Car hire in Seville
Where to pick it up, how to save and where to go
You don't need a car to get around Seville, but it is the easiest way to discover the towns, the Sierra Norte or to continue your trip around Andalusia. Here is where to pick it up, what to check before booking and how to drive around without getting fined.
Where to pick up the car
At the airport- Seville Airport (SVQ)The most convenient option if you fly in. It is about 10 km from the centre on the A-4 motorway: 15-20 minutes by car without traffic. Companies have desks in the terminal or take customers by shuttle bus to their car park.
- Santa Justa stationFor travellers arriving by high-speed train from Madrid, Barcelona or Málaga. The station is in the Nervión district, a few minutes from the SE-30 ring road and the A-4, so you can leave the city without crossing the centre.
- City centre officesThere are offices in several districts and some companies deliver the car to your hotel. Useful if you only want a car for one or two days for a day trip and don't need to park it in the centre.
Tips for hiring a car
More tips- Book early for busy datesDuring Holy Week, the April Fair, bank holidays and summer prices go up and few cars are left, especially automatics and 7-seaters.
- Check the excess and the depositMany cheap rates come with a high excess and block a deposit on your credit card. Compare the price with full insurance, not just the basic one.
- Choose a full-to-full fuel policyYou pick the car up with a full tank and return it full. It is the fairest policy: with full-to-empty you pay for fuel at the company's price.
- Check age and licence requirementsThere is usually a young driver surcharge (normally under 25) and a minimum time holding a licence. With a non-EU licence, check whether an International Driving Permit is required.
Driving and parking in Seville
See all- Don't drive into the historic centreThe centre and districts such as Santa Cruz have narrow streets and restricted-access sections controlled by cameras: if you are not a resident you may get a fine. Leave the car in a public car park and walk.
- Public and park-and-ride car parksThere are paid underground car parks around the centre and park-and-ride car parks next to metro and bus stops on the outskirts, cheaper for leaving the car all day.
- Blue zonesOn many streets you park with a ticket and a maximum time. Check the sign and the hours before leaving the car: tow trucks and fines are common.
Road trips
All townsSanlúcar la Mayor · 22 kmThe Solúcar solar towers→Los Palacios y Villafranca · 30 kmThe tomatoes of Los Palacios→Utrera · 35 kmMostachones and the Potaje Gitano flamenco festival→Carmona · 38 kmIts Roman necropolis and the Seville Gate→Marchena · 60 kmThe Arco de la Rosa and the Zurbarán paintings of San Juan→Lora del Río · 60 kmThe Setefilla Sanctuary→
Frequently asked questions
- Where is it cheapest to hire a car in Seville?It depends on the dates and the company. The airport has more choice and competition; city offices are sometimes cheaper for short rentals. The best thing is to compare several companies with insurance included.
- Is it worth hiring a car to visit Seville?Not to get around the city: the centre is best explored on foot and there are metro, tram and buses. It is worth it to visit towns such as Carmona, Osuna, Écija or the Sierra Norte, or to continue your trip around Andalusia.
- What do I need to hire a car?A valid driving licence, ID card or passport and, normally, a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit.
- Can I drive a hire car into the centre of Seville?Better not. Part of the historic centre has camera-controlled restricted access and parking is difficult and expensive. Leave the car in a car park and walk or use public transport.
- How long does it take from the airport to the centre by car?About 15-20 minutes on the A-4 without traffic. At rush hour it can take much longer.
Guide information only. Conditions (age, insurance, deposit, fuel) depend on each company: always check them before booking.