Can I Take a Hire Car from Gibraltar into Spain? Everything You Need to Know
One of the most common questions we’re asked is simple: can you take a hire car across the border between Gibraltar and Spain? The short answer is yes - and in most cases, it’s completely straightforward.
Whether you’re flying into Gibraltar, staying in southern Spain, or planning to explore both sides of the border, here’s everything you need to know about driving a hire car between Gibraltar and Spain.
Can You Drive a Hire Car from Gibraltar into Spain?
Yes, you can. Most car hire vehicles booked through CarHireGibraltar are fully insured and approved for cross-border travel between Gibraltar and Spain.
In fact, many visitors are surprised to learn that the majority of our car hire retailers are based just across the border in Spain. This makes cross-border driving not only allowed, but extremely common.
Why Are Many Car Hire Companies Based in Spain?
Due to space constraints in Gibraltar and higher operating costs, many international and regional car hire providers operate depots in nearby Spanish locations such as La Línea, Málaga, and surrounding areas.
This setup benefits customers by offering:
- ✅ Competitive pricing
- ✅ Wider vehicle availability
- ✅ Easy access for Gibraltar and Spain travel
- ✅ Seamless border crossing permissions
Even if you pick up your car in Spain, you are free to drive into Gibraltar - and vice versa - provided you meet the rental terms.
Driving from Spain into Gibraltar in a Hire Car
Driving into Gibraltar from Spain is simple. The border crossing is well signposted, and hire cars are treated no differently from private vehicles.
You should be aware that border queues can vary depending on time of day, weekends, and public holidays, but there are no additional documents required beyond your standard rental agreement, driving licence, and passport.
Driving from Gibraltar into Spain
Leaving Gibraltar by car and entering Spain is equally straightforward. All CarHireGibraltar partners ensure that their vehicles carry the correct insurance documentation for Spain.
This means you can confidently explore:
- ✅ La Línea de la Concepción
- ✅ Málaga and the Costa del Sol
- ✅ Andalusian villages and beaches
- ✅ Longer road trips across southern Spain
Important Things to Check Before You Drive
While cross-border travel is allowed, we always recommend confirming the following when booking:
- ✅ Cross-border insurance included
- ✅ Any mileage limits
- ✅ Fuel policy
- ✅ Pick-up and drop-off location rules
All of this information is clearly displayed when booking through CarHireGibraltar, so there are no surprises.
Why Hire a Car for Gibraltar and Spain?
Public transport between Gibraltar and Spain is limited, and taxis can become expensive for longer journeys. A hire car gives you total freedom.
It’s ideal for:
- ✅ Airport transfers
- ✅ Day trips across the border
- ✅ Business travel
- ✅ Holidays covering multiple destinations
Final Word: Yes, You Can Drive Both Ways
To be absolutely clear: yes, you can drive a hire car from Gibraltar into Spain and from Spain into Gibraltar.
With most CarHireGibraltar retailers operating just across the border in Spain, cross-border travel is not only permitted - it’s expected.
Book your car hire with confidence
CarHireGibraltar.com makes it easy to compare trusted providers, understand cross-border rules, and get on the road without hassle.
👉 Book today at CarHireGibraltar.com and explore Gibraltar and Spain on your own terms.