Key Takeaways
- One-way van hire from the UK to Spain costs £400 to £2,500, depending on van size and service type.
- One-way rental can reduce costs by up to 40% compared to a return trip.
- Both self-drive van hire and man with a van to Spain are available.
- You need a valid driving licence, a VE103 certificate, and EU insurance cover.
- Comparing up to five free quotes is the easiest way to find the best deal
Why Choose One-Way Van Hire from the UK to Spain?
One-way van hire allows you to pick up a van in the UK and drop it off in Spain, without returning it. This option is ideal for international removals, student moves, and small household relocations.
Main Advantages
- No return journey or extra rental days
- Lower fuel, toll, and ferry costs
- Flexible scheduling
- Suitable for partial moves and small flats
What Types of Van Hire Services Are Available?
You can choose between self-drive van hire and man with a van services, depending on budget and comfort level.
Self-Drive One-Way Van Hire (UK → Spain)
- You drive the van yourself
- Lowest-cost option
- Best for experienced drivers and smaller loads
- Requires an EU-valid license and cross-border insurance
Man With a Van to Spain
- Professional driver included
- Help with loading and unloading
- Less stress and no long-distance driving
- Ideal for fragile items or first-time international moves
Related article
A complete guide to international van hire, costs, insurance, and tips.
How Much Does One-Way Van Hire from the UK to Spain Cost?
Estimated Van Hire Prices
One-way van hire from the UK to Spain typically costs between £400 and £2,500, depending on the van size, service type (self-drive or man with a van), distance, and season.
| Van size | Self-drive (£) | Man & van (£) |
|---|
| Small van | £400 – £600 | £1,100 – £1,800 |
| Medium van | £600 – £900 | £1,500 – £2,000 |
| Large van | £900 – £1,500 | £2,000 – £2,500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and vary by provider, route, and season. Prices are updated as of January 2026.
What’s included:
- Vehicle hire
- Basic insurance (varies by provider)
- One-way drop-off
Extra Costs to Plan For
When organising your move, it is important to take into accounbt extra costs that might come along the way.
Fuel (£250 – £500)
Fuel is one of the biggest variables in your move cost.
- Estimate: £250 – £500 depending on:
- Distance you’re driving
- Van size & load weight
- Fuel prices en route
- Bigger van + heavier load = more litres used.
- If your route is mostly motorway, budget at the higher end; quieter roads will be cheaper.
Tolls (France & Spain)
Toll charges on continental motorways add up quickly.
- France tolls can be significant if you use toll motorways the whole way.
- Spain also has toll roads in places.
- Budget separately for tolls rather than lumping them into fuel.
Sirelo tip: Some people reduce toll costs by mixing in A-roads (non-tolled), but that takes longer.
Is It Better To Go By Ferry Or Eurotunnel?
Getting across the Channel can take some time. To make sure your route fits your budget and is within your desired timeline, it is important to choose the right method.
- Eurotunnel Shuttle: quicker and convenient, but pricier at peak times.
- Ferries: often cheaper, but slower and dependent on schedule.
- Prices vary by: Day of the week, time of day, how far in advance you book
Request Up to 5 Quotes
What Documents Do You Need to Hire a Van to Go to Spain?
To legally drive a rental van from the UK to Spain, you’ll need:
- Valid UK or EU driving licence
- VE103 vehicle-on-hire certificate (mandatory)
- Passport (post-Brexit requirement)
- Cross-border vehicle insurance
- Rental agreement authorizing EU travel
Some providers also require written approval for international use—always confirm this before booking.
What Routes are Commonly Used from the UK to Spain?
Most van hires follow one of these routes:
- Eurotunnel or ferry (Dover–Calais) → France → Spain
- Alternative ferries: Portsmouth–Santander or Plymouth–Bilbao
- Driving time: 18–24 hours total (excluding rest stops)
- Seasonal note: Mountain routes may require winter tyres between November and March.
Self-drive vs Man with a van vs Full Removal
| Option | Best for | Cost level |
|---|
| Self-drive van hire | Budget moves, small loads | Low |
| Man with a van | Convenience, fragile items | Medium |
| Full removal service | Large households | High |
Recommended Van and Removal Companies (UK → Spain)
Sirelo Top Mover
9.6
515
Walsall
24 ratings as Good Price
24 ratings as "Good Price"
Pros
Strong experience in international removals; One-way UK to Spain routes available; Full move coordination and documentation support
Cons
Pricing can be higher for peak summer dates; Limited availability for last-minute bookings
9.8
195
Wolverhampton
46 ratings as Professional
46 ratings as "Professional"
Pros
Well-established UK removal company; Reliable man with a van services to Spain; Good support for customs and post-Brexit requirements
Cons
Less suitable for very small moves; Advance booking recommended for Spain routes
Sirelo Top Mover
9.6
350
Folkestone
69 ratings as Good Communication
69 ratings as "Good Communication"
Pros
Flexible self-drive and driver-assisted options; Competitive pricing for partial loads; Suitable for small removals to Spain
Cons
Longer transit times possible with shared loads; Fewer weekend departure options
How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Move?
- Self-drive van hire is best if you want full control and the lowest price
- Man with a van to Spain suits those prioritizing convenience and reduced driving stress
It is important to always check:
- EU insurance coverage
- VE103 certificate availability
- One-way drop-off approval
- Experience with UK → Spain routes
Comparing several providers helps you balance cost, comfort, and reliability.
How Do You Hire a Van from the UK to Spain?
Plan early, compare services, and prepare documents before booking
Step-By-Step
- Estimate your volume (use a calculator)
- Choose self-drive or man & van
- Request multiple quotes
- Check insurance and documentation
- Book early for peak months
Ready to Hire a Van to Spain?
Whether you choose self-drive or a man with a van, comparing quotes is the smartest way to reduce costs and avoid surprises. Start by requesting free quotes and find the option that fits your move best.
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