Car Rental in Santander

Where to drive

• Drive along the stunning Cantabrian coast to Comillas (≈ 48 km, 45 min), home to Gaudí's El Capricho, and continue to Santillana del Mar (≈ 30 km, 30 min), a medieval village often called "the town of three lies" for its beauty.
• Embark on a mountain adventure to the Picos de Europa National Park (e.g., Fuente Dé, ≈ 110 km, 1h 45 min), where you can take a cable car for breathtaking views.
• Explore the vibrant city of Bilbao (≈ 100 km, 1h 15 min) in the Basque Country, famous for the Guggenheim Museum, making for an excellent day trip.
• Discover the prehistoric Altamira Cave Museum (≈ 30 km, 30 min), a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing incredible Paleolithic art.
• Visit the charming fishing village of Castro Urdiales (≈ 75 km, 50 min), known for its medieval castle-church and picturesque harbor.
• Head inland to explore the Pasiegos Valleys (e.g., Liérganes, ≈ 25 km, 25 min), characterized by lush green hills and traditional cabañas pasiegas.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you typically need a valid driving license (held for at least 1-2 years), 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 from a non-EU country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age for renting is generally 21, though some companies may have a surcharge for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Santander vary significantly depending on the season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from approximately 20-30 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 60 EUR to over 150 EUR daily. Summer months (July and August) see the highest demand and prices, often 2-3 times higher than the winter low, with an average daily rate across all classes around 40-70 EUR.

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 national roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is approximately 0.05% (0.03% for new drivers). Headlights are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

Parking in Santander can be challenging, especially in the city center. Blue zones (zona azul) indicate paid street parking, usually enforced during business hours; you'll need to purchase a ticket from a machine. Green zones (zona verde) are often for residents but may allow short-term parking for non-residents with a ticket. There are numerous underground parking garages available, which are generally more expensive but offer convenience.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasolina/petrol and diésel/diesel) is widely available across Santander and Cantabria. Most stations are self-service, with attendants sometimes available during busier hours. Payment can be made by cash or credit/debit card. Fuel prices are regulated but can fluctuate; expect to pay approximately 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol and a similar range for diesel as of 2026.

Which car to choose

For city driving and exploring the immediate coast around Santander, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrow streets and easier parking. If you plan to venture into the Picos de Europa or tackle more mountainous terrain, an SUV or a car with a slightly more powerful engine and better ground clearance could be beneficial. A manual transmission is very common in Spain, but automatics are available, though often at a higher price.

Frequently asked questions