The word for “van” in Spanish will be essential if you’re traveling with a group, moving furniture or supplies, or want to plan a specific kind of road trip. Each of the words for “van” in Spanish can mean something a bit different. For example, you’ll want a furgoneta (delivery van) if you require a closed space in the back, a camioneta for something more like a pickup truck, and a monovolumen for the style of minivan popular with families.
If you know how to say coche/carro (car), “van” in Spanish is a great next step. Knowing the right terms allows you to rent or describe various vehicles. With Rosetta Stone, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road and learn Spanish while driving.
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Furgón/furgoneta
This word for “van” in Spanish refers to a larger vehicle with an enclosed body, mainly used for delivering mercancía (merchandise/goods). The difference between furgón and furgoneta is typically that the latter is smaller and more useful in tighter spaces, even though these terms are often used interchangeably.
A few specifics terms are:
- furgón/furgoneta de carga = moving van
- furgón/furgoneta de reparto = delivery van
Vans like these aren’t limited to commercial vehicles, however. They can also be designed to accommodate multiple passengers for shuttles, social groups, schools, teams, or very large families.
Camión/camioneta
The most common translation of camión in Spanish is probably “truck” instead of “van,” though colloquial use of these terms can vary. A camión often carries large loads and has a separate compartment for the driver, whereas a camioneta could be a pickup truck. A camioneta will probably have a caja abierta (open truck bed).
How to say “van” in Spanish can depend on geography and the influence of Spanish dialects. In Mexico and other places in the Spanish-speaking world, smaller public transport vehicles are called camión or camioneta. These might also be called autobús. In parts of the Carribbean, passenger vans can be known as guaguas.
Monovolumen
The monovolumen (minivan) comes from the prefix mono- (single/one) and volumen (volume/what fits inside). This is because there is just one continuous space to hold both passengers and luggage, rather than a separate trunk or storage compartment.
It’s considered a multi-use vehicle, able to shuttle small groups to and from the aéropuerto (airport) or accommodate a large family on daily errands and adventures. While you take the whole family on an adventure, enjoy a playlist of the best Spanish songs, and point out any signs in Spanish to get the most of an immersive trip to a Spanish-speaking area.
Camper vans and RVs
The versatility of a vehicle like a van lends itself to many uses, both practical and recreational. Roadtrippers who know how to share the road safely and locate appropriate overnight parking options can enjoy this style of van that has been converted into a place to sleep, cook simple meals, and provide living quarters. Varieties of these vehicles abound, so these Spanish words for “van” can refer to many specific styles.
Common words for RVs (recreational vehicles) are:
- casa rodante/casa móvil
- autocaravana
- cámper
This third option, often known as a “camper van” in English, is sometimes available for private hire, small group tours, or short-term rentals.
Vocabulary for road trips and travel
The right transporte (transportation) is an essential consideration when you’re planning a viaje (trip). Now that you have the right vocabulary for “car” or “van” in Spanish, these useful terms will help you plan your best experience.
| Spanish | English |
| alquilar/rentar | to rent |
| la carretera | the highway |
| el cinturón de seguridad | the seatbelt |
| el coche/el auto de alquiler | the rental car |
| conducir | to drive (Peninsular Spanish) |
| el conductor/la conductora | the driver |
| el equipaje | luggage |
| la gasolinera/la estación de servicio/la estación de gasolina | gas station/petrol station/service station |
| el maletero/la maletera | trunk/boot/luggage compartment |
| manejar | to drive (Latin American Spanish) |
| el pasajero/la pasajera | the passenger |
| la ruta | the route |
| el seguro | insurance |
| un viaje | a trip/a road trip |
Roadtrip like a local
Planning ahead involves more than booking plane tickets, reserving hotels, and downloading the Rosetta Stone app. Doing a bit of research on your next destination can uncover essential information about driving in other countries, using public transportation, hiring private drivers, renting cars or vans that can accommodate both you and your luggage, and much more.
The vocabulary for any particular style of car or van in Spanish can vary a bit, so learning the most standard terms and how to ask good questions in Spanish can help to facilitate smooth communication along the way.
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