Car Rental in Bilbao

Where to drive

• San Sebastian: Drive east along the beautiful coast to San Sebastian, famous for its beaches and pintxos. The journey is approximately 100 km (1 hour 15 minutes).
• Rioja Alavesa Wine Region: Head south into the rolling vineyards of La Rioja Alavesa, visiting charming towns like Laguardia for wine tasting. It's about 80 km (1 hour) away.
• Biarritz, France: Cross the border into the elegant French Basque Country to Biarritz for a taste of French coastal charm. This trip is around 150 km (1 hour 45 minutes).
• Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Urdaibai estuary, including the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This scenic drive is roughly 40 km (45 minutes).
• Vitoria-Gasteiz: Discover the green capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, with its medieval old town and parks. It's about 65 km (45 minutes) inland.
• Santander: Drive west along the Cantabrian coast to the elegant port city of Santander, offering beautiful beaches and a royal palace. The distance is approximately 100 km (1 hour 15 minutes).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you generally need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet or is not an EU-issued license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically required. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, and some companies may require drivers under 25 to pay a young driver surcharge. A driving experience of at least one year is often mandatory.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bilbao vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in off-peak months, while SUVs could range from 50-80 EUR and premium vehicles upwards of 100 EUR. Expect prices to increase by 30-50% during the peak summer months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads outside urban areas, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.03% for new drivers (less than 2 years experience). Headlights must be used in tunnels and in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

Parking in Bilbao can be challenging, especially in the city center. On-street parking often falls under regulated blue or green zones (OTA/TAO), requiring payment via meters or apps for limited durations. Blue zones are for general use, green zones are often preferential for residents. Underground car parks are widely available and can be a convenient option, though they come with hourly or daily fees. Free parking is rare in central areas but can be found further out, often near metro stations.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Bilbao and its surrounding areas. Both unleaded petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are common. LPG (autogas) stations are less frequent but can be found. Fuel prices are comparable to Western European averages, fluctuating but typically around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol. Most stations accept major credit and debit cards, and some may have attendants during business hours, while others are self-service.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Bilbao, an economy or compact car is ideal due to narrower streets and easier parking. If you plan extensive trips into the Basque mountains or along the rugged coast, a more powerful compact or mid-size car might be more comfortable. An SUV could be a good choice for longer road trips with more luggage or if you anticipate driving on less-maintained rural roads, though most main routes are excellent. Manual transmission is standard in Spain, but automatics are available, often at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions