How to rent a campervan: the complete guide

Not all "campers" are the same. The main options are:

• Campervan or converted van (2-3 seats): the most compact. Vans like Volkswagen California, Mercedes Marco Polo or Renault Trafic conversions. They park anywhere, consume little. Designed for couples or solo travellers.
• Pop-top campervan (4-5 seats): adds a second bed up top via a lifting roof. Ideal for couples with kids or groups of friends. Still the size of a normal van.
• High-volume campervan (2-4 seats): the most popular rental format in Spain. High-top long-wheelbase vans like Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer or Mercedes Sprinter. Standing-height interior (~1.90 m), usually with a shower bathroom, full kitchen and fixed bed. Combines motorhome comfort with van agility. Length 5.4-6.4 m.
• Coachbuilt motorhome (4-6 seats): purpose-built vehicle with car cab and habitable rear. More interior space, full kitchen, separate bathroom. No longer parks anywhere and consumes more, but very comfortable for long family trips.
• A-class motorhome (4-7 seats): the largest and most complete, almost a mini-apartment on wheels. Integrated cab and living area. Only recommended for many days and large groups.

For a first trip as a couple, a campervan or a high-volume campervan are the most versatile options: the first for agility, the second for comfort without losing the ability to park almost anywhere.

Dates affect price more than anything else. Booking for July or August can cost double the same van in May or September.

• High season (July-August, Easter, long weekends): book at least 2 months in advance. Prices are high and availability is scarce.
• Mid season (June, September, October): best value for money. Weather still good and far less saturation.
• Low season (November to April, except long weekends): minimum prices, ideal for weekend getaways or inland routes.

About the destination: think about distance from the pick-up point. If the van is picked up in Valencia and you want to go to Galicia, you'll add 1-2 driving days each way. Some companies allow pick-up in one city and drop-off in another (one-way) but charge a supplement.

Don't book with the first website you see. The differences between companies are large in price, conditions and service.

Use the Vanyou comparator to see at a glance which companies operate in your destination, what each offer includes and how much it costs. Filter by:

• Price per day
• Vehicle type
• Included mileage
• Included supplies (kitchen kit, bedding, table, chairs)
• Cancellation policy

Don't focus only on the base price: a cheaper company can end up costing more if the insurance is limited or if they charge extras for everything.

These three points are where most surprises concentrate:

Insurance:

• The mandatory one covers the basics (civil liability), but usually has a high excess (€1,000-€3,000). That means in case of damage, you pay up to that limit.
• Almost all companies offer supplementary insurance that reduces or eliminates the excess. It costs €10-€25 per day. If it's your first time, it's worth paying for it.

Mileage:

• There are tariffs with unlimited mileage (more expensive but no surprises) and others with a cap (200-300 km/day). If you exceed the cap, each extra km costs €0.20-€0.40.
• Calculate your route beforehand and compare: for long trips, better to pay for unlimited.

Deposit:

• The company blocks between €800 and €2,500 on your credit card at pick-up. It's released when you return the van without damage.
• Make sure you have available credit and watch out: you need a credit card, not a debit card.

When you book online, you'll receive a confirmation email and a contract. Read it in full before signing, especially the insurance and cancellation clauses.

On pick-up day:

1. Arrive with time: delivery can take 30-60 minutes (paperwork + inspection + vehicle walkthrough).
2. Inspect the vehicle with the person handing it over: dents, scratches, tyres, windows. Photograph everything, especially pre-existing damage. If something isn't on the inventory, ask for it in writing.
3. Ask them to explain how all systems work: fresh water, grey water, gas, heating, solar panels (if any), how to open the pop-top.
4. Check the interior inventory: kitchen utensils, bedding, table, chairs, cables, hoses.
5. Leave with a full tank and return it the same (usually contractual obligation).