TopCar Alicante driver guide

Driving tips for Alicante

A practical guide for Alicante car hire customers covering fuel, parking, roundabouts, speed limits and safe driving in a rental car on the Costa Blanca.

How to prepare for renting a car in Alicante

Good preparation makes vehicle collection quicker and less stressful. Before travelling, check your driving licence and identity document, booking confirmation, flight time and agreed meeting point. Send us updated details if your flight number or arrival time changes.

After collection, take a moment to understand the car, fuel policy and return arrangements. Save the rental contact number, set your route before moving and remember that current road signs and parking information always take priority over general online advice.

Still planning your trip? View our TopCar Alicante car rental offer.

Airport pickup

The exact meeting point and time are confirmed before arrival.

Parking in Alicante

Check line colours, signs, tariffs and the hours of every regulated zone.

Urban speed

Usually 20, 30 or 50 km/h depending on the street and posted signs.

Help

Call 112 in an emergency and contact TopCar if there is a problem with the car.

Pickup, fuel and vehicle return

Return the car with the fuel level specified in your booking, at the agreed time and place. Remove your belongings and check the storage areas and boot. Keep the latest receipt when refuelling is required. Contact TopCar as early as possible if you expect a delay.

Check the label near the filler cap and the information provided at collection. Petrol is labelled gasolina and diesel gasóleo. Do not rely only on pump-handle colour. Plan refuelling early, especially at night or in smaller towns.

Many stations accept cards and cash. At unattended stations you may need to pay before filling, and a temporary card pre-authorisation may apply. Keep the receipt and verify the fuel type before starting.

Public car parks listed by the city and underground garages are often the simplest choice. On-street parking requires checking signs, line colour, meter and operating hours. Blue markings commonly indicate regulated parking, while other colours may be reserved. Never park on yellow lines or block an entrance.

Spain generally applies 20 km/h on shared carriageways, 30 km/h on roads with one lane in each direction and 50 km/h where there are at least two lanes in each direction. Posted signs can set a different limit, so always follow the current signage.

Give way to vehicles already on the roundabout and follow lane arrows and signs. Change lane only when safe, indicate the manoeuvre and move to the right lane in good time before your exit. If you cannot exit safely, continue around again.

Parking and safe driving

Do not leave phones, bags, documents or luggage visible. For longer stops choose a well-lit or monitored car park, close the windows and check the doors. Keep keys and vehicle documents with you. Report theft to the police and notify TopCar immediately.

Inspect the vehicle in good light, check the fuel level and learn the controls for lights, air conditioning and transmission. Ask questions before leaving. Set up your phone and navigation while the car is still parked.

First protect people and the scene. Call 112 in an emergency, then contact TopCar and follow the instructions supplied with your rental. Do not arrange a repair without prior authorisation.

Check journey time, tolls, weather and parking at your destination. In peak season allow extra time near beaches and resorts. Choose a car park before setting out for Benidorm, Altea, Calpe or Torrevieja.

Aena operates official airport parking, including general and long-stay options. Use the official Aena site to check booking terms, height limits and access to the terminal. Always agree the TopCar return location directly with us.

Central Alicante has one-way streets, restricted areas and lanes for specific vehicles. Navigation helps, but current signs take priority. For the old town and promenade, parking in a public garage and continuing on foot is often easiest.

Trusted resources

Parking, airport and road rules in one place

Check current information with the city, airport or road authority before travelling. These links open official websites.

Alicante car parks

The official city list and map of public parking on Alicante se Mueve.

View city car parks

Spanish road rules

Basic driving rules published by Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico.

Read DGT guidance