On two separate occasions, we rented cars to explore the stunning landscapes of Spain. The first time was in Barcelona, where we needed a car for a day trip to the charming town of Tossa. The second time was in Seville, where we embarked on an unforgettable road adventure through Ronda, Tarifa, and Granada before returning to Seville and continuing our journey to Rome.
In Barcelona, we opted for a vibrant red Toyota Yaris🚗 via the Zuzuche platform, complete with full insurance for just 261 yuan. It was a compact yet reliable vehicle, exactly as advertised on the platform. Behind the scenes, the actual rental service was provided by RecordGo, with their pickup location conveniently situated near the train station.
To ensure a stress-free experience while driving abroad, we upgraded to full insurance at 50 euros per day (effectively doubling up on coverage). We also paid a deposit for a full tank of fuel, amounting to 79.3 euros. Since we had already purchased comprehensive insurance from the rental company, this deposit was the only additional cost required.
Upon returning the car without any issues, the deposit was swiftly refunded to our bank account. Before handing over the keys, the staff conducted a quick inspection, ensuring everything was in order. Overall, it was a seamless and enjoyable experience.
For our second rental, we chose a smaller platform called Click Rent, again booking through Zuzuche. Their rental office was conveniently located close to the Seville train station. Initially, we had reserved a Nissan Qashqai, but upon arrival, they kindly upgraded us to a sleek Volvo XC40, explaining that it was a superior model.
We were thrilled with the upgrade! Once again, we opted for full insurance, which came to 104 euros for four days, along with a 200-euro deposit for a full tank of fuel. We also added an extra driver for 39.5 euros. The rental agreement allowed for 1,000 kilometers of travel, with an additional charge of 0.
5 euros per kilometer if we exceeded the limit. Including the 872 yuan we paid on Zuzuche (which only covered basic insurance), the total cost for four days of car rental amounted to 2,020 yuan. Later, we discovered that booking directly through Click Rent’s official website with full insurance would have been more economical—around 108 euros for the car and insurance, excluding the extra driver fee.
However, early booking is essential; trying to arrange a rental just two days in advance might result in missing out on your preferred model.
Overall, car rental services in Spain are impressively efficient and customer-friendly, even with smaller platforms. They aren’t overly strict, and the entire process runs smoothly. So, whether you’re planning a city escape or a cross-country adventure, renting a car in Spain can be a confident and hassle-free choice.
PS 1: Don’t forget to bring your original domestic driver’s license 🪪 along with a certified translation (you can arrange this directly through Zuzuche, who will mail it to you). When renting a car, they’ll need to make a copy of your original license. Just to be safe, we also opted for a Spanish translation via Zuzuche.
2: Parking in Spain 🚖: Most parking is done in garages. Upon entering, simply press the button 🔘 to retrieve your ticket—the barrier will automatically lift. When exiting, locate the payment machine inside the garage, swipe your Visa card, and then hop into your car to leave. Hotel parking typically costs around 21 euros per day, but if you park near your hotel in Tarifa, it’s completely free!
3: The Yaris we rented came equipped with advanced driving assistance features, making it both fuel-efficient and incredibly easy to handle on the road. The car’s system included built-in speed limit reminders and supported CarPlay, which greatly simplified navigation and driving. Keep in mind that highways in Spain have tolls. At the toll booth, select the lane that accepts card payments, swipe your Visa, and the barrier will lift promptly.
Our return flight from Madrid to Xi’an was unfortunately canceled by Hainan Airlines, so we rearranged our plans to fly from Seville to Rome before heading back home. We spent a delightful half-day exploring Rome—a perfect end to our incredible 12-day trip with friends! [Cheers][Cheers][Cheers]
