Toll roads can be a minor nuisance when travelling around Spain in your rental car. This guide should help with any alternative routes that get you to your destination toll-free!
*important advice if your route is not on this list* whilst using a navigation app, there is usually an option to “avoid toll roads”. When selected an alternative route avoiding toll roads is given.
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Is it worth it to take toll roads? | How to spot a toll road in Spain? | Paying for tolls | Popular routes in Spain and how to avoid their toll roads | Driving in Spain with Zest?
Is it worth it to take toll roads?
Using the toll roads can save time and be more fuel efficient as you are maintaining a consistent speed. However, the prices of the tolls can vary depending on the length of the road, making some tolls rather pricey. Plan your journey before leaving to see which route would be better suited to you.
Although taking alternative routes will take longer and the roads may not be as well kept, they will certainly be more scenic as you drive through Spanish towns and cities. Furthermore, fuel prices located on motorways will likely be more expensive than fuel in towns and villages.
How to spot a toll road in Spain?
There are two types of motorways in Spain called Autovia (A) and Autopista (AP). Autopista is paid whereas Autovia tends to be free. The motorways passing by Madrid are marked as Radial (R) for paid and Motorway (M) for free.
Paying for tolls
Tolls can be paid by cash, card or electronically. For the most part, you will be required to take a ticket from a booth when you enter the motorway, and then pay the distance travelled along the road at another booth as you exit the motorway.
Popular routes in Spain and how to avoid their toll roads
Bilbao to San Sebastian
Avoiding the AP-8 toll road will add an extra 40 minutes onto your journey but will save a little money on toll prices and will make the journey more scenic. You will instead drive down the N-636 and the A-1 for the majority of the journey. Along these roads you’ll see small towns, mountains, and forests. Sometimes going the extra mile is worth it!
Bilbao to Zaragoza
If you decide to take the toll road to Zaragoza, you will drive along the AP-68 for most of the journey. Staying clear of the toll road will take an hour longer as you drive down the N-232 for the bulk of the road trip. This route will be a little less scenic as you drive through Spanish farmlands.
Valencia to Barcelona
Avoiding sections of the AP-7 will revoke the need to pay for a toll and won’t add too much time to your journey! The free E-15 road runs parallel to the AP-7 along the coastline, giving you a more scenic option for your journey.
Malaga to La Linea
Driving on the AP-7 toll road will save you around 15 minutes of the journey. You can alternatively take the free A-7 road that hugs along the coastline. In this route you’ll drive through beach towns whilst being able to see the beautiful blue Alboran sea along the way.
Madrid to Ocana
For a slightly quicker journey take the R-4 toll road to Ocana. Or instead save a little money if you drive your rental car via the A-4. Unfortunately, neither route offers anything special in terms of scenery.
Madrid to Segovia
Taking the no toll route along the N-VI and the N-603 will add around 15 minutes extra onto your journey. This route takes place on lots of winding roads with plenty of nature to see on the way.
Madrid to Toledo
The destination time between the toll road and the toll-free road hasn’t got much difference in it! Head down to Toledo on the AP-41 if you’d prefer to take the toll road. Alternatively, drive on the A-42 to avoid the Spanish toll.
Driving in Spain with Zest
Get the most of what Spain has to offer in a rental car! Rent a car with Zest for a stress-free experience with excess protection, unlimited mileage, and free cancellation if plans change.
For information on what it is like to drive across Spain, read up on our driving in Spain guide. If you’re thinking of planning a road trip, read our blog on our favourite road trips in Spain.
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