Emergency Numbers in Spain: 112 and the Complete List

112 — the one number to remember

112 is Spain’s single emergency number, and it is the same across the entire European Union. One call reaches the police, ambulance service and fire brigade — the operator coordinates whichever service you need, so you do not have to know which to ask for.

• It is completely free — from landlines, mobiles, and even phones with no credit or no SIM card.
• English is available — 112 operators in tourist regions handle English, French and German as standard.
• It works anywhere in Spain, including the Canary and Balearic Islands.
• Your location can be traced — modern mobiles send AML location data to the 112 centre, which helps if you are not sure exactly where you are.

If you are ever unsure which number to call, call 112. It is the safest default for any genuine emergency.

Direct emergency numbers in Spain

Spain also keeps the older direct-dial numbers in service. If you know exactly which service you need, these connect you straight to it:

• 112 — General emergencies (all services, EU-wide, English spoken)
• 091 — Policía Nacional (National Police — serious crime, cities and large towns)
• 062 — Guardia Civil (rural areas, motorways and major roads, traffic incidents)
• 092 — Policía Local / Municipal (local matters, minor traffic, town centres)
• 061 — Emergencias Sanitarias (medical emergencies and ambulances)
• 080 / 085 — Bomberos (fire brigade — the number varies by municipality)
• 016 — Gender-violence helpline (free, confidential, leaves no trace on the phone bill)

Which number should I call?

For most situations, 112 is the right call — but here is the direct route if you prefer it:

• Car accident on a motorway or rural road → 112, or 062 (Guardia Civil de Tráfico). Then call your insurer’s assistance line.
• Car accident or breakdown in town → 112 or 092 (Policía Local), then your insurer.
• Theft, burglary or assault → 091 (Policía Nacional) in cities, or 112. You will need to file a denuncia for any insurance claim.
• Medical emergency → 061 or 112.
• Fire → 080 (or 085) or 112.
• At sea or boating emergency → 900 202 202 (Salvamento Marítimo) or 112.

Useful non-emergency numbers

• 060 — General government information line
• 011 — DGT traffic and road-conditions information
• 91 562 04 20 — National Toxicology Institute (poisoning / Instituto Nacional de Toxicología), 24 hours
• 900 202 202 — Salvamento Marítimo (maritime rescue)

For a stolen or lost passport, contact your country’s consulate; the police denuncia (filed via 091/092 or online) is usually the first step.

What to say when you call

Stay as calm as you can and give the operator the essentials:

• Where you are — town, road number, a kilometre marker, or a nearby landmark. Location matters most.
• What has happened — accident, fire, medical, crime.
• How many people are involved and whether anyone is injured.
• Do not hang up until the operator tells you to — they may need more detail or give you instructions.

If your Spanish is not strong, simply say “English, please” — 112 will connect an English-speaking operator in most regions.

How your insurance fits in

The emergency services deal with the immediate danger; your insurance handles what comes next. After a car accident, your policy’s 24-hour assistance line arranges towing, a replacement vehicle and the claim. Travel and health insurance policies have their own emergency medical lines that can direct you to a private clinic and guarantee payment. As authorised Generali agents in Jávea, we make sure every client has the right assistance numbers and understands how to use them — all in English. Contact us or call 966 461 625.

Frequently asked questions

Is 112 free to call in Spain?

Yes. 112 is free from any phone, including mobiles with no credit and even phones without a SIM card. It is the same emergency number across the whole European Union.

Do 112 operators speak English in Spain?

Yes. In tourist regions and across most of Spain, 112 operators handle English, French and German in addition to Spanish. If you reach an operator who does not, say “English, please” and they will connect one.

What is the difference between 091 and 092?

091 is the Policía Nacional (National Police), who deal with serious crime in cities and larger towns. 092 is the Policía Local (Municipal Police), who handle local matters, town-centre incidents and minor traffic. For rural areas and motorways, the Guardia Civil on 062 is the relevant force.

What number do I call for an ambulance in Spain?

Dial 061 for medical emergencies and ambulances, or call 112, which coordinates ambulances along with all other services.

Who do I call after a car accident in Spain?

Call 112 (or the Guardia Civil on 062 on a motorway or rural road) if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Then call your insurer’s 24-hour assistance line to arrange towing and start the claim. Always complete the parte amistoso (European accident statement) with the other driver.

Is 112 the same in the Canary Islands and Balearics?

Yes. 112 works throughout Spain, including the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.

Sources & references

• 112.es — official information on Spain’s 112 emergency service.
• Ministerio del Interior — Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil.
• Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) — road and traffic emergencies.

This guide is general information, not personalised advice. Emergency numbers and procedures can change and vary by region. In any emergency, call 112.