Compare prices from top Granada airport rental providers to find great deals. Granada, in Andalusia, Spain, renowned for its medieval Moorish architecture, such as the Alhambra Palace and the Albayzín. There is so much to see and do for all ages. Use our comparison engine to find a cheap rental car in Granada and save!
Granada is full of incredible attractions, from historic landmarks like the Alhambra to modern spots like the Parque de las Ciencias. With so much to see spread across the city, the best way to explore at your own pace is by renting a car. Forget about waiting for public transport; Granada’s beauty is yours to discover on your schedule! Plus, the stunning Cumbres Verdes and Sierra Nevada are just a 40-minute drive away, making day trips a breeze. If you plan to continue your trip along the Costa del Sol, check out our Málaga car hire offers for convenient rentals nearby.
Granada’s main airport, officially known as Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, is about 18 km (11 miles) from the city centre. Picking up your rental here is convenient, with desks for Europcar, Avis, and Budget in the main arrivals hall. Once you have your car, follow the A-92 and you will reach Granada in around 30 minutes. If you’re comparing rental prices across the country, check out our car hire in Spain guide for the latest offers nationwide.
If you’re planning to visit Granada’s charming old town, keep in mind that its narrow streets are mostly restricted to locals and public transport unless you have a special permit from your hotel. Be sure to check with both your car rental provider and your accommodation to avoid entering restricted zones by mistake. Cameras monitor these areas, and fines can apply. Since the city’s road system includes a network of ring roads that can be a bit tricky to navigate, renting a GPS with your hire car might be a good idea. Enjoy your adventure in Granada!
The region of Granada is unusual in that the temperatures can vary in winter from minus ten Celsius in the Sierra Nevada, where skiing is possible, to plus fifteen Celsius near the coast. Granada has three World Heritage designations: the renowned Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Palace, and one of Granada’s oldest neighbourhoods, the Albaicín.
The traditional cuisine of Granada is heavily influenced by its Moorish heritage, and the area has an abundance of cafés, bars, cellars, and gourmet restaurants. Granada also has a reputation for offering free authentic tapas with every drink purchased! Our favourite tourist attractions include the Alhambra Palace, the Albayzin and the Granada Cathedral.
There are regular guided tours inside the magnificent UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace, where you will see the Hall of Abencerrajes, Myrtle Courtyard, Alhambra’s Royal Baths, Palace of Charles V, Alcazaba Fortress, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens. There is so much to see that tours can take up to 2.5 hours.
The Albayzín is the Moorish district of Granada, filled with narrow winding streets and offers fantastic views of the Alhambra. On your stroll through the neighbourhood, visit Granada’s archaeological museum, the church of San Salvador, the Plaza Bib Rambla and the Alcaicería (Granada’s old silk market).
Granada Cathedral, or The Cathedral of the Incarnation as it is known locally, was built by Queen Isabella after the conquest of Granada. The Renaissance-style cathedral is situated right in the centre of Granada at Gran Vía de Colón. Inside, you will see Isabella and Ferdinand’s effigies, Adam and Eve’s busts, paintings by El Greco, and so much more!
Other visitor attractions in Granada include Casa del Arte Flamenco (flamenco performances), Escuela Carmen de las Cuevas (language and flamenco school), Parque de las Ciencias (science park), Basilica de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias (Andalusian baroque church), Basilica de San Juan de Dios (church with Saint John of God’s remains) and Plaza Nueva (Granada’s central plaza).
Driving in Granada is straightforward once you get used to the local rules. Speed limits are generally 30 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Parking can be tight in the old town, so look for public car parks near Plaza Nueva or Paseo del Violón. Most Spanish petrol stations are full-service and accept cards, but it’s common to prepay inside first. When exploring the region, always keep your driving licence, passport, and rental papers in the car, as police checks are frequent on main roads.
Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall of the airport, just after baggage claim. Major providers such as Europcar, Avis, and Budget operate here, so you can collect your car as soon as you land.
If you hold an EU or UK driving licence, you do not need an international driving permit. Drivers from outside the EU should check with their rental company, as an international licence may be required.
Parking in Granada’s old town is limited, and many streets are restricted to residents and taxis. It’s best to use public car parks on the outskirts or near major landmarks like Plaza Nueva or the Cathedral.
Most rental companies in Spain use a full-to-full policy, meaning you collect the car with a full tank and return it the same way. Always keep your fuel receipt to avoid extra charges.
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