Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Santiago de Compostela
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santiago de Compostela
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santiago de Compostela
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santiago de Compostela
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.
Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, is a city brimming with history, culture, and stunning landscapes. While walking its charming streets is a delight, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding region at your own pace.
Explore the Galician Coast: With a rental car, you can easily access the rugged coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and beautiful beaches that dot the Galician shore.
Discover Hidden Gems: Venture beyond the city limits to uncover historic towns, lush countryside, and ancient Roman ruins, all easily accessible by car.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: A rental car allows you to set your own itinerary, travel on your own schedule, and visit multiple destinations in a single day.
Before booking a rental car in Santiago de Compostela, be aware of the standard rental conditions. These typically include age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance options, deposit policies, and fuel guidelines. Being prepared ensures a smoother rental experience.
Area
Approximately 220 square kilometres
Population
Around 100,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET)
Ideal for
Exploring Galicia and nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, drivers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Some companies may have a higher minimum age or charge extra for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & 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 original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage for peace of mind. A security deposit is typically required, often held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary, but full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Expect the average daily rate for an economy-class car to be around £20 / $25 / €23 per day, but prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €46 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $37 / €34 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $62 / €58 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €69 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
SUV:
from £25 / $31 / €29 per day
Peak season (July to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often sees discounts, providing better value
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a rental car in Santiago de Compostela is simple if you follow these steps.
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 size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card to the rental desk when collecting your vehicle.
Santiago de Compostela is a city steeped in history, known for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the surrounding region, including the Galician coast and countryside.
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain. The city's historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its stunning cathedral and vibrant atmosphere. While the city center is pedestrian-friendly, a car is useful for exploring the region beyond the city.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
A magnificent example of Romanesque architecture and the heart of the city.
Praza do Obradoiro
The main square in front of the cathedral, a gathering place for pilgrims and tourists.
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
One of the largest monasteries in Galicia, offering guided tours and stunning architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several underground parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure and convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but it can be difficult to find and may have time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using the park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and taking public transport into the center.
Gas Stations in Santiago de Compostela
Repsol
One of the main fuel chains, with stations located on the outskirts of the city and along major roads.
Galp
Another major fuel provider with convenient locations around Santiago de Compostela.
CEPSA
Offers fuel and other services at various locations in the region.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santiago de Compostela
Be Aware of Pedestrian Zones
The city center has extensive pedestrian zones, so plan your driving route accordingly.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially on roads leading into and out of the city.
Use a GPS Navigation System
A GPS can help you navigate the narrow streets and find parking.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Railway Stations
Santiago de Compostela Railway Station
The main train station, connecting Santiago de Compostela to other major cities in Spain.
Airports
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
Located about 16 kilometres from the city center, serving both domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations
Estación de Autobuses de Santiago de Compostela
The main bus station, providing connections to various destinations in Galicia and beyond.
To rent a car in Santiago de Compostela, you'll need to meet specific requirements.
Ensure your driver's licence is valid in Spain. EU licences are generally accepted, while non-EU licences may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Santiago de Compostela 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.
Charming city, revisited after years; easy car rental made exploring a breeze.
Grace Murphy
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Alice Smith
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Okay, but kinda touristy
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.06.2025
Pleasant surprise, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Pretty chill place
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Having a car made exploring the region so easy. Santiago was charming.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 14.04.2025
Summer in Santiago was fantastic! Having a car let us easily explore the stunning Galician countryside. The city itself is beautiful, a perfect blend of history and vibrancy.
Evelyn Davis
Reviewed: 04.04.2025
Santiago in July was magical! Getting around with a car was a breeze, allowing us to easily explore the charming city and surrounding areas. Highly recommend!
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 13.10.2024
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Relaxing, good vibes.
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 27.02.2025