Tips for renting a car inexpensively in Seville
- Looking for a cheap car rental in Seville? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal across the country. Whether you're exploring major cities or venturing into rural regions, a quick comparison can save you time and money.
- Compare pickup locations – Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
- Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
- Choose economy or compact cars – These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Book early – Especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays), advance booking helps secure lower prices and better availability.
Tips when renting a car in Seville
- Seville is a popular tourist destination all year round, especially during Semana Santa and the April Fair, the city's most famous celebration. If you're planning to rent a car during these events, book well in advance to avoid limited availability or steep prices.
- You can pick up your rental car either at Seville Airport (San Pablo) or at Santa Justa train station. Both are well-connected and offer quick and convenient pickup.
- The city center has very narrow streets and is part of a Low Emission Zone (ZBE), which restricts access Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To drive in this area without issues, choose a small vehicle with a Zero, ECO, or C environmental sticker.
- Try to avoid driving downtown during rush hours (8:00-9:30 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM), especially around Ronda Urbana Norte and the V Centenario Bridge, where traffic tends to slow down significantly.
Driving tips in Seville
- Always carry your driver's license, rental contract, and insurance documents.
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left, and always signal your intentions.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks; make sure you stop for them.
- Roundabouts require attention. Pick your lane before entering: inner lane for overtaking and outer lane for exiting. Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout and signal right before exiting.
- The historic center has lots of narrow streets, and some are pedestrian-only or have restricted access.
- Popular gas stations include Repsol, Cepsa, Galp, and BP.
- Spain has strict alcohol laws: the limit is 0.5 g/L (0.3 if your license is under two years old). Fines can easily exceed €500.
- Regulated parking (blue, green, or "Mar" zones) is enforced Monday to Friday (9 AM-2 PM and 5 PM-8 PM), and Saturday mornings (10 AM-2 PM). Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. You can pay easily using apps like Apparkya, Telpark, or EasyPark, which let you start, renew, or extend your ticket without returning to your car.
Speed limits
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on secondary roads.
- 50 km/h (31 mph) on city streets.
- 30 km/h (19 mph) on residential or narrow streets.
- 20 km/h (12 mph) in shared pedestrian zones.
The local mobility plan is focused on reducing speeds in central areas to improve safety.
Road signs
Road signs in Seville follow the European standard: clear icons and limits in km/h. Low Emission Zones (ZBE) and pedestrian areas are clearly marked, especially around the Cathedral and Santa Cruz neighborhood. You'll also notice dedicated bus-taxi lanes, marked with clear vertical and horizontal signs. Narrow or resident-only streets are common in the old town and are marked accordingly.
Tolls and restricted zones
There are no toll roads within Seville or on most of its access routes. However, there's a Low Emission Zone in the Cartuja area (North and South Cartuja), where vehicles without an environmental sticker are restricted Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, except for residents, emergency services, or authorized taxis. On weekends and public holidays, access is open to all vehicles.
Discover Seville by car
Seville is full of history and vibrant colors. With a rental car, you can explore far beyond the city itself. Take a short drive to the Roman ruins of Itálica, visit Doñana National Park, or spend a relaxing day in the Sierra Norte. You're also close to cities like Cádiz and Jerez. The surrounding province offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and sunny weather for memorable road trips.
When to Visit
- April: The April Fair fills the city with tents, flamenco, and traditional celebrations.
- March to May: Enjoy springtime weather, perfect for strolling the city.
- October: Cooler temperatures return, and cultural events are in full swing.
Seville gets very hot in summer, so it's best to avoid the peak heat months. These seasons offer the best experience.
Languages & Communication
Spanish is spoken in Seville, with a distinct Andalusian accent that adds to the city's charm. While English isn't as common in non-touristy areas, you'll find that people working in popular attractions, hotels, and shops are used to helping tourists and can usually manage basic English.
Currency & Payments
Seville uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, from public transport to small local shops. Still, carrying a bit of cash can be useful in more traditional neighborhoods like Triana or at local events. ATMs are easy to find in the city center and surrounding areas.
Top driving routes from Seville
- Carmona: Just 30 minutes away, this historic town offers scenic viewpoints, a Roman necropolis, and classic Andalusian charm.
- Doñana & El Rocío: Pure nature and a one-of-a-kind village with sandy streets and deep-rooted traditions.
- Jerez de la Frontera: A cultural gem known for flamenco, sherry wine, and majestic horses.
- Sierra Norte de Seville: Peaceful villages like Cazalla and Constantina, perfect for a relaxing escape into nature.
- Osuna: Elegant architecture and famous film locations make this town a great choice for a full-day trip.