Spain by car: motorways, roads and directions from the UK

One way to get to the Iberian Peninsula is by car. How well connected is Spain? You will learn about motorways, roads and travel options from this article.

Travelling by car from Poland to Spain requires careful preparation – planning the route and stops, getting to know the local regulations, as well as familiarising yourself with the road infrastructure. If you want to drive to the Iberian Peninsula and are wondering, among other things, whether the motorways in Spain are toll roads – read this guide. You will find a range of valuable tips and information to help you reach your destination without any problems.

Contents:

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Contents:

• What is the road toll system in Spain like?

• Are motorways paid for at toll gates or with vignettes? How much do they cost?

• Differences in traffic regulations between Spain and Poland

• Example routes from Poland to Spain

14.04.2025

Including national and motorways, Spain has over 370,000 km of roads. These are largely managed by the Dirección General de Carreteras (General Directorate of Roads).

What are the most important roads in Spain? When travelling to the Iberian Peninsula, you can use, for example, the A-4, or Autovía del Sur, which connects Madrid with Seville. The Autovía del Suroeste (A-5) takes you from the Spanish capital to Portugal, while the A-2 (Autovía del Nordeste) leads from Madrid to Barcelona and the A-3 (Autovía del Este) to Valencia.

On the Costa del Sol, you can travel on the N-340 with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. On the Costa Blanca, the N-332 is a good choice as it runs along the coast. It will take you to the most popular cities in this tourist region, such as Alicante, Calpe and Torrevieja.

What are the most important roads in Spain? When travelling to the Iberian Peninsula, you can use, for example, the A-4, or Autovía del Sur, which connects Madrid with Seville. The Autovía del Suroeste (A-5) takes you from the Spanish capital to Portugal, while the A-2 (Autovía del Nordeste) leads from Madrid to Barcelona and the A-3 (Autovía del Este) to Valencia.

On the Costa del Sol, you can travel on the N-340 with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. On the Costa Blanca, the N-332 is a good choice as it runs along the coast. It will take you to the most popular cities in this tourist region, such as Alicante, Calpe and Torrevieja.

Below you will find a list of important motorways in Spain:
 

• AP-1 (Autopista del Norte) from Burgos to Armiñón,
• AP-2 (Autopista del Nordeste) from Zaragoza to El Vendrell,
• AP-4 (Autopista del Sur) from Seville to Cadiz,
• AP-6 (Autopista del Noroeste) from Collado Villalba to Adanero,
• AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterráneo) from the French border to Guadiaro, via Barcelona, Alicante and Malaga,
• AP-46 (Autopista del Guadalmedina) from Villanueva de Cauche to Malaga.

In addition, Spain also has radial motorways, or Autopistas radiales, which connect Madrid with the expressways – El Molar (R-1), Guadalajara (R-2), Arganda del Rey–Tarancón (R-3) and Ocaña (R-4).

Are motorways in Spain toll roads? Autovías (expressways) are free of charge, but you usually have to pay for autopistas. The cost depends on the length of the motorway you are using and the vehicle category. Passenger cars belong to the first category, unless they have a twin-axle trailer. In this case, the car belongs to category II, which means that travelling on the motorway is more expensive.

The average cost of a motorway in Spain is around 10 euros per 100 km. This applies to motorways such as AP-1, AP-2, AP-7 or AP-8. Some sections are free of charge, as are city motorways.

Is Spain on the list of countries where vignettes are required? The motorways in this country do not require a flat sticker, which you buy before crossing the border. However, they are mandatory in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Switzerland, Slovenia and Hungary. Remember this when planning a car trip to Spain.

Instead of vignettes, there is a standard system, which means payment at the toll gates at the entrance. You can pay in cash or by card. Another way to pay for your toll is the electronic system T, Telepeaje or VIA-T. The latter solution takes the form of a special on-board unit to which a user account is assigned. Every time you pass a toll station, your account is automatically debited.

Spain is one of the European countries with the most expensive motorways. For example, you will pay 15.15 euros to travel on the AP-6 from Villalba to Adanero. The AP from Bilbao to Zaragoza will cost you 38.60 euros. On the other hand, the AP-71 from León to Astorga costs only 6 euros. All prices are for category I. Groups II or III must pay more.

When travelling to the Iberian Peninsula by car, it is worth getting to know more than just the toll charges. Spain also has other regulations that every driver, even those from abroad, are obliged to follow. First of all, because it is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, you do not need to obtain any additional documents. To legally drive on Spanish roads, you need:
 

• a Polish driving licence,
• an identity card,
• a vehicle registration certificate,
• car insurance.

How do the road regulations in Spain differ from those in Poland? The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, whereas in Poland it is usually a maximum of 140 km/h. In built-up areas, the limit is the same, i.e. 50 km/h. In non-built-up areas, the maximum speed is 90 km/h.

Another difference you will notice when driving on Spanish roads is the absence of daytime running lights when it is light outside. They are only mandatory after dark, not around the clock as in Poland.

Read also: N.I.E. Number in Spain – what is it and how to get it in Poland?

How do I get from Poland to my destination and how much does it cost to travel to Spain by car? Below you will find sample routes and approximate fuel costs based on an average consumption of 6.5 l/100 km and a fuel price of 6.30 PLN per litre.

Please note that you will also have to pay for accommodation. Also take into account possible changes in the euro exchange rate, which can translate into a higher petrol price in Spain.

Once you know how many kilometres it is to Spain from Poland and are familiar with the local regulations, you can start planning your trip. Start looking for properties for sale on the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol with you, checking the current offer of the Polish agency Elite World Estates.

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Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.