How Far in Advance Should I Book a Rental Car?
For a Costa Blanca holiday, it is usually best to book your rental car as soon as your travel dates are reasonably certain. As a practical guide, consider booking 2–4 months ahead for July and August, 1–3 months ahead for Easter and major school holidays, 4–8 weeks ahead for spring and autumn, and 1–4 weeks ahead during quieter winter periods.
You may still find a rental car much closer to arrival, but waiting reduces your choice of vehicles. Automatic cars, larger family vehicles, seven-seaters and other limited categories are particularly likely to become unavailable before standard small cars.
With Blanca Cars, last-minute bookings may be possible when vehicles are available. The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that online reservations can be made up to 12 hours before arrival, while customers needing a vehicle with less notice should contact Blanca Cars directly.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Rental cars in Spain, with specific recommendations for the Costa Blanca and Blanca Cars customers
Quick Answer: When Should I Book?
There is no single booking time that is right for every trip.
For the Costa Blanca, we recommend using the following as a planning guide:
| Travel period | Recommended booking time |
|---|---|
| July and August | 2–4 months ahead |
| Easter | 1–3 months ahead |
| Christmas and New Year | 1–2 months ahead |
| May and June | 4–8 weeks ahead |
| September and October | 4–8 weeks ahead |
| November to March | 1–4 weeks ahead |
| Automatic vehicle | Earlier whenever possible |
| 7-seater or large family car | Earlier whenever possible |
| Last-minute rental | Check availability immediately |
These are recommendations rather than fixed rules.
A vehicle may be available tomorrow, or a particular vehicle category may already be fully booked several months ahead.
The most important question is therefore not:
How late can I book?
It is:
How important is it that I get the type of car I want?
If your holiday depends on having a particular vehicle size, automatic transmission or number of seats, booking earlier is the safer option.
Why Does Booking Early Matter?
A rental-car company has a limited number of vehicles.
Unlike a hotel, where hundreds of similar rooms may be available, a local rental company may have a much smaller number of vehicles in each category.
For example, there may be plenty of compact manual cars available but only a limited number of:
- Automatic cars
- Seven-seaters
- Large family cars
- SUVs
- Vehicles with large luggage capacity
- Specific premium categories
As those vehicles are booked, customers arriving later have fewer choices.
This is why booking early is particularly important when vehicle type matters to you.
How Far Ahead Should I Book for July and August?
For July and August on the Costa Blanca, we recommend booking approximately 2–4 months ahead whenever possible.
These are the busiest months of the main summer holiday season.
Destinations such as Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Calpe, Altea and Benidorm receive significantly more visitors during this period, and demand for rental vehicles increases accordingly.
You do not necessarily need to book four months ahead to get a car.
However, booking early gives you a better chance of getting:
- Your preferred vehicle category
- An automatic car
- Enough luggage space
- A larger family vehicle
- The collection and return times you want
If you already have flights and accommodation confirmed for July or August, there is usually little advantage in deliberately waiting to arrange the rental car.
Should I Wait for a Better Price?
Not necessarily.
Rental-car availability is a limited resource. As a busy period approaches, fewer vehicles may remain available.
Waiting in the hope of finding a cheaper deal can therefore mean that your preferred vehicle disappears.
When comparing prices, also make sure you are comparing the final rental cost, not simply the advertised daily rate.
Check what is included for:
- Insurance
- Deposit
- Excess
- Additional drivers
- Airport charges
- Fuel
- Mileage
- Optional extras
A cheaper advertised rate does not automatically mean a cheaper final rental.
How Far Ahead Should I Book for Easter?
For Easter on the Costa Blanca, booking around 1–3 months in advance is sensible.
Easter can produce a sharp increase in demand because several travel markets have school holidays at the same time.
The exact dates change each year, so the period of highest demand also moves.
If you need:
- An automatic
- A larger family vehicle
- Several cars
- A seven-seater
- Specific collection times
book earlier rather than relying on last-minute availability.
How Far Ahead Should I Book for May and June?
Around 4–8 weeks ahead is a good target for many May and June rentals.
These months are outside the busiest weeks of July and August, but they are still popular travel periods on the Costa Blanca.
Demand can be particularly strong around:
- Public holidays
- School holidays
- Long weekends
- Major local events
- The start of the summer season
If your dates are already confirmed, there is normally no reason to wait until the week before travelling.
How Far Ahead Should I Book for September and October?
September and October can still be busy car-hire months on the Costa Blanca.
The weather remains attractive, many visitors travel outside the main school-holiday period, and September in particular can continue to have strong demand.
Booking approximately 4–8 weeks ahead is a sensible general recommendation.
For an ordinary compact manual car, you may find availability much later.
For an automatic or specialist vehicle category, book earlier.
How Far Ahead Should I Book in Winter?
Availability is generally less pressured outside the main holiday periods.
For many rentals between November and March, 1–4 weeks in advance may be sufficient.
There are exceptions.
Christmas and New Year can be significantly busier than surrounding winter weeks, so we recommend arranging holiday-period rentals earlier.
Long-term winter rentals should also be arranged in advance because the same vehicle may be required for several weeks or months.
Read: Long-Term Car Hire on the Costa Blanca.
Should I Book an Automatic Car Earlier?
Yes.
If you specifically need an automatic rental car, we recommend booking earlier than you would for a standard manual car.
Spain has traditionally had a large number of manual vehicles, although automatic cars have become increasingly common.
Rental fleets may still contain fewer automatic vehicles than manual vehicles within particular size categories.
This matters especially if you need both:
automatic transmission + another requirement
For example:
- Automatic + large boot
- Automatic + family car
- Automatic + seven seats
- Automatic + specific vehicle size
The more requirements you combine, the smaller the pool of suitable vehicles becomes.
If you only drive automatic cars, don’t leave your reservation until the last minute during the summer.
Read: Automatic vs Manual Rental Cars in Spain.
Should I Book a 7-Seater Early?
Yes.
Large vehicles and seven-seaters usually represent a smaller proportion of a rental fleet than ordinary compact cars.
If six or seven people are travelling together, losing access to the correct vehicle category creates a bigger problem than simply selecting another small car.
You could end up needing:
- Two rental cars
- An additional driver
- More fuel
- Additional parking
- More complicated airport arrangements
For this reason, seven-seaters and large family vehicles are among the categories we recommend booking as early as possible during busy periods.
What About Families With Lots of Luggage?
Families should book based on passengers and luggage, not passengers alone.
A five-seat car does not necessarily have enough luggage space for five holidaymakers.
For example, a family arriving at Alicante Airport might have:
- Four passengers
- Four large suitcases
- Hand luggage
- A pushchair
- Child seats
A small five-seat vehicle could technically have enough seats but still be unsuitable.
If you require substantial luggage capacity, book early enough to choose a suitable vehicle rather than accepting whatever remains available.
Read: What Size Rental Car Do I Need?
When Should I Book a Car for Alicante Airport?
If you are flying into Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, we recommend booking the vehicle after your flights are confirmed rather than waiting until shortly before departure.
Booking in advance gives you time to:
- Provide your correct flight number
- Review collection instructions
- Check your driver’s licence requirements
- Understand the payment policy
- Request child seats
- Choose the correct vehicle size
- Confirm your arrival time
- Ask questions before travelling
For July and August arrivals, booking several months ahead is particularly sensible.
Blanca Cars specifically recommends advance booking for Alicante Airport during school holidays, Easter and the summer season.
Read: How Does Car Hire at Alicante Airport Work?
When Should I Book a Car for Valencia Airport?
The same principle applies to Valencia Airport.
Once your flights and holiday dates are confirmed, you can arrange your rental car.
If you are arriving during:
- July
- August
- Easter
- Christmas
- School holidays
book earlier whenever possible.
This is particularly important if you need an automatic or larger vehicle.
Read: How Does Car Hire at Valencia Airport Work?
Can I Book a Rental Car at the Last Minute?
Yes, if a suitable vehicle is still available.
Last-minute rentals are possible, particularly outside peak periods.
However, last-minute booking means choosing from the vehicles that have not already been reserved by other customers.
You may therefore have less choice regarding:
- Vehicle size
- Transmission
- Luggage capacity
- Number of seats
- Collection time
- Extras
If you suddenly need a car while already staying on the Costa Blanca, it is still worth checking.
Last-Minute Booking With Blanca Cars
At the time this guide was reviewed, the Blanca Cars FAQ states that customers can make an online reservation up to 12 hours before arrival.
If you need a rental car less than 12 hours before arrival, Blanca Cars asks customers to contact the company directly to check what can be arranged.
Last-minute availability is never guaranteed.
Can I Book a Car the Same Day?
Potentially.
If a vehicle is available and the rental company can arrange the collection or delivery, a same-day rental may be possible.
However, this should not be your planned strategy for a summer holiday.
There is a major difference between:
Can I possibly get a car today?
and:
Can I get exactly the type of car I need today?
The first may be possible.
The second becomes less likely as availability decreases.
When Should I Book if I Need Several Rental Cars?
Groups requiring multiple vehicles should book earlier.
Imagine three families travelling together who each need an automatic family vehicle.
Finding one suitable vehicle may be straightforward.
Finding three similar vehicles for exactly the same dates can be more difficult.
This can apply to:
- Weddings
- Family gatherings
- Golf groups
- Business groups
- Property-viewing trips
- Groups sharing a holiday villa
If several cars need to be coordinated, arrange them once the travel dates are confirmed.
Should I Book My Rental Car Before Booking My Flights?
Usually, flights and accommodation are the first things to confirm.
Once the travel dates are fixed, book the rental car.
However, if your holiday depends on a particularly unusual vehicle requirement — such as multiple seven-seaters — it can be sensible to check vehicle availability before finalising non-flexible travel arrangements.
For most ordinary holidays, the sequence is:
- Confirm flights.
- Confirm accommodation.
- Book the rental car.
- Add any required extras.
- Check documents and driving requirements before departure.
There is no benefit in intentionally leaving step three until the last few days.
Does Booking Earlier Guarantee a Particular Make or Model?
Usually, a rental reservation is for a vehicle category, not necessarily one exact make, model or colour.
For example, you may book:
- Small car
- Compact automatic
- Family car
- SUV
- Seven-seater
The exact vehicle supplied may depend on fleet availability.
If a specific feature is essential, make that clear when booking.
The important distinction is between a preference and a requirement.
For example:
“I would prefer a white car.”
is a preference.
Whereas:
“I have six passengers and therefore require at least seven seats.”
is a requirement.
Make essential requirements clear before travelling.
Does Booking Early Mean I Have to Pay Early?
Not necessarily.
Booking and payment are two separate issues.
Some car rental companies:
- Require full payment when booking
- Take a percentage as a booking deposit
- Take payment shortly before arrival
- Take payment when the vehicle is collected
You should check the individual rental company’s payment policy.
Blanca Cars
Blanca Cars currently advertises no online prepayment, with customers paying when they receive the vehicle under the applicable booking arrangements.
For eligible local deliveries between Villajoyosa and Oliva, customers can also arrange to pay cash on delivery. Cash payment is not available for Alicante Airport or Valencia Airport collections.
This means you do not necessarily need to delay making the reservation simply because your holiday is several months away.
Read: Do I Need to Prepay for Car Hire?
Example: Booking for a July Holiday in Jávea
Imagine a family of five travelling to Jávea from 18 July to 1 August.
They have:
- Two adults
- Three children
- Four suitcases
- Hand luggage
- One pushchair
They also want an automatic vehicle.
January
They may be able to book, but their trip is still around six months away.
March or April
This is an excellent time to reserve.
Their flights and accommodation are confirmed, and there should generally be more vehicle choice than immediately before the trip.
June
They may still find a suitable car, but some automatic and larger categories could have more limited availability.
One Week Before Arrival
They can still check availability.
But if only smaller vehicles or manual cars remain, they may need to compromise.
Day of Arrival
A last-minute vehicle may be available, but relying on this would be unnecessarily risky for a family that specifically requires an automatic car with substantial luggage capacity.
The lesson is simple:
The more specific your vehicle requirements are, the earlier you should book.
What Happens if My Plans Change After Booking?
This depends on the rental company’s conditions.
Check:
- Modification policy
- Cancellation policy
- Whether changing dates affects the price
- Whether a different vehicle will still be available
- Whether changing the collection location is permitted
If your travel dates change, contact the rental company as early as possible.
Changing a reservation well before arrival is usually easier to accommodate than requesting a change during a fully booked holiday period.
Do not assume that extending or moving the dates of an existing reservation is automatically possible.
The vehicle may already be reserved for another customer immediately after your scheduled return.
Read: Can I Change My Car Hire Booking?
How Blanca Cars Recommends You Book
For customers travelling to the Costa Blanca, our general recommendation is simple:
Book once your travel plans are reasonably certain.
You do not have to book a year ahead for an ordinary holiday.
But there is also little advantage in waiting until the last minute when:
- Your flights are already booked
- Your accommodation is confirmed
- You know you will need a car
For busy summer dates, Easter and school holidays, arrange the rental earlier.
For automatic vehicles, seven-seaters and large family cars, book earlier still.
For quieter periods, you can often book closer to arrival.
Blanca Cars Recommended Booking Guide
July and August
Recommended: 2–4 months ahead
Book earlier for:
- Automatic cars
- Seven-seaters
- Large family vehicles
- Multiple vehicles
Easter
Recommended: 1–3 months ahead
Particularly important when school-holiday dates overlap in several European countries.
May and June
Recommended: 4–8 weeks ahead
Book earlier if vehicle type is important.
September and October
Recommended: 4–8 weeks ahead
September can remain particularly busy.
November to March
Recommended: 1–4 weeks ahead
Book Christmas and New Year rentals earlier.
Last-Minute Rental
Recommended: Check immediately.
Blanca Cars may be able to help, but vehicle choice depends entirely on remaining fleet availability.
Common Booking Mistakes
Waiting Because You Expect Prices to Fall
There is no guarantee that waiting will give you a better rental.
Vehicle availability can reduce as the arrival date approaches.
Booking the Smallest Car Based Only on Price
Make sure passengers and luggage actually fit.
Leaving an Automatic Until the Last Minute
If automatic transmission is essential, book it earlier.
Assuming All Vehicle Categories Have Equal Availability
A company might still have small manual vehicles after its seven-seaters are fully booked.
Booking Flights but Forgetting the Rental Car
Once the major elements of your holiday are fixed, arrange the transport you know you will need.
Not Providing the Correct Arrival Time
Use your actual flight and arrival information when requested.
Not Mentioning Essential Requirements
Tell the rental company about requirements such as:
- Child seats
- Number of passengers
- Large luggage requirements
- Automatic transmission
Do this before arrival rather than discovering a problem when the car is delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book a rental car early?
It can be, but a lower price is not guaranteed.
The main advantage of booking early is availability and choice. You have a better chance of securing the vehicle category you actually need.
Always compare the total rental price and included services rather than the headline daily price alone.
Is three months too early to book a rental car in Spain?
No.
Three months ahead can be a very sensible time to reserve a car for a summer holiday, particularly on the Costa Blanca.
If your flights and accommodation are confirmed, there is no general reason to wait until shortly before travelling.
Is six months too early?
Not necessarily.
For an ordinary rental, six months may be earlier than required, but there is nothing inherently wrong with booking that far ahead if the rental company accepts reservations for your dates.
It can make particular sense for:
- Peak summer periods
- Large groups
- Seven-seaters
- Multiple vehicles
- Specific vehicle requirements
Can I book a rental car one week before travelling?
Yes, if vehicles are available.
Outside busy periods you may still have plenty of choice.
During July, August, Easter or other high-demand periods, waiting until one week before arrival carries more risk.
Can I book a car the day before?
Potentially.
Blanca Cars currently accepts online reservations up to 12 hours before arrival, subject to availability. For less notice, customers should contact Blanca Cars directly.
Which rental cars should I book earliest?
Prioritise early booking if you need:
- Automatic transmission
- Seven seats
- Large luggage capacity
- A large family vehicle
- Several rental cars for the same dates
When should I book for Alicante Airport in August?
We recommend booking approximately 2–4 months ahead, particularly if you require an automatic or larger vehicle.
If your August flights are already confirmed, there is generally little reason to intentionally delay arranging your rental car.
When should I book a car for a winter stay on the Costa Blanca?
For ordinary winter dates, booking around 1–4 weeks ahead may be sufficient.
If you are staying for several weeks or months, arranging the rental earlier is sensible because long-term bookings affect fleet availability differently from short rentals.
The Simple Rule
If you only remember one thing from this guide, use this:
Book your rental car once your travel dates are reasonably certain, and book earlier when the season is busy or your vehicle requirements are specific.
You may find a car at the last minute.
But booking earlier gives you more control over what you drive rather than simply choosing from what is left.
Related Blanca Cars Guides
Continue with:
- How Does Car Hire Work in Spain?
- Do I Need to Prepay for Car Hire?
- Can I Hire a Car in Spain Without a Credit Card?
- Can I Use a Debit Card for Car Hire?
- What Size Rental Car Do I Need?
- Automatic vs Manual Rental Cars in Spain
- How Does Car Hire at Alicante Airport Work?
- How Does Car Hire at Valencia Airport Work?
- Can I Change My Car Hire Booking?
About This Guide
This guide provides general planning advice for booking a rental car in Spain and specific recommendations based on car-hire demand on the Costa Blanca.
Recommended booking periods are planning guidelines, not guarantees of vehicle availability.
Availability changes continuously according to dates, rental duration, vehicle category and existing reservations.
Published by: Blanca Cars
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
Review frequency: At least annually and whenever Blanca Cars booking procedures change.