--- title: "πŸš— Driving in Spain: what surprises foreigners the most?πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έβ˜€οΈ" description: πŸš— Driving in Spain in 2026? Learn the rules, requirements, UK licence advice, useful vocabulary and road trip tips for tourists. image: https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways-Jun-09-2026-08-07-25-1462-AM.png --- [![logo-soy-guiri](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/logo-soy-guiri.svg) ![logo-soy-guiri](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/logo-soy-guiri.svg)](https://soyguiri.com/) - [Our Method](https://soyguiri.com/#methodology) - [Our Courses](https://soyguiri.com/#our-courses) - [About us](https://soyguiri.com/#about-us) - [Impact](https://soyguiri.com/impact/) - [Blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com) - [Contact](https://soyguiri.com/#contact-us) [My Account](https://soyguiri.com/wp-login.php) - [Our Method](https://soyguiri.com/#methodology) - [Our Courses](https://soyguiri.com/#our-courses) - [About us](https://soyguiri.com/#about-us) - [Impact](https://soyguiri.com/impact/) - [Blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com) - [Contact](https://soyguiri.com/#contact-us) [My Account](https://soyguiri.com/wp-login.php) [New blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/new-blog) [Spanish Lifestyle](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-lifestyle) [Learning Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/learning-spanish) # πŸš— Driving in Spain: what surprises foreigners the most?πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έβ˜€οΈ [Marina Bonillo](https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/marina-bonillo) July 16 2026 Β  Imagine you've just landed in **Spain**. You collect your **hire car**, set your GPS and head off towards a beautiful coastal town. The sun is shining β˜€οΈ, the roads look modern and everything seems straightforward... until you reach your first **roundabout** πŸ”„. Then another. And another. And another. πŸ˜… For many visitors, **driving in Spain** is one of the best ways to discover the country. It gives you the freedom to explore **hidden beaches** πŸ–οΈ, **charming villages** 🏘️ and **breathtaking landscapes** that most tourists never see. Whether you're planning a **Spanish road trip** πŸš—, hiring a car for your holiday, or moving to Spain, here's everything you need to know about **driving in Spain in 2026** β€” along with some useful Spanish vocabulary and cultural tips along the way. ![Imagen - Post - 3 best ways (1)-Jun-09-2026-11-26-19-1415-AM](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(1)-Jun-09-2026-11-26-19-1415-AM.gif?width=856&height=447&name=Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(1)-Jun-09-2026-11-26-19-1415-AM.gif) ## 🌴 Why driving is one of the best ways to explore Spain Most visitors know Spain's famous cities: **Madrid**, **Barcelona**, **Seville** and **Valencia**. But some of the country's most beautiful places are far from the major tourist routes. With a car, you can explore the **white villages of Andalusia** 🏘️, drive through the dramatic mountains of northern Spain ⛰️ or discover hidden coves along the **Mediterranean coast** 🌊. Many travellers are surprised by how diverse Spain is. In a single day, you can drive from **snow-capped mountains** to **sunny beaches**, passing **vineyards** πŸ‡, **olive groves** πŸ«’ and **medieval towns** 🏰 along the way. Public transport in Spain is excellent, especially the **high-speed rail network** πŸš„, but some of the country's most authentic experiences are easier to reach by car. Driving also allows you to stop whenever something catches your eye. Perhaps it's a small village festival πŸŽ‰, a roadside restaurant serving local food 🍽️ or a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the sea. These unexpected discoveries are often what travellers remember most. [![test + free lesson](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144185739/interactive-185741846769.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLI48W1j4E9%2BuEc1pM9hNUI8N%2FZ8IwURbUBDtlUcLzU27b4JpEvv9LxrEa9KhnHHLsfK1k6XzqYzRxXiQCK%2FTNjE%2B7c7SqydbMO9TeRDa7tqMg7ElJSOfN1HYy4%2FFvZ5PZy0wnQASt91Pkuyox%2FT1zpyyS4MDMcJTcs9frLZTlPT7jcBbyAdXp9MoVZ25M9%2FSn05EcgZwEnV11ZfQwnK&webInteractiveContentId=185741846769&portalId=144185739) ## πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Is driving in Spain the same as the UK? Not exactly. The biggest difference for British visitors is obvious: in Spain, people drive on the **right-hand side** of the road. For many drivers, the first few minutes feel strange. **Roundabouts**, lane positioning and even simple turns can feel unfamiliar at first. Another noticeable difference is that Spain uses **kilometres per hour (km/h)** rather than **miles per hour (mph)**. Speed limits can look very different until you become familiar with the conversion. Road signs are generally easy to understand, and most major routes are clearly marked. However, visitors are often surprised by how many **roundabouts** there are, especially in smaller towns. The good news? πŸŽ‰ Most visitors adapt surprisingly quickly. After a day or two, driving on the right often starts to feel completely natural. ## 😲 Things that surprise tourists when driving in Spain Spain has a few driving habits and road features that often catch visitors off guard. ### πŸ”„ Spain's love affair with roundabouts If you've never been a fan of **roundabouts**, Spain might change that. They seem to be everywhere. πŸ˜… In some towns, you'll encounter several roundabouts within just a few minutes. They help traffic flow smoothly, but they can be intimidating at first for drivers who aren't used to them. A useful rule to remember is that vehicles already on the **roundabout** usually have priority. ### πŸ“Έ Speed cameras are more common than many people expect Spain takes **road safety** seriously. **Speed cameras** are widespread on motorways and major roads, so it's worth paying attention to local speed limits. Many visitors assume that long, empty roads mean they can drive a little faster. Unfortunately, the cameras don't share that opinion. πŸ˜… ### β˜€οΈ People drive later in the day Spain's daily schedule is different from that of many other countries. Lunch is often later 🍽️, dinner can start after 9 p.m. πŸŒ™ and summer evenings are full of life πŸŽ‰. As a result, you'll often find people travelling, socialising and driving much later than you might expect. If you're driving through Spain in summer, don't be surprised to see roads, restaurants and cafΓ©s still busy late into the evening. ### πŸ–οΈ Finding a parking space can be an adventure Parking in small villages is usually easy. Parking near a popular beach in August? That's another story. πŸ˜… During summer β˜€οΈ, coastal towns can become extremely busy, and finding a space may require patience and a bit of luck πŸ€. Locals often know the best places to park, so don't be afraid to ask for advice. ## πŸ“‹ What do you need when driving in Spain? If you're visiting Spain as a tourist, the requirements are generally quite straightforward. You'll need a valid **driving licence**, identification such as a passport, and the appropriate insurance documentation. If you're driving a **hire car**, the rental company will normally provide everything you need. Many visitors from the UK wonder whether they can drive using their British licence. For holidays and short stays, a valid **UK driving licence** is generally accepted, making it easy for tourists to hire a vehicle and explore the country. Before travelling, it's always a good idea to check the latest official regulations, as requirements can occasionally change. ## 🚦 Driving in Spain requirements 2026 If you're planning to drive in Spain in 2026, there are a few important rules to keep in mind. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a **seat belt**, and using a mobile phone while driving can result in significant fines πŸ“±βŒ. Spain also has strict laws regarding **drink-driving** 🍷. Roadside checks are common, particularly during weekends and holidays, so if you're driving, the safest option is not to drink at all. Another important change in recent years has been the introduction of **Low Emission Zones** 🌍. Many Spanish cities now restrict access for certain vehicles in central areas, so it's worth checking local regulations before entering large urban centres. Fortunately, Spanish roads are generally well maintained and clearly signposted, making it easy for visitors to travel safely. ## πŸ€” What is the 97 rule in Spain? Many travellers search online for the mysterious '**97 rule in Spain'**. The truth is that there isn't a famous Spanish traffic law officially known by this name. In many cases, people are confusing it with discussions about fuel types β›½, vehicle regulations or information they've seen on social media. If someone mentions the '97 rule', it's always worth asking for clarification because there isn't a standard Spanish driving rule commonly referred to by that name. ## πŸ›£οΈ Driving rules tourists often don't know While most Spanish driving rules are similar to those in other European countries, a few details can surprise visitors. For example, Spain takes anything that might distract a driver very seriously. Actions that reduce your control of the vehicle could potentially result in a fine. You'll also notice that **speed limits** are strictly enforced and that road signs are usually very clear and easy to follow. The most important thing is to stay alert, follow local signs and avoid assuming that the rules are identical to those in your home country. [![CTA grande - Clase gratuita](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144185739/interactive-185746953443.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJOwXdZgljp1EFYnVpTpFJMxZUQX3L991EZdgBWyA%2F1wagky3edfssojDqfcdZFPHtO3egrlcbpmB2koI43vw8OM4DaaVWi9RN79fNkaNqcIk07Wwcs3OfinBcfXidrmlT9IjV%2BgUH%2BJq9UFr5rIVlAJJu2aEpMQvgoWEh7%2BS1t4J%2BSbP8K0044mPxzbVmiBUYVxMcvkgSqMG%2BvVteF&webInteractiveContentId=185746953443&portalId=144185739) ## 🚘 Driving in Spain means discovering the real Spain One of the biggest advantages of having a car is the freedom to explore places that don't appear in most travel guides. You might stop in a tiny village for a coffee β˜•, discover a family-run restaurant serving incredible local food 🍽️ or find a viewpoint with spectacular views and no crowds. You may stumble across a traditional market 🧺, a local fiesta πŸŽ‰ or a beach that doesn't appear in any guidebook. These unexpected moments are often what travellers remember most. Spain rewards curiosity, and driving gives you the flexibility to follow that curiosity wherever it leads. ## 🍽️ A Spanish road trip isn't complete without food After a few hours on the road, there's a good chance you'll end up sitting in a restaurant somewhere in Spain. Perhaps you've ordered a delicious **paella** πŸ₯˜ by the Mediterranean coast, a plate of grilled sardines 🐟 in Andalusia or some tasty tapas in a village square. Then the waiter arrives and asks: πŸ—£οΈ *ΒΏQuΓ© vais a tomar?* Would you know how to respond? If you'd like to feel more confident ordering food, asking for recommendations or paying the bill in Spanish, take a look at our restaurant conversation guide. 🍷 Learn how to order food, ask questions and speak naturally in Spanish restaurants. [πŸ‘‰ Read our Restaurant Conversations Guide](https://blog.soyguiri.com/conversations-at-the-restaurant) ## πŸ—£οΈ Essential Spanish driving vocabulary If you're planning to drive in Spain, these words will appear everywhere. πŸš— **El coche** – *Car* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ”„ **La rotonda** – *Roundabout* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ›£οΈ **La autopista** – *Motorway* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  β›½ **La gasolinera** – *Petrol station* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  🚦 **El semΓ‘foro** – *Traffic light* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ…ΏοΈ **El aparcamiento** – *Car park* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ“ **La salida** – *Exit* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  🚧 **Las obras** – *Roadworks* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ—ΊοΈ **Las indicaciones** – *Directions* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸš“ **La policΓ­a** – *Police* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  Learning just a few of these terms can make your journey much easier and help you feel more confident behind the wheel. ## πŸ’‘ Useful Spanish phrases for drivers Knowing a few practical phrases can also be incredibly helpful during your trip. ⛽️ **ΒΏDΓ³nde estΓ‘ la gasolinera mΓ‘s cercana?** – *Where is the nearest petrol station?* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ›ž **He pinchado una rueda.** – *I have a flat tyre.* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ…ΏοΈΒ **ΒΏHay aparcamiento cerca?** – *Is there parking nearby?* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  🚢 **ΒΏCΓ³mo llego al centro?** – *How do I get to the city centre?* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  πŸ˜₯Β **Me he perdido.** – *I'm lost.* πŸ‘‚ 0:01 Β  Even a few simple phrases can make interactions with locals much easier and more enjoyable. 😊 ## πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ The real secret to driving in Spain Driving in Spain isn't just about getting from one place to another. It's about stopping in a village you've never heard of 🏘️. It's about finding a quiet beach at the end of a winding road πŸ–οΈ. It's about discovering local restaurants, unexpected viewpoints and places that aren't listed in guidebooks. Of course, you'll need to understand the rules, carry the right documents and remember to drive on the right-hand side. But once you've done that, the real adventure begins. πŸš—βœ¨ Sometimes the best part of a **Spanish road trip** isn't the destination at all. It's everything that happens along the way. πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έβ˜€οΈπŸŒ΄ ## πŸš— Can you survive a Spanish road trip? πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Think you've learned everything about driving in Spain? Test yourself with these questions and discover if you're ready to hit the road like a local. **No cheating! πŸ˜‰** Bonus: you'll also learn some useful Spanish vocabulary along the way! 🚦✨ ## πŸš— Driving in Spain Challenge! πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Test your knowledge about **driving in Spain** and learn some useful Spanish vocabulary at the same time! Choose the correct answer in **Spanish** and see how many you get right. 🚦 1️⃣ Which side of the road do people drive on in Spain? ➑️ Por la derecha ⬅️ Por la izquierda πŸ”€ Depende de la ciudad 2️⃣ What surprises many tourists when they drive in Spain? πŸš‡ Los tΓΊneles πŸ”„ Las rotondas ✈️ Los aeropuertos 3️⃣ What should you do if you have been drinking alcohol? 🍷 Conducir despacio β˜• Tomar un cafΓ© 🚫 No conducir 4️⃣ Which document do you need to drive as a tourist? 🎫 Un billete de tren πŸͺͺ Un permiso de conducir vΓ‘lido πŸŽ“ Un carnet de estudiante 5️⃣ How do you say **"roundabout"** in Spanish? 🚦 El semΓ‘foro πŸ”„ La rotonda πŸ›£οΈ La autopista 6️⃣ How do you say **"petrol station"** in Spanish? β›½ La gasolinera πŸ…ΏοΈ El aparcamiento 🚦 El semΓ‘foro 7️⃣ Which Spanish word means **"traffic light"**? πŸ›£οΈ La autopista 🚦 El semΓ‘foro πŸ“ La salida 8️⃣ Which Spanish word means **"car park"**? β›½ La gasolinera πŸ…ΏοΈ El aparcamiento 🚧 Las obras βœ… Check my score! Β  Β  ### Keep learning Spanish: - [![Driving in Spain](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways-Jun-09-2026-08-07-25-1462-AM.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain) #### [πŸš— Driving in Spain: what surprises foreigners the most?πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έβ˜€οΈ](https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain) - [![I think in Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(2)-Jun-18-2026-10-43-52-1643-AM.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/i-think-in-spanish) #### [🧠'I think' in Spanish: sound natural and confident in conversationsπŸ’­](https://blog.soyguiri.com/i-think-in-spanish) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/i-think-in-spanish) - [![](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/pleased-good-looking-happy-man-with-ginger-hair-brislte-showing-thumbs-up-smiling-broadly-giving-positive-feedback-sharing-his-positive-opinion-grey-wall_176420-27439.avif)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/bueno-in-spanish) #### [More than "good": how to master the word "bueno" like a native 🌟](https://blog.soyguiri.com/bueno-in-spanish) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/bueno-in-spanish) - [![Spanish latte](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(1)-Jun-16-2026-09-41-39-0376-AM.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/spanish-latte) #### [β˜• Spanish Latte: what is it and why is everyone talking about it?☝️](https://blog.soyguiri.com/spanish-latte) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/spanish-latte) Β  We'd love to hear about your experiences! πŸš—πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ 🌍 Have you ever driven in Spain? What surprised you the most? πŸ”„ Did you find driving on the right-hand side easy, or did it take some time to get used to? Share it in the comments below!Β  ![GIF (1)-Jan-02-2026-04-18-57-2087-PM](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GIF%20(1)-Jan-02-2026-04-18-57-2087-PM.gif?width=736&height=453&name=GIF%20(1)-Jan-02-2026-04-18-57-2087-PM.gif) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) --- [Marina Bonillo](https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/marina-bonillo) --- #### Download our survival KIT in Spanish ![Mock up - Lead Magnets-1](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mock%20up%20-%20Lead%20Magnets-1.png?width=518&height=601&name=Mock%20up%20-%20Lead%20Magnets-1.png) #### Tags - [New blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/new-blog) (212) - [Learning Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/learning-spanish) (180) - [Spanish Lifestyle](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-lifestyle) (67) - [Spanish Grammar](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-grammar) (45) - [Difficulties](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/difficulties) (40) - [News in Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/news-in-spanish) (16) - [Spanish music](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-music) (8) - [Spanish for work](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-for-work) (5) - [Content](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/content) (3) - [History](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/history) (3) - [Best books in Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/best-books-in-spanish) (1) - [Spanish movies](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-movies) (1) ![Logo-ED-1-1024x131](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Logo-ED-1-1024x131.jpg) ![logo-soy-guiri](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/logo-soy-guiri.svg) [Our Method](https://soyguiri.com/#methodology)[Our Courses](https://soyguiri.com/#our-courses)[About us](https://soyguiri.com/#about-us)[Impact](https://soyguiri.com/impact/)[Blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com/)[Contact](https://soyguiri.com/#contact-us) [Privacy policy](https://soyguiri.com/privacy-policy/) Soy Guiri Β© 2024 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Marina Bonillo", "url" : "https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/marina-bonillo" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-16T08:00:01.351Z", "datePublished" : "2026-07-16T08:00:01.000Z", "headline" : "πŸš— Driving in Spain: what surprises foreigners the most?πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έβ˜€οΈ", "image" : [ "https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways-Jun-09-2026-08-07-25-1462-AM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/soy_guiri_logo.png" }, "name" : "SOY GUIRI" } } ```