Detailed Cost of Renting a Car with a Driver in Spain and Portugal

2 days ago

3 min read

Renting a car with a driver in Spain and Portugal offers a comfortable and flexible way to explore Mediterranean cities, scenic coastlines, and historic towns. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, family holidays, or business, understanding the pricing structure helps you plan your budget properly and avoid unexpected expenses.

This guide explains the key pricing factors, typical rates, and practical tips to get the best value for your money.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Driver in Spain and Portugal

1. Type of Vehicle

The vehicle category plays a major role in pricing:

Economy cars: Ideal for solo travelers or couples, usually the most affordable option.
Luxury sedans: Perfect for business trips or premium experiences, priced higher for comfort and prestige.
SUVs and vans: Suitable for families and groups, with higher rates due to larger capacity.

2. Duration and Distance

Most providers charge based on time and mileage:

Hourly rates: Suitable for short city transfers.
Daily rates: Ideal for full-day tours or multi-day bookings.
Per-kilometer charges: May apply after exceeding a certain mileage limit.

Long-distance intercity travel naturally increases the overall cost.

3. Season and Demand

Prices increase during peak seasons such as summer and major holidays. Booking early often ensures better rates and vehicle availability.

4. Additional Services

Extra services may increase the final price, including:

Airport meet & greet
Multilingual drivers
Child seats
Wi-Fi in the vehicle

Always confirm what is included in your quotation.

Average Price Ranges in Spain and Portugal

🇪🇸 Spain

Spain offers mid-range pricing compared to other Western European countries. Rates may vary between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and coastal regions.

Estimated Prices:

Economy car with driver: €45 – €75 per hour
Luxury car with driver: €90 – €160 per hour
Full-day rental (8–10 hours): €350 – €1,000
Airport transfers: €50 – €130

Example: A 4-hour Barcelona city tour in a mid-range sedan may cost around €280 including driver and fuel.

🇵🇹 Portugal

Portugal is generally slightly more affordable while still offering high-quality services.

Estimated Prices:

Economy car with driver: €40 – €70 per hour
Luxury car with driver: €80 – €150 per hour
Full-day rental (8–10 hours): €320 – €900
Airport transfers: €45 – €120

Example: A full-day Lisbon to Sintra tour with a comfortable SUV may cost approximately €800 – €1,000 depending on inclusions.

Tips to Get the Best Value

To enjoy a premium experience without overspending:

Book in advance
Compare multiple providers
Confirm inclusions (fuel, tolls, parking, gratuities)
Ask for multi-day discounts
Choose the right vehicle category
Plan your itinerary efficiently

Smart planning helps you reduce unnecessary mileage and time-based charges.

Legal and Safety Considerations

When hiring a car with a driver in Spain or Portugal:

Ensure the driver is licensed and experienced
Verify insurance coverage
Be aware of speed limits and environmental zones
Confirm toll road and parking fees are included

Being informed protects you from fines and unexpected costs.

Practical Cost Examples

Example 1: Madrid City Tour

Vehicle: Mid-range sedanDuration: 4 hoursDistance: 60 km

Cost breakdown:

Hourly rate: €60 × 4 = €240
Fuel & tolls: €25
Driver gratuity: €20

Estimated total: €285

Example 2: Lisbon to Sintra Full-Day Tour

Vehicle: SUVDuration: 8 hoursDistance: 150 km

Cost breakdown:

Hourly rate: €120 × 8 = €960
Fuel & tolls: €40
Gratuity: €30

Estimated total: €1,030

Renting a car with a driver in Spain and Portugal provides comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind—especially when navigating unfamiliar roads or managing a tight travel schedule.

At Kafu Travel, we arrange private transfers and chauffeur-driven tours across Europe at competitive rates.

📞 +971 6530 9038📧 inquiries@kafu.ae