Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Santander - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Santander
Santander
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santander
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santander
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santander
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 Santander?
Santander, a jewel on Spain’s northern coast, offers stunning beaches, vibrant city life, and easy access to the Cantabrian Mountains. While the city centre is walkable, a rental car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the region’s diverse attractions.
Explore Cantabria's Coastline. From Playa del Sardinero to hidden coves, a car allows you to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Cantabrian coast at your own pace.
Access Natural Parks and Mountains. Drive into the Picos de Europa National Park or explore the Saja-Besaya Natural Park with ease, enjoying hiking, scenic views, and charming rural villages.
Visit Nearby Towns and Cities. Easily venture to picturesque towns like Santillana del Mar or the bustling city of Bilbao, all within a comfortable driving distance.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santander
Before renting a car in Santander, it's essential to understand the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance policies, and specific regulations concerning mileage and fuel.
Area
35 square kilometres (14 square miles)
Population
Approximately 172,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), GMT+1
Ideal for
Exploring Cantabria and nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect traffic during peak hours: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license, while others may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is recommended. A security deposit is held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is common, requiring the car to be returned with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in Santander – How Much Does It Cost?
Understanding car rental prices in Santander involves considering various factors, including the type of car, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10.80 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31.50 per day
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21.50 / €20.50 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $12.60 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (October 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 Santander?
Booking a car in Santander is straightforward if you follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental.
General Information About Santander
Santander is a vibrant port city that blends beautiful beaches with rich cultural heritage. Renting a car can significantly enhance your travel experience, allowing you to explore beyond the city limits.
As the capital of Cantabria, Santander offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Driving in Santander requires awareness of local traffic regulations, parking availability, and fuel access, especially if you plan to explore surrounding areas.
Top Attractions to Discover
El Sardinero Beaches
Enjoy the golden sands and clear waters of Santander's most famous beaches.
Palacio de la Magdalena
Visit this stunning royal palace located on the Magdalena Peninsula.
Centro Botín
Explore modern art and architecture at this iconic cultural centre.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use underground parking garages for secure, central parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid city centre traffic.
Gas Stations in Santander
Major Brands
Find Repsol, Cepsa, and Galp stations throughout the city and along major roads.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available, but plan ahead if venturing into rural areas.
Payment
Most stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santander
Traffic
Be aware of traffic, especially during peak hours and around the city centre.
Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, which are typically lower in urban areas.
Navigation
Use GPS or a navigation app to help find your way around.
Local Customs
Be patient and courteous when driving, and respect local driving customs.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santander
Major Bus Stations
Santander Bus Station
The main bus terminal offering connections to various national and international destinations.
Railway Stations
Santander Railway Station
Provides rail services to other major cities in Spain.
Airports
Santander Airport (SDR)
Located just 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the city centre, offering domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santander?
To rent a car in Santander, you’ll need to meet a few essential requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
A valid driver’s license is required, either from your home country or an international driving permit if necessary.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santander 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.
Santander's charm exceeded expectations! Returning after so long, the city felt fresh and vibrant, easily explored by car.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
Santander was even better than I remembered! Getting around with a car was a breeze.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Back in Santander after years away, and it's even more beautiful! Exploring by car was perfect.
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 13.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Evans
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Santander was efficient for my business trip. Having a car made getting around easy, although the tapas restaurant I tried wasn't particularly memorable.
Amelia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Exploring Santander by car was great, although the local seafood was a bit underwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Santander was fantastic for a family vacation! Having a car made getting around so much easier. The cathedral was impressive, although the gift shop selection felt a bit limited.
Ava Peterson
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Lovely coastal drive through Santander. The beach was crowded, but the city itself was charming.
David Miller
Reviewed: 24.08.2024