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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in San Sebastian
San Sebastian
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Sebastian
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Sebastian
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Sebastian
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 San Sebastian?
San Sebastian, a jewel on the Basque coast, offers stunning beaches, world-class cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. While walking is great in the city centre, a car unlocks the region's true potential. Here’s why you should consider renting a car:
Explore the Basque Country: San Sebastian is the perfect base for exploring nearby towns like Bilbao, Biarritz, and Pamplona. Public transport can be limited, but with a car, you can easily visit these destinations and discover hidden gems along the way.
Discover Coastal Routes: The Basque coast is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages, and scenic drives. A rental car allows you to experience the coastal roads at your own pace, stopping at viewpoints and beaches as you please.
Savour Culinary Delights: The Basque region is a food lover's paradise, with Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional cider houses scattered throughout the countryside. With a car, you can easily access these culinary hotspots and indulge in authentic Basque cuisine.
Rental Terms and Conditions in San Sebastian
Before booking a rental car in San Sebastian, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions. Here's what you need to know:
Area
60.89 square kilometres (23.51 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 188,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Ideal for
Exploring the Basque Country
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 6 PM – 8 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in San Sebastian is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage, but it's always best to confirm. Fuel policies vary, with 'full-to-full' being the most common – you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in San Sebastian – How Much Does It Cost?
Here's an idea of estimated daily prices for car rentals in San Sebastian:
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists visiting San Sebastian during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): You can often find discounts as demand decreases during the colder months. This is the best time to get cheaper rental rates.
*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 San Sebastian?
Here are the steps to follow when booking a car in San Sebastian:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the size of your group and the type of driving you'll be doing.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card when you pick up your rental car.
General Information About San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a beautiful city known for its beaches, cuisine, and culture. Renting a car can be a great way to explore the surrounding Basque Country.
San Sebastian is located in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Driving within the city requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
Top Attractions to Discover
La Concha Beach
One of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Historic district with narrow streets, pintxos bars, and churches.
Monte Urgull
Hill overlooking the city with panoramic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several underground parking garages are available throughout the city, but can be expensive.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, usually with time restrictions and payment required.
Park & Ride
Consider using the park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre and taking public transport in.
Gas Stations in San Sebastian
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in and around San Sebastian.
Major Brands
You'll find major brands like Repsol, Cepsa, and BP.
Payment
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Sebastian
Plan for Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel, especially during rush hour.
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to avoid getting lost in the narrow streets.
Be Aware of Pedestrians
Watch out for pedestrians, especially in the Old Town.
Consider Public Transport
Utilise local buses and trams to move around the city centre.
Key Transportation Hubs in San Sebastian
Major Bus Stations
Estación de Autobuses de San Sebastián
The main bus station in San Sebastian, offering connections to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Estación del Norte
The main railway station in San Sebastian, providing train services to other cities in Spain and Europe.
Airports
San Sebastián Airport (EAS)
Located about 20 kilometres from San Sebastian, offering domestic flights and some international connections.
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
A larger airport located about 100 kilometres from San Sebastian, offering a wider range of international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in San Sebastian?
Here's a checklist of what you typically need to rent a car in San Sebastian:
Make sure your driver’s licence is valid and up-to-date.
Check the rental company’s age requirements, as they may vary.
You’ll need a credit or debit card in your name to pay for the rental and cover the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as San Sebastian 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.
San Sebastian was even more beautiful than I remembered! Exploring the coastline with a car was so convenient. After all these years, it was a perfect trip.
Eleanor Jones
Reviewed: 15.01.2025
Absolutely loved San Sebastian! Coastal drives were breathtaking, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Sarah Williams
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
First time in San Sebastian, and it was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy. Stunning scenery.
David Garcia
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
San Sebastian was magical! Returning after years, exploring by car made it even better.
Ava Miller
Reviewed: 11.10.2024
Stunning coastal views! Our road trip through San Sebastian was unforgettable, so easy to get around with our rental car.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 01.02.2025
A spontaneous weekend in San Sebastian was fantastic! Renting a car made getting around so easy. The food was incredible, although the beach was a bit crowded.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 25.05.2025
Summer in San Sebastian was idyllic! Getting around by car was a breeze, and the beaches were stunning.
Thomas Moore
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
Family vacation in San Sebastian was perfect! Getting around with a car was so convenient, allowing us to explore hidden coves and charming towns. The food was incredible.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
San Sebastian was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring so easy, although the crowds at La Concha beach were a bit overwhelming. Renting the vehicle went smoothly, a great choice for this trip.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 07.11.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 01.02.2025