Andorra – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Andorra?

The legal minimum driving age in Andorra is 18. That said, if you intend to hire a vehicle, the minimum age accepted by rental companies is generally 21, and most operators will levy a young driver surcharge on anyone below the age of 25. Since thresholds can differ between providers, always confirm the current age policy directly with your chosen company when making your reservation.

Rental firms typically require that applicants have held their licence for at least one to two years. Many also insist on a credit card for the security deposit, and will not accept debit cards, prepaid cards, or cards labelled “Electron” or “Maestro” for this purpose. Confirm what payment methods your provider accepts well before your pick-up date.

You will need to show your original driving licence as issued in your country of residence. An International Driving Licence is also obligatory when your licence is written in a language — or characters — that cannot be read in the country where you are renting. Keep in mind that an International Driving Licence is only valid when presented together with the original national licence.

To drive in Andorra, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence recognised in your country of residence. A licence bearing a photograph is compulsory; if yours does not have one, you will need to carry an international driving licence instead.

At minimum, third-party insurance is a legal requirement for driving in Andorra. Rental providers include this as a baseline in every hire agreement, but broader protection is strongly advisable — refer to the insurance section below for a detailed breakdown.

Seat belts must be worn by every occupant of the vehicle. Children under the age of 10 are not permitted to sit in the front seat. Driving a hired vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is absolutely prohibited.

Andorra enforces a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% BAC (equivalent to 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood), which is actively enforced by police. Because this threshold is lower than that in certain other countries, the safest approach is to abstain from alcohol altogether before getting behind the wheel.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is forbidden in Andorra. Speed camera detection devices are similarly banned. Traffic officers are authorised to issue on-the-spot fines for minor road traffic offences.

For the most up-to-date and authoritative guidance, refer to the Government of Andorra’s official website or the Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA), which serves as the national motoring authority.

Which major car rental companies operate in Andorra, and where can I find them?

Andorra has no international airport of its own. The vast majority of visitors arrive overland, either from Spain via Barcelona or Lleida, or from France via Toulouse or Perpignan. Both Barcelona and Toulouse airports have a broad selection of car hire operators, and vehicles collected at either location can generally be booked for onward travel to Andorra.

The main concentration of rental offices within Andorra itself is in the capital, Andorra la Vella, and online booking is available for all major providers. Leading brands active in or serving Andorra include Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty, Sixt, Europcar, and Budget, all of which maintain established reservation systems and customer support channels.

Europcar maintains a presence in Andorra la Vella with a varied fleet ranging from compact city cars to larger family-sized models. The company offers flexible pick-up and drop-off arrangements and also provides a meet-and-greet airport service. Current locations and rates can be found at europcar.com.

Goldcar offers short and long-term rental options, from a single day through to several months, with a contemporary fleet. The company has particularly strong coverage across the Iberian Peninsula, making it a practical choice for travellers collecting a car in Spain before crossing into Andorra. Full details are available at goldcar.es.

For locally-based alternatives, ifRent is an Andorra-based independent company offering competitive pricing. Other agencies listed on comparison platforms for Andorra la Vella include Budget, Goldcar Rental SP, Rhodium, Sunnycars, and Keddy by Europcar.

Comparison platforms such as KAYAK, Rentalcars.com, and momondo allow you to view and compare rates across multiple suppliers at once. As of September 2025, there were 19 operators available to choose from for cars in Andorra la Vella on major comparison platforms.

Keep in mind that the largest choice of rental desks is found at the closest major international airports — Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS). If you are collecting a vehicle from either of these airports, it is essential to inform the rental company that you intend to travel to Andorra, as the principality lies across an international border and falls outside the European Union.

How does car rental pricing work in Andorra, and what should I watch out for?

The pricing structure for car hire in Andorra broadly mirrors that of other Western European destinations, but several local factors and ancillary charges can push the final cost well above the initial quoted rate. Being aware of these in advance will help you plan your budget more accurately.

The majority of rental cars available in Andorra have manual gearboxes. Automatic vehicles are more expensive to hire, and their availability is considerably more limited than in some other markets. If your licence only authorises you to drive an automatic, make sure to specify this during booking and reserve well ahead of time.

It is advisable to book your hire car at least two to three weeks before your departure to secure availability and benefit from better pricing. During the peak ski season (December to March) and the main summer holiday period, demand rises sharply and vehicles are taken quickly.

Some companies require a credit card for the deposit, and driving outside Andorra’s borders may not be permitted unless it has been agreed upon in advance — always clarify the permitted travel territory with your hire firm before signing anything. Cross-border restrictions are a frequent source of disputes.

Common supplementary charges to look out for include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): What is covered in the basic hire price can be minimal. CDW limits your liability for damage to the rental vehicle but usually leaves a significant excess amount still payable by you.
• Theft Protection: Cover against vehicle theft is frequently sold as a separate add-on and is worth considering, particularly for extended rentals.
• Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 can expect a daily surcharge that may substantially increase the overall cost.
• Winter Equipment: Snow tyres and snow chains may be obligatory and are often subject to an additional hire fee. Arrange these at the time of booking, especially for winter trips.
• Fuel Policy: Most operators apply a full-to-full policy — you collect the car with a full tank and return it full, paying only for what you use. A “full-to-empty” option, where you prepay for fuel upfront and receive no refund for unused fuel, is rarely cost-effective and best avoided. Confirm the applicable policy before collecting the vehicle.
• Additional Driver Fees: Adding another named driver to the agreement almost always incurs a daily charge. Review this when booking, particularly for longer journeys shared between two drivers.
• One-Way Fees: Collecting a car in Barcelona or Toulouse and returning it in Andorra — or the reverse — typically attracts a sizeable one-way drop-off fee. Confirm this cost before committing to a booking.

Unlike markets where headline rental rates are broadly all-inclusive, operators in Andorra — especially those running as franchises of Spanish or French networks — often use a base rate model in which CDW excess, theft protection, and equipment costs are charged separately at the counter. Study the complete cost breakdown carefully before putting pen to paper on any rental agreement.

For guidance on consumer rights in relation to rental disputes, the Andorra Tourism authority and the Government of Andorra are the main official bodies to approach. Where a vehicle is collected in Spain or France, the consumer protection regulations of those countries may also be relevant to elements of your agreement.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Andorra?

Whether an IDP is necessary depends primarily on the country that issued your driving licence. The position in Andorra is reasonably straightforward, although individual rental companies may impose conditions that are more stringent than the legal minimum — always check directly with your provider before you travel.

Licences issued by EU/EEA member states are generally accepted without the need for an IDP. If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA — for example, by the USA, Canada, Australia, or the UK following Brexit — you are legally required to carry an IDP alongside your national licence. While hire desks in Spain or France do not always request one, Andorran police may do so, and it remains a legal requirement.

An International Driving Licence is obligatory when a driving licence is written in a language — or in characters — that cannot be understood in the country where the vehicle is being rented. It is only valid when accompanied by the original national driving licence at all times.

Most travellers from outside the EU/EEA need an International Driving Permit to drive in Andorra. Holders of EU/EEA licences may drive on their national licence alone for periods of up to six months. Once that period is exceeded, residency regulations come into effect — see the expats and residents section below for further information.

Rental agencies frequently require an IDP regardless of nationality, meaning that even if your licence is technically sufficient under Andorran law, the hire company may still ask to see one. This is particularly common when collecting a vehicle at a Spanish or French airport for onward travel into Andorra.

If you are an Andorran resident wishing to obtain an IDP for journeys abroad, the permit is available from the Automòbil Club d’Andorra and costs €25.77 (as of the current published rate, inclusive of 4.5% IGI), with processing completed within one to two working days. Visit aca.ad for the latest fees and procedures, and always verify current figures with the ACA directly.

If you are visiting Andorra and need an IDP before you leave home, apply through the relevant motoring authority or association in your country of residence well in advance of your travel dates, as IDPs cannot typically be issued once you have already departed.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Andorra?

Both the journey to Andorra and driving within the principality itself take place at high altitude in mountainous terrain. The scenery is spectacular, but the road network reflects the landscape — routes are winding, gradients can be steep, and weather conditions are capable of changing rapidly.

Andorra has no motorways. Traffic travels on the right, with overtaking on the left. The maximum speed limit on main roads outside urban areas is 90 km/h, while within built-up areas the limit drops to 50 km/h. Always observe posted signs, as limits on mountain passes and through residential streets may differ from the standard figures.

There are no tolls on roads, tunnels, or bridges anywhere in Andorra. This distinguishes Andorra clearly from its neighbours — France imposes toll charges on many of its main routes through the Pyrenees, and certain roads in Spain carry charges as well. Once inside Andorra, however, all road travel is free of charge.

Whether you are approaching from Spain to the south or west, or from France to the north or east, the main routes through the principality are the CG-1 and CG-2 roads, both of which pass through Andorra la Vella and Soldeu. These form the backbone of the national road network. Smaller roads linking the outlying parishes tend to be narrower and demand greater care.

Andorra’s mountainous character means that a number of routes involve steep gradients and tight bends that can catch less experienced drivers off guard. Reduce your speed accordingly and take particular care during winter months, when snow and ice can make road surfaces treacherous.

Winter driving rules are among the most significant practical considerations for anyone behind the wheel in Andorra. Between approximately November and May, the law requires drivers to have either winter-rated tyres — identifiable by a snowflake symbol moulded into the tyre wall — or snow chains in the vehicle. Police carry out checks, and drivers found without the appropriate equipment during adverse conditions may be prevented from continuing their journey.

Recommended items to carry in your vehicle in Andorra include: a high-visibility reflective jacket (legally required to be worn if you leave the car following a breakdown or collision), two red warning triangles (obligatory to carry), a complete set of spare bulbs for the vehicle’s lights together with the tools needed to replace them, and snow chains or winter tyres (legally required from 1 November to 15 May under certain conditions).

Customs checkpoints operate at both the French and Spanish borders. On the French side, drivers should reduce speed and stop as directed, both when entering and when leaving Andorra. At the Spanish border crossing, it is compulsory to stop and open the boot of your vehicle when re-entering Spain.

For trips confined mainly to urban areas, a compact or medium-sized car is perfectly adequate. Travellers heading to ski resorts or higher-altitude locations in winter would be better served by an SUV fitted with appropriate tyres. Roads throughout the principality are generally well maintained and clearly signposted, making navigation manageable for most drivers.

In urban areas, parking requires attention. Multi-storey and underground car parks in Andorra la Vella, such as Parc Central and Prat de la Creu, charge approximately €1.80 per hour. On-street parking is possible in certain locations, but signage must be checked carefully since some zones have time restrictions or are set aside for residents. Vehicles left in prohibited areas are liable to be towed, and parking fines are issued on the spot.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Andorra?

Third-party insurance is the legal minimum required to drive in Andorra, and every reputable rental company includes this within the standard hire agreement. However, the extent of protection provided beyond that basic liability cover varies considerably between companies and price tiers.

Most car hire providers in Andorra offer some form of insurance package, but the scope of coverage can differ substantially. Standard offerings typically encompass:

• Third-Party Liability (TPL): The legally required minimum. This covers death, injury, or damage suffered by other road users or their property as a result of your actions.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your personal financial exposure in the event of damage to the hire vehicle, usually down to a specified excess figure rather than eliminating liability altogether.
• Theft Protection (TP): Provides coverage against loss or damage resulting from theft of the vehicle. This is sometimes included within CDW and sometimes offered as a standalone add-on.

While the legal baseline of third-party cover is always included, taking out more comprehensive protection is strongly recommended. What is bundled into the advertised hire price can be quite limited, and selecting the right level of cover may save you from substantial out-of-pocket expense should an accident or theft occur.

Excess insurance — often marketed as “super CDW” or an “excess waiver” — removes the financial excess you would otherwise be liable for when making a claim. Arranging this type of policy with an independent insurer before departure is almost invariably more cost-effective than purchasing it at the hire desk, and doing so in advance gives you time to compare options properly.

Some credit cards include travel insurance that extends to rental car excess. However, the precise terms vary widely between card issuers, and Andorra’s status as a non-EU country means that not all policies automatically apply there. Always verify the scope of your card’s cover with the issuer before relying on it, and check whether the rental company will accept it.

In the event of a collision, you should notify the police and contact your insurer or rental provider immediately for guidance on the next steps. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, police may attend the scene and will produce an official report of proceedings that you will need to retain for insurance purposes. The pan-European emergency number 112 is active in Andorra and will connect you to the appropriate local services.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Andorra?

The regulations governing driving in Andorra differ according to whether you are visiting temporarily or have taken up longer-term residence. If you are in the process of settling in Andorra, it is particularly important to understand the obligations around licence recognition and exchange.

Visitors may drive on their valid national licence for the duration of a standard stay, typically up to three months. During this period, the IDP provisions described earlier in this guide apply: EU/EEA licence holders may drive without an IDP, while those from outside the EU/EEA should carry an IDP alongside their national licence at all times.

Once you have been granted a resident permit in Andorra, you have one year in which to complete the homologation (formal recognition and exchange) of your driving licence. It is very important that this procedure is completed within the first year to avoid any gap during which you might be driving without a locally valid licence.

Foreign nationals holding a residence permit in Andorra are required to obtain an Andorran national driving licence. When the residence permit is issued, the holder must exchange their home-country licence for one issued by the Andorran authorities.

The procedure varies depending on which country originally issued the licence and does not follow an identical path for all nationalities. For those holding licences from Spain or France, the process is a straightforward administrative exchange. Licences from certain other countries may require additional steps, which can include sitting a driving examination.

During the first year of residency, any foreign national may take the driving test in Catalan or other supported languages to obtain authorisation for any licence category, whether for motorcycles, cars, heavy goods vehicles, or other vehicle types.

To initiate the homologation process, contact the relevant department of the Government of Andorra directly, as the required documentation and processing timelines are subject to change. Based on information available in 2025, the process typically takes approximately one month, but you should verify current timescales with the authorities before proceeding. Always confirm the latest requirements before you begin.

Long-term residents hiring a car within Andorra are subject to the same age, licence, and insurance requirements as short-term visitors. Once you hold an Andorran driving licence, you will present that document at the rental desk rather than your original foreign licence.

How do I rent a car in Andorra? Step-by-step process

1. Choose your collection point: Decide whether you will collect the vehicle in Andorra la Vella directly, or at a nearby international airport in Spain (such as Barcelona El Prat) or France (such as Toulouse-Blagnac) and drive in. Airports typically offer a wider range of vehicles and operators.
2. Notify the rental company about Andorra: If collecting from an airport, make sure you inform the rental company that your journey will take you to Andorra, as it crosses an international border and lies outside the EU. Some providers impose restrictions or additional charges for this.
3. Check your licence requirements: EU/EEA licences are broadly accepted on their own. If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, you are legally required to carry an IDP alongside it. Make arrangements before you leave home.
4. Book winter equipment in advance (if travelling November–May): Winter tyres and snow chains are strongly recommended and may be legally required. If you are hiring a car during this period, reserve the appropriate equipment at the time of booking to guarantee availability.
5. Arrange excess insurance: To reduce your liability in the event of damage or theft, purchase standalone excess insurance from an independent insurer before departure — this is generally considerably cheaper than buying it at the hire desk.
6. Prepare your documents: Bring your valid driving licence, passport or national identity card, and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. Include your IDP if applicable, and ensure your credit card has sufficient available credit to cover the deposit hold.
7. Inspect the vehicle on collection: Before driving away, examine the car thoroughly for any pre-existing damage and ensure every mark is recorded on the rental agreement. Take photographs or video footage of all panels, including the roof and underside where access is possible.
8. Return the car as agreed: Return the vehicle punctually and with the fuel level specified in your agreement to avoid penalty charges. Request a written return receipt confirming that no new damage has been identified.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Andorra

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Andorra?

The minimum age to drive in Andorra is 18. For car hire purposes, however, the minimum age accepted by most rental companies is 21, and a young driver surcharge will typically be applied to anyone below the age of 25. For certain vehicle categories such as SUVs or minibuses, some providers set a higher minimum age. Always confirm the current policy with your chosen company at the time of booking (as of 2025 — verify with your provider for the latest requirements).

Can I drive a rental car across the border into Spain or France?

Driving a hire car outside Andorra may not be permitted unless it has been arranged and agreed upon in advance — always confirm with your rental provider before travelling. Because Andorra sits outside the EU and entry into Spain or France constitutes a crossing of an international border, cross-border travel must be explicitly authorised in your hire agreement. This permission is not automatically granted and may carry an additional charge.

What happens if I have an accident in a rental car in Andorra?

Following an accident in Andorra, you should immediately contact the police and notify your insurer or car hire agent for instructions on how to proceed. Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, police may attend the scene and issue a formal accident report, which you will need to retain for your insurance claim and to present to the rental company. The pan-European emergency number 112 will connect you to the appropriate local emergency services in Andorra.

Do I need winter tyres or snow chains when renting a car in Andorra?

During the winter period, the law requires drivers to have either winter-rated tyres or snow chains available. This equipment is recommended from November through to April. In conditions of heavy snowfall, vehicles without appropriate winter tyres or chains may be prevented from travelling in certain areas. If you are hiring a car during this season, request the necessary equipment when making your booking — do not assume it will be included as standard.

What fuel policy should I expect when renting a car in Andorra?

The majority of rental companies apply a full-to-full fuel policy, whereby you collect the vehicle with a full tank and are required to return it equally full. Under this arrangement, you pay only for the fuel you actually consume. Returning the car with a lower fuel level than when you collected it will trigger a refuelling charge, which is typically levied at a rate significantly above the market pump price. Always refuel before returning the vehicle and keep the receipt as proof.

Are there tolls on roads within Andorra?

No tolls apply to any roads, tunnels, or bridges within Andorra. This is in contrast to the neighbouring road networks in France and Spain, where motorways and certain tunnels carry toll charges. If your rental agreement covers driving in France or Spain as well, be aware that tolls may be payable on those sections — check whether the car is equipped with a toll transponder or budget for cash payments at toll booths.

Do I need to exchange my foreign driving licence for an Andorran one after moving there?

Once you obtain your Andorran resident permit, you have one year to complete the formal homologation of your foreign driving licence. The exact procedure depends on which country issued your licence and is not the same for all nationalities. Contact the transport department of the Government of Andorra to confirm the specific steps and documentation required for your situation (as of 2025 — always verify the current process with the relevant official authority).

Is Andorra’s fuel cheaper than in Spain or France?

Andorra is widely recognised for its low tax environment, and petrol and diesel prices at the pump are generally lower than across the border in Spain or France, owing to the absence of standard EU excise duties. It is therefore worth topping up your tank before departing Andorra. Prices do fluctuate, so check local pump prices at the time of your visit. Bear in mind that most hire agreements require you to return the vehicle with the same fuel level as when you collected it, so plan your last fill-up accordingly.

What documents do I need to bring to the rental desk in Andorra?

As a general rule, you will need to present your valid driving licence (along with an IDP if your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA or is not written in a Latin-script language), your passport or national identity card, and a credit card in the name of the primary driver to cover the security deposit. Certain vehicles may require two credit cards, with at least one being a major card. Payment cards designated as debit, prepaid, Electron, or Maestro are generally not accepted for the deposit. Confirm the precise document requirements with your rental company before you travel.