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Car Rental

Car rental comparison with the best rates so you can move freely.

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Many trail races take place in remote valleys, mountain villages or islands where public transport is scarce or non-existent. A rental car doesn't just get you to the start line: it gives you the freedom to collect your bib, explore the area in the days before, and move between start and finish in point-to-point races. It's an investment that especially pays off when travelling in a group and splitting the cost.

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When do you need a rental car?

Races in remote areas: Valleys like Benasque (Gran Trail Aneto-Posets), Canfranc or Zubiri (Nafarroa Xtrem) have no train station and no frequent bus routes. Without a car, you depend on the organiser's shuttles — which often only run on race day — or on coordinating with other runners. With your own car you control the schedule and can reach your accommodation without waiting.

Island races: In the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands a car is almost essential. The islands are large, races cross them end to end (Tenerife Bluetrail, Transgrancanaria) and inter-urban transport is limited. What's more, rental prices on the islands are very competitive — from €15–20/day in low season.

Point-to-point races: When the start and finish are in different towns (Ultra Sierra Nevada, Tenerife Bluetrail, Transvulcania), you need a way to get back to the start to collect your things. A rental car combined with a companion who drops you at the start is the most flexible solution.

Where to pick up and drop off

Airport vs city: Picking up at the airport is usually more expensive (airport surcharge of €10–30) but far more convenient if you're flying. If you arrive by train or bus, city offices offer better prices. Compare both options — sometimes the difference is minimal and it's worth saving time.

One-way rental: Some companies let you pick up at one office and drop off at another (e.g., pick up in Lleida and drop off in Huesca). This is ideal for point-to-point races, but usually carries a surcharge of €30–80. Check whether it's worth it versus returning to the pickup point.

When to pick up: Collect the car the afternoon/evening before the race. That way you can drive to the village, have a relaxed dinner and sleep without rushing. Return it the day after if possible — after an ultra you'll need to rest before driving. Never drive right after finishing a long race: your reflexes after 10–20 hours of running are those of someone who hasn't slept.

Driving on mountain roads

Mountain roads: They're narrow, with sharp bends and sometimes no hard shoulder. In the Pyrenees (Canfranc, Benasque, Val d'Aran) and Sierra Nevada the roads are well maintained but demand attention. Drive calmly, use your lights even in daylight and respect the speed limits — speed cameras are common on national roads.

Race-day parking: In small villages, parking fills up fast on race day. Arrive with plenty of time or ask the organiser if there's a dedicated car park. Some races (Zegama-Aizkorri, Val d'Aran by UTMB) set up parking in outlying areas with a shuttle to the centre.

What type of car? For most races a small or compact car is enough. You don't need an SUV — the roads are paved. Just make sure the boot is big enough for backpacks, poles and race bags. If there are 3–4 of you with all the gear, consider a mid-size car or compact MPV.

Savings and insurance

Always compare: Use comparison sites like DiscoverCars, RentalCars or AutoEurope to find the best price. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead usually gets the best rates. In high season (summer in the Pyrenees, winter in the Canaries) prices rise and availability drops — don't leave it to the last minute.

Car insurance: Basic rental includes third-party and own-damage insurance with an excess (deductible). The excess can be €800–1,500 — if you have a bump, you pay that amount. Options: 1) Buy the 'excess waiver' from the rental company (€10–15/day extra). 2) Use an external excess insurance (like iCarhireinsurance) for €3–5/day. 3) If your credit card includes rental car insurance, check the terms.

Fuel: Pick up the car with a full tank and return it full — the company's 'prepaid fuel' option is always more expensive. Find petrol stations before reaching mountain areas: in remote valleys like Benasque or Canfranc the nearest petrol station can be 30–40 km away.

Car rental necessity per race

Indicative classification based on public transport accessibility and the location of each race.

RaceCityNecessity
XIII CxM FarajánFarajánEssential
GTPE Picos de EuropaBenia de OnísEssential
Trail Tierra de IbiasSan Antolín de IbiasEssential
Travesera Picos de EuropaPotesEssential
Desafío Ultra El CainejoCaín de Valdeón, LeónEssential
Desafío UrbiónCovaledaEssential
Granuja XtremePradoluengoEssential
Neveros VerticalÁgreda, SoriaEssential
Ultra Montaña PalentinaCamporredondo de Alba, PalenciaEssential
Ultra Trail GredosHoyos del Espino, ÁvilaEssential
Cursa de Nadal – Trail ColldejouColldejouEssential
Schwarzwald-MarathonBräunlingenRecommended
10 Teiche Marathon HahnenkleeHahnenkleeRecommended
LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische SchweizEbermannstadtRecommended
Rursee-MarathonSimmerath-EinruhrRecommended
La Sportiva Sauerland TrailRunLennestadtRecommended
Hochwald Ultratrail (HoWUT)OsburgRecommended
SachsenTrailBreitenbrunnRecommended
OTSO Travessa d'EncampEncampRecommended
L'Échappée BelleVizilleRecommended
Trail d'AnnonayAnnonayRecommended
Trail des Aiguilles RougesChamonix-Mont-BlancRecommended
Trail des GauloisCharmes-sur-RhôneRecommended
Trail des Passerelles du MonteynardTreffortRecommended
Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMBLe Puy-en-VelayRecommended
Ultra Tour des 4 MassifsGrenobleRecommended
Ultra-Trail du VercorsVillard-de-LansRecommended
UTMB Mont-BlancChamonix-Mont-BlancRecommended
Topo Athletic Bibracte Ultra-TrailSaint-Léger-sous-BeuvrayRecommended
Restonica Trail by UTMBCorteRecommended
L'Infernal Trail des VosgesSaint-NabordRecommended
EcoTrail ParisRambouilletRecommended
Les 40 BossesSaint-Leu-la-ForêtRecommended
Grand Raid de La RéunionSaint-PierreRecommended
Festival des HospitaliersNantRecommended
Grand Raid des CatharesCarcassonneRecommended
Grand Raid des PyrénéesVielle-AureRecommended
Madeloc SkytrailBanyuls-sur-MerRecommended
Trails de SorèdeSorèdeRecommended
Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMBMalaucèneRecommended
Nice Côte d'Azur by UTMBNizaRecommended
Trail de Noël d'OllioulesOllioulesRecommended
Trail du Cap SiciéSix-Fours-les-PlagesRecommended
Trofeo KimaVal MasinoRecommended
Gran Trail dell'EtnaRagalnaRecommended
Tor des GéantsCourmayeurRecommended
Lavaredo Ultra TrailCortina d'AmpezzoRecommended
Mongolia Trail RunKarakórumRecommended
Almijara TrailNerjaRecommended
XI Carrera del Espárrago 51Alcalá del ValleRecommended
CxM Alfarnat TrailAlfarnateRecommended
CxM El Fuerte de FrigilianaFrigilianaRecommended
X CxM SierroSierroRecommended
IV CxM Silvia LaraCazorlaRecommended
CxM Villa de CasaresCasaresRecommended
Kilómetro Vertical Media Legua GruesaPurchenaRecommended
La PretorianaTomaresRecommended
Marbella Epic TrailMarbellaRecommended
Sierra Cazorla TrailsQuesadaRecommended
Tiñosa TrailPriego de CórdobaRecommended
Trail Las PalomasZahara de la SierraRecommended
Trail Loja - Abades Stone RaceLoja, GranadaRecommended
Trail TahalTahalRecommended
Ultra Trail Gran Vuelta al Valle del GenalParauta, MálagaRecommended
Ultra Trail MoncayoAñón de MoncayoRecommended
Abeduriu Trail NocturnaEl EntregoRecommended
Ardisana TrailArdisanaRecommended
Carreña TrailCarreña de CabralesRecommended
Cross Trail La TriásicaColungaRecommended
Desafío Las ReliquiasOviedoRecommended
EDP DesafiOSOmiedoPola de SomiedoRecommended
Kangas MountainCangas de OnísRecommended
La Esquilaera – Puertu de RuenesRuenesRecommended
Mansolea TrailPimiangoRecommended
Peón TrailPeónRecommended
Pico Cueto Relevos TrailPraviaRecommended
Carrera de Montaña Picu TurbinaRozagásRecommended
Quebrapates PeñameaPola de LavianaRecommended
Sobrescobio Redes TrailRiosecoRecommended
XIII Suarías BlincapeñasSuaríasRecommended
Trail de UbiñaTuiza de ArribaRecommended
Trail del InfiernuRibadesellaRecommended
VII Trail del TamburieḷḷoSetienes (Luarca)Recommended
Trail Desafío del Carbón - UrbiésUrbiésRecommended
Trail El Mazucu RebulleLlanesRecommended
Trail IndianoSomaoRecommended
Trail La CangrexaBarciaRecommended
Trail La Degollada de CandamoCandamoRecommended
Trail La PomarLa FelgueraRecommended
Trail Minero Santa BárbaraAllerRecommended
Trail Salas – Virgen del VisoSalasRecommended
Trail SieroPola de SieroRecommended
Trail Tierras PésicasCangas del NarceaRecommended
Trail Valle de SamuñoLangreoRecommended
Trail Villa de la Sidra – Les PraeresNavaRecommended
XIII Trail VillacabraVillaviciosaRecommended
XtremeLagosCangas de OnísRecommended
3 Días Trail IbizaSanta Eulalia del Río, IbizaRecommended
Galatzó TrailEs CapdellàRecommended
Ibiza Trail Maratón FestivalSant Antoni de Portmany, IbizaRecommended
Amer Mallorca 5000 SkyrunningSóller, MallorcaRecommended
Mallorca by UTMBSóller, MallorcaRecommended
XXVIII Pujada a la MolaEs Caló de Sant AgustíRecommended
Pujada al Castell d'AlaróAlaróRecommended
Trail Menorca Camí de CavallsCiutadella de MenorcaRecommended
Anaga MaratónSanta Cruz de TenerifeRecommended
Chilegua TrailLa Pared, PájaraRecommended
Entremontañas Paralelo 28La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran CanariaRecommended
Gomera Paradise TrailSan Sebastián de La GomeraRecommended
Mazucator SkyVilla de Mazo, La PalmaRecommended
Reventón TrailEl Paso, La PalmaRecommended
Santa Cruz ExtremeSanta Cruz de TenerifeRecommended
Subida a TágaraGuía de Isora, TenerifeRecommended
Tenerife by UTMBPuerto de la CruzRecommended
TransgrancanariaLas Palmas de Gran CanariaRecommended
TransvulcaniaLos Llanos de Aridane, La PalmaRecommended
KM Vertical Fuente DéFuente Dé, CamaleñoRecommended
Los 10.000 del SoplaoCabezón de la SalRecommended
Peña Prieta SkyRaceVega de LiébanaRecommended
Trail Buciero EscalSantoñaRecommended
Trail Cabo de AjoAjo, BareyoRecommended
Trail La GrajeraLantueno, Santiurde de ReinosaRecommended
Alto Rey TrailBustares, GuadalajaraRecommended
La OseraPaterna del Madera, AlbaceteRecommended
Los 102 de la ComarcaLagarteraRecommended
Petaca TrailCabezarrubias del Puerto, Ciudad RealRecommended
Trail Santuario de ConsolaciónIniesta, CuencaRecommended
Zenagas TrailPuertollanoRecommended
Arganza Trail — Cañón del Río LobosSan Leonardo de YagüeRecommended
III Cebollera TrailMolinos de RazónRecommended
Cross Internacional de AtapuercaAtapuercaRecommended
Riaño Trail RunRiaño, LeónRecommended
Trail de la CastañaSorbeda del SilRecommended
XIII Trail La CebreraEl BarracoRecommended
X Villablino TrailVillablinoRecommended
Burriac ATAC!Vilassar de MarRecommended
Cursa i Caminada Bràfim - Ermita de LoretoBràfimRecommended
Marató de Muntanya de CatalunyaSant Llorenç SavallRecommended
Night Trail DuesaigüesDuesaigüesRecommended
Ultra Trail Serra de MontsantUlldemolinsRecommended
Pedraforca XtrailSaldesRecommended
Tap Trail Cassà de la SelvaCassà de la SelvaRecommended
Trail L'AlbiolL'AlbiolRecommended
Trail Les ErmitesUlldemolinsRecommended
Trail Vielha-Molières 3010VielhaRecommended
Ultra PenedèsSant Jaume dels DomenysRecommended
Ultra PirineuBagàRecommended
Ultra Trail Muntanyes Costa DauradaPrades, TarragonaRecommended
HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMBVielhaRecommended
Volta PeramolaPeramolaRecommended
Carrera x Montaña Sierra de ChivaChivaRecommended
Costa Blanca TrailsFinestrat, AlicanteRecommended
Marató dels DementsEslidaRecommended
Montanejos TrailMontanejosRecommended
XXVI Pujada al MontcabrerAlcoyRecommended
IX Trail AnnaAnnaRecommended
Trail Castell de SerraSerraRecommended
Trail Dos Aguas – Subida al Pico del AveDos AguasRecommended
Trail Solidari Ciutat d'AlcoiAlcoiRecommended
UltraMediterràniaAlcoy, AlicanteRecommended
XVII CxM Carrera PenconaAldeanueva de la Vera, CáceresRecommended
X CxM Deportes Parra HervásHervás, CáceresRecommended
I Trail Desfiladero del RuecasCañamero, CáceresRecommended
Ultra 100K Sierra de GataSierra de GataRecommended
Trail do XurésMuíñosRecommended
VII Trail e Andaina Ribeiras do TambreAmes, A CoruñaRecommended
Anguiano TrailAnguianoRecommended
Arnedillo TrailArnedilloRecommended
CxM Alhama TrailCervera del Río AlhamaRecommended
Foncea TrailFonceaRecommended
Haro Wine TrailHaroRecommended
Isasa Trail XtremArnedoRecommended
Trail Picos de la DemandaEzcarayRecommended
V Trail Nieva de CamerosNieva de CamerosRecommended
Cross de Cuerda LargaMiraflores de la SierraRecommended
Cross de la PedrizaManzanares el RealRecommended
Cross de los 3 RefugiosManzanares el RealRecommended
Trail Mina de la Plata de BustarviejoBustarviejoRecommended
El Valle TrailMurciaRecommended
FalcotrailCehegínRecommended
Siyasa Gran TrailCiezaRecommended
Berroeta Mendi Maratoi ErdiaBerroetaRecommended
Betagarri TrailAncínRecommended
Camille ExtremeIsabaRecommended
Aoiz Mountain RaceAoizRecommended
XII Cross El ArrieroEulateRecommended
II Lodosa TrailLodosaRecommended
Iturbero TrailLumbierRecommended
Juan Migueliz Leyre TrailYesaRecommended
Jurramendi 360AyeguiRecommended
KaxtrailErratzuRecommended
La Cizur Gares I TrailCizur MenorRecommended
Lakuntza-Aralar Mendi LasterketaLakuntzaRecommended
Bera Mountain Half MarathonBeraRecommended
Mendira Joan-EtorriaEtxarri-AranatzRecommended
GR 322 Nafarroa XtremZubiriRecommended
Peña Roya TrailCaparrosoRecommended
Rebecos TrailEgüésRecommended
Trail ArrónizArrónizRecommended
Trail Virgen del YugoArguedasRecommended
Urdazubiko Kontrabandisten LasterketaUrdazubiRecommended
Xtreme Higa de MonrealMonrealRecommended
Aloñako IgoeraOñati, GipuzkoaRecommended
Etxebarri XtremeEtxebarriRecommended
Gorbeia SuzienZeanuriRecommended
Itxinan BarrenaOrozkoRecommended
Izki TrailApellániz, ÁlavaRecommended
Mitxarro BiraAraiaRecommended
Urduñako Mendi LasterketaUrduña (Orduña)Recommended
Zegama-AizkorriZegamaRecommended
Alb Marathon Schwäbisch GmündSchwäbisch GmündOptional
Brocken-ChallengeGöttingenOptional
Allgäu Panorama MarathonSonthofenOptional
MOUNTAINMAN NesselwangNesselwangOptional
Rab GaPa TrailGarmisch-PartenkirchenOptional
RunThrough Trails BerchtesgadenBerchtesgadenOptional
U.Trail Lamer WinkelLamOptional
Zugspitz Ultratrail by UTMBGarmisch-PartenkirchenOptional
HermannslaufDetmoldOptional
Harz-Gebirgslauf (Brocken-Marathon)WernigerodeOptional
GutsMuths-RennsteiglaufSchmiedefeld am RennsteigOptional
Marathon du Mont-BlancChamonix-Mont-BlancOptional
Maxi-Race AnnecyAnnecyOptional
SaintéLyonSaint-ÉtienneOptional
Festival des TempliersMillauOptional
Ultra Trail Lago d'OrtaOmegnaOptional
101 Kilometres in 24 Hours - La LegiónRonda, MálagaOptional
Calamorro SkyraceBenalmádenaOptional
CxM Trabuco TrailVillanueva del TrabucoOptional
Subbética TrailZuherosOptional
VIII Trail El Calvario del DragónOsunaOptional
Ultra Sierra NevadaGranadaOptional
Ultra Trail Bosques del SurCazorlaOptional
Canfranc-CanfrancCanfranc-EstaciónOptional
Gran Trail Trangoworld Aneto-PosetsBenasqueOptional
Trail 2 HeavenBenasqueOptional
Trail Montañas del Aranda – Brea de AragónBrea de AragónOptional
Trail Valle de TenaPanticosaOptional
Ultra-Trail Guara SomontanoAlquézar, HuescaOptional
Ultra Trail Torla-OrdesaTorla-Ordesa, HuescaOptional
Desafío Cucón - Montes de FuencalienteFuencalienteOptional
Subida a las AntenasNavamorcuendeOptional
Ultra Trail Anillo MineroPuertollano, Ciudad RealOptional
CxM Miranda de EbroMiranda de Ebro, BurgosOptional
Desafío Galayos 2026Arenas de San Pedro, ÁvilaOptional
Desafío Trail TemplarioLas Navas del Marqués, ÁvilaOptional
Festival Cavalls del VentBagàOptional
Costa Brava Stage RunBlanesOptional
Cursa de l'AlbaCollbató, BarcelonaOptional
Garmin Epic Trail Vall de BoíBarruera, Vall de BoíOptional
Imperial Tarraco TrailTarragonaOptional
La Pota Roja CervellóCervelló, BarcelonaOptional
Muntanyes de Prades Epic TrailPrades, TarragonaOptional
RunThrough Ultra Trail GironaGironaOptional
Ultra MontsenyViladrauOptional
Xtrail Series Run ÒrriusÒrriusOptional
VIII Anfibios Trail AnnaAnnaOptional
Cursa Ibérica FiguerolesFiguerolesOptional
Penyagolosa TrailsCastellón de la PlanaOptional
Trail CovatellesOlivaOptional
X Trail de JalanceJalanceOptional
Crono AsperillasCasas del CastañarOptional
Garganta de los Infiernos Mountain RaceJerte, CáceresOptional
Valcorchero Extreme TrailPlasencia, CáceresOptional
Quiroga Trail ChallengeQuirogaOptional
Trail Cova da BruxaMuros, A CoruñaOptional
Trail Heróica SacraChantada, LugoOptional
Trail Laxe dos BolosCaldas de Reis, PontevedraOptional
Trail Ribeira SacraNogueira de RamuínOptional
Trail Trans Serra da GrobaBaionaOptional
Trail Vila de CuntisCuntis, PontevedraOptional
Cross de Las DehesasCercedillaOptional
Gran Trail de PeñalaraNavacerradaOptional
Kilómetro Vertical de la BarrancaNavacerradaOptional
Madrid Alpine MarathonCercedillaOptional
90K Camino de la CruzCaravaca de la Cruz, MurciaOptional
B2H TrailMirafuentesOptional
Basajaun Trail RaceGaldeanoOptional
Haritzen Mendi LasterketaUnzuéOptional
Irati TrailEzcározOptional
Larreak Bizirik Cross NocturnoOlaz (Cendea de Galar)Optional
Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half MarathonRoncesvallesOptional
Triku TrailEtxarri-AranatzOptional
Uharte-Arakil Beriain Km BertikalaUharte-ArakilOptional
Aldapegora Mendi TrailElorrioOptional
Anboto KBAtxondoOptional
Axari TrailIdiazabalOptional
Flysch Trail ZumaiaZumaiaOptional
Mañaritik AtxetaraMañaria, VizcayaOptional
Sorginen LasterketaAtxondoOptional
Vitoria-Gasteiz TrailVitoria-GasteizOptional

* Indicative classification based on public transport availability, geographical location and whether the race is point-to-point. "Pickup" shows the most practical car collection point based on each race's tips.

Do you need a car for your next race?

Every race has different accessibility. Explore the Pack 360 for any event to see specific rental recommendations, or use the planner to organise your entire season.

Gear guides

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The Trail Runner's Boot: Car Kit for Race Day

Cooler, boot organizer, portable shower and car mattress for long drives and early starts.

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