Uncover hidden rental car costs and avoid surprise fees. Make informed decisions for a smooth travel experience on your next trip to Spain.

So you’ve found what looks like the cheapest rental car Spain has to offer—a sleek little hatchback for €9 a day. Perfect, right? Well, maybe. While the headline price may seem like a steal, the actual total can sometimes tell a different story. Hidden fees, surprise charges, extra insurance—it’s not uncommon to see your €63 weekly rental double before the keys hit your hand.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t rent a car (you absolutely should, especially in a country as drive-worthy as Spain), but it does mean you should know what you’re paying for.

Let’s break down the whole picture so you’re not caught off guard at the desk—or worse, after you’ve dropped the car off and flown home.

It’s worth renting a car to see the varied landscapes in Spain. Photo by yuran-78 via iStock by Getty Images

What’s in This Article:

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The Base Rate: A Decent Start, But Just That

The base rate is what draws you in — that “from €9/day” banner on the booking page. It usually includes:

• The car itself (obviously)
• Basic insurance (sometimes with a sky-high deductible)
• Local VAT (value-added tax)

Sounds fair, but that base rate assumes:

• You return the car on time
• You don’t want any extras
• Nothing goes wrong

And honestly, how often does nothing go wrong?

Always check the rental car agreement for fine print to see what you must pay beyond the base rate and what is included.

Security Deposits: The Big Temporary Hit

This one shocks many first-time renters.

Most rental companies require a deposit, which is held on your credit card during the rental period. It’s not a charge—it’s a hold. But it still impacts your available balance.

Typical deposit ranges:

• Budget rentals: €500–€1,200
• Premium rentals: €1,500–€2,500+
• Zero-deposit offers: Usually require the purchase of premium insurance

The hold is released after the car is returned in good condition, but it may take several business days for the hold to be lifted from your account. Plan ahead, especially if you’re traveling with limited credit or a debit card.

Rental car companies hold a deposit on your credit card until you return the vehicle. Photo by Yannick McCabe-Costa via Pixabay

Insurance Options: What’s Covered and What’s Actually Covered

Spain requires a basic level of insurance by law: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Third-Party Liability. But these usually come with a significant deductible, and you could still be liable for the first €1,000–€2,000 of any damage.

That’s where the upsell begins.

Common insurance add-ons:

• Full Coverage / Super CDW: Reduces or eliminates your deductible
• Glass & Tire Protection: Because yes, those often aren’t covered
• Theft Protection: Especially recommended in large cities or rural areas

Do you need all of them? Maybe not. But if you’re not used to narrow streets, tight parking, or driving on the opposite side of the road, full coverage can save your trip (and your wallet).

Bonus: Some booking platforms or credit cards already include coverage. Just ensure it applies in Spain and covers rentals, not just personal vehicles.

Extra Driver Fees: Because Sharing Isn’t Always Free

Adding a second driver is usually smart—it gives you flexibility and a break from the wheel. But it’s rarely free.

Expect €5–€15 per day for each additional driver, unless explicitly included.

Some local rental companies (especially those offering the cheapest rental car in Spain) include one extra driver in the base price, so it’s worth comparing providers, not just prices.

You’ll want to share the driving with a second adult, but be sure to check for any extra driver fees. Photo by Alessandro Biascioli via iStock by Getty Images

Fuel Policies: Full-Full vs. Full-Empty (and Why It Matters)

There are usually two types of fuel policies:

1. Full to Full: You pick up the car full, and return it full. Simple. Fair. Preferred by most travelers.
2. Full to Empty: You’re charged for a full tank upfront (often at inflated prices), plus a service fee. No refund for unused fuel. This can turn into a costly add-on unless you’re draining the tank on a long trip.

Tip: Always choose Full to Full if you can. It’s transparent and gives you more control.

Mileage Limits: Unlimited… or Not?

Most rentals in Spain come with unlimited mileage, especially if you’re renting for multiple days. But check the fine print.

Some ultra-budget deals have daily mileage caps, such as 200 km per day. Go over that, and you’ll pay per extra kilometer. At €0.25–€0.50/km, the cost adds up quickly.

If you’re planning to road trip through multiple regions—say, from Barcelona to Andalusia—make sure you’ve got unlimited distance included.

Airport Fees: Sneaky but Standard

Renting at the airport? Expect a surcharge. These fees (usually €10–€30) cover the cost of operating inside the airport and are often passed directly to the customer.

They’re not hidden, but they’re easy to miss when browsing prices. They usually show up at checkout or in the “Taxes & Fees” section.

If you pick up and return your rental car to the airport, there is usually an airport surcharge.

After-Hours Pickup or Return

Picking up your car late at night or returning it outside business hours? There might be a fee.

• After-hours pickup: €20–€50 depending on provider
• Drop-box returns: Sometimes free, but not always

Plan pickup during business hours whenever possible. Not only does it save money, but it also helps avoid miscommunication and missing pre-rental inspections.

Cleaning Fees: The “Did You Bring Sand With You?” Charge

Cars aren’t expected to be returned spotless, but if it looks like a beach exploded inside, or someone cooked in the back seat, expect a cleaning charge, usually around €50–€100.

Tip: Shake out mats and clear out trash before returning. A two-minute cleanup can save you a surprise charge.

Remember to clean out trash before returning your car so you don’t rack up cleaning fees. Photo by IJzendoorn via iStock by Getty Images

Toll Roads, Fines, and Parking

Driving through Spain’s toll highways? Tolls aren’t included, and charges vary based on route and time.

Also:

• Speeding fines and parking tickets will be passed to you, along with an admin fee from the rental company (typically €25–€50)
• Some companies offer electronic toll tags as a convenience, but be sure to ask if they come with extra fees

Transparency is Everything

Renting a car should be simple, but between pricing strategies, insurance tiers, and surprise extras, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t let it turn into guesswork.

Choose companies that are upfront about pricing. Use platforms that break down the total cost. And read reviews—not just about the car, but about how the company handles issues, deposits, and returns.

That’s the real way to get the cheapest rental car in Spain—by knowing exactly what you’re paying for before you’re standing at the counter.

Drive smart, ask questions, and hit the road knowing your budget won’t blow out by kilometer two. Now, we invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite things to do when you visit Spain. 

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