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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Bilbao
Bilbao
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bilbao
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bilbao
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bilbao
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Bilbao?
Bilbao, a vibrant city in northern Spain, offers a unique blend of modern architecture, rich Basque culture, and stunning natural landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Bilbao and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Bilbao to discover the beautiful Basque countryside, coastal towns, and picturesque villages.
Visit Guggenheim Museum and other attractions. While the Guggenheim Museum is in the city, having a car allows for easy access to other museums, art installations, and historical sites in the region.
Enjoy the freedom of planning a self-guided tour. With a rental car, you are not tied to rigid public transport schedules. You can create your own itinerary and enjoy the flexibility of stopping wherever and whenever you want.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bilbao
Before booking a rental car in Bilbao, make sure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), have a valid driving licence, and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for extras or young drivers.
Area
41.6 square kilometres (16.1 square miles)
Population
Approximately 350,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Ideal for
Exploring the Basque Country
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Bilbao require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose a young driver surcharge for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is often included, but it's essential to verify. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Bilbao – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Bilbao?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Bilbao
Bilbao is a city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. A car allows you to fully explore the area, but it is useful to be aware of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.
Bilbao, located in the Basque Country, is known for its industrial past and revitalized modern presence. Driving in Bilbao offers the chance to visit the surrounding areas. Before driving, it’s important to know local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Guggenheim Museum
A modern architectural icon housing contemporary art exhibits.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Charming streets with shops, bars, and historical buildings.
Puente Colgante (Vizcaya Bridge)
A historic transporter bridge across the Nervión River.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Parking Saba or APK2 for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but may be limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use the metro system to access the city centre after parking outside the main area.
Gas Stations in Bilbao
Availability in the City
Fuel stations are available, but it is good to check locations beforehand.
Major Brands
Look for Repsol, Cepsa, and Galp.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bilbao
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and the metro with a contactless bank card or Barik card.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert as Bilbao has busy foot and bike traffic, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30–9:30 / 18:00–20:00) when roads are often congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bilbao
Major Bus Stations
Termibus Bilbao
The main bus station providing connections to national and international destinations.
Railway Stations
Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto Station
The main railway station, connecting Bilbao with other Spanish cities.
Airports
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Located approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) north of Bilbao, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bilbao?
Renting a car in Spain is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national licence.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Bilbao as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Quick business trip, but Bilbao charmed me! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze; I even managed a scenic drive along the coast. Highly recommend!
David Miller
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
So glad I returned to Bilbao after all these years! Having a car was perfect for exploring beyond the city.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Exploring Bilbao was a dream! Renting a car made it so easy to discover the region. Highly recommend!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.09.2024
Busy weekend in Bilbao! The Guggenheim was amazing, but the pintxos were a little pricey. Glad I had a car for exploring.
Evelyn Lee
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Bilbao was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. The Guggenheim was incredible, although the gift shop felt a bit overpriced. Relaxing beach days were just what I needed.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 09.01.2025