation. If you must drive into the central district, be prepared for congested one-way roads and extremely limited street parking.

Underground parking garages scattered around the city center offer hourly and daily rates if you need to stash the car for sightseeing pit stops. There’s also street and lot parking farther out from the main tourist zone that’s easier to navigate to.

Wherever you roam by rental car beyond central Seville, give yourself extra time to account for getting turned around – just take wrong turns and GPS mishaps in your stride!

Handling Road Accidents & Breakdowns

Hopefully your Spanish driving adventures will be smooth sailing, but things can happen on the road. Before setting out, take precautions in case of breakdowns or accidents:

• Check what emergency roadside assistance services are offered by your rental provider. This may involve an extra fee unless your credit card includes rental car coverage.
• Ask for a printout of key contacts and procedures regarding accidents, damage claims, mechanical issues, etc.
• Have emergency numbers handy like Europe’s 112 hotline which can dispatch police assistance and medical care.

Have your rental agent send roadside assistance for flat tires or other car problems. Avoid unauthorised mechanics, as this typically voids rental insurance coverage.

Best Destinations for a Spanish Road Trip from Seville

Here are top destinations for scenic Spanish drives that we recommend if you have a rental car:

Córdoba & Granada

The atmospheric cities of Córdoba and Granada make classic Andalusian road trips, both just a 2-hour drive from Seville. Wander the Islamic architecture in Córdoba and the famed Alhambra palace in Granada before returning home.

White Hill Towns Route

From Seville, head north into Extremadura to trail the gleaming whitewashed villages dotted across the region. Admire the viewpoints over towns like Zafra, Olivenza, Jerez de los Caballeros.

Costa de la Luz

Drive an hour southwest to Spain’s southern Atlantic coastline, the “Coast of Light”. Base yourself in beach towns like Tarifa or Cadiz to enjoy unspoiled golden sand beaches between historic city attractions.

Sierra de Aracena Natural Park

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the stunning landscape of this protected reserve blanketed in forests and hills. Spot roaming livestock, wild horses, and tiny charming villages on scenic back roads perfect for rental cars.

Portugal

Why not extend your Spanish escape with a day trip across the border to Portugal? It’s a quick 3-hour drive to destinations like Lisbon, Evora, or coastal Lagos from Seville.