Playing padel and tennis: courts, apps and partners

Key rules

• Booking: You rent the whole court by the hour and book and pay in an app.
• Cancellation: Check the club's cancellation window before paying, or you may lose your money.
• Cheapest option: Municipal courts cost least, but some require resident registration.
• Level: Be honest about your level so open matches suit you.

How it works: rent a court, book in an app

Padel is played in fours, and you rent the whole court by the hour. Most clubs sell 60 or 90 minute slots. You book and pay online, usually through the club's app, and split the cost with the other players.

Which app to use

Playtomic is the main app for padel and, increasingly, tennis and pickleball. It shows availability, prices and open matches at partner clubs. You pay in the app and can share the cost between players.

Other booking systems exist, and some clubs have their own website or app. Municipal courts often use the city's own online booking portal, or you book through the sports office. Ask your town hall's sports office which applies.

To book, pick a club, a date and a time slot. Then pay in full or share the cost. Read the cancellation window first. If you cancel inside it, you get a refund.

What it costs

In 2025, a court typically cost 12-30 euros per 90 minutes in much of Spain. With four players, that is 3-8 euros per player per hour.

• Big cities and tourist areas, such as Madrid, Barcelona or Marbella, cost more. Prime evening slots can reach 30-50 euros or more for 90 minutes.
• Off-peak daytime slots are often cheaper.
• Indoor courts usually cost a few euros more than outdoor ones.
• Some courts add a lighting charge.
• Subscriptions or memberships give discounts.
• Municipal courts are the cheapest, often 6-15 euros per court-hour. Some require you to be registered as a resident.

Finding partners

Open matches are the easiest start. In the app, you join or create a game limited to a level range. The app gives you a numeric level from a short questionnaire and adjusts it after your matches. Answer honestly, because it gives you better games.

Other ways to meet people:

• Beginner classes (clases) with a coach, which often connect players.
• Club ladders, leagues and tournaments.
• Americanas, which are social events where partners rotate.
• Local social groups online.

Ask clubs near you what they run. The checklist below walks you through the steps.

Checklist

• Download Playtomic and check court availability, prices and open matches at nearby clubs.

• Compare the price of indoor and outdoor courts, and of off-peak and evening slots, before you book.

• Complete the level questionnaire in the app and answer it honestly.

• Join an open match that fits your level, or create one and share the cost.

• Read the club's cancellation window before you pay, so you can get a refund if plans change.

• Ask nearby clubs about beginner classes, ladders, leagues and americanas to meet regular partners.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a padel court cost per hour in Spain?

A padel court typically costs about 12-30 euros per 90 minutes in much of Spain, which works out at about 3-8 euros per player per hour when four play. Big-city private clubs and prime evening slots can reach 30-50 euros or more for 90 minutes.

Are indoor courts and off-peak slots priced differently?

Yes, indoor courts usually cost a few euros more than outdoor ones, and off-peak daytime slots are often cheaper than evenings. Some courts add a lighting extra, and clubs with a subscription or membership give discounts.

Can I join a padel game if I have no partner yet?

Yes, you can join an open match in Playtomic, where each game is limited to a stated level range. Beginner classes (clases) with a coach and club americanas, which are rotating-partner social events, also connect you with other players. Be honest about your level to get better games.

How do I book a municipal court?

Municipal courts often use the city's own online booking portal or the sports office rather than the usual apps. Ask your town hall's sports office which one applies and whether you need to be registered as a resident.