Car Rental in Bilbao

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Bilbao, Spain
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Mini
Citroen C1 or similar
Citroen C1
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Drivalia
$14.64 per day
Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Economy
Renault Clio or similar
Renault Clio
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
RentByCar
$22.79 per day
Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
Ford Focus
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Centauro
$26.51 per day
Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Ford Kuga or similar
Ford Kuga
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Record-go
$41.32 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Standard
Ford Kuga or similar
Ford Kuga
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Alamo
$58.69 / per day
Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Economy Elite
Peugeot 2008 or similar
Peugeot 2008
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Ok Mobility
$99.64 / per day
Bilbao Train Station Car Rental
Premium
Mercedes Benz C Class or similar
Mercedes Benz C Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$108.23 / per day
Bilbao Airport Car Rental
Compact Elite
Volvo XC40 or similar
Volvo XC40
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$126.85 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 19:28 on 2023-03-30. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
Spanish
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
34
Average car rental price
$62.33 / per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 100 km/h
56 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.4
Average gasoline price
$1.81 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.96 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.61 / 1 liter

Why rent a car in Bilbao?

Bilbao is one of the most interesting cities in Spain. Sophisticated and modern, yet with a touch of exciting history and some of the best restaurants in the country, it offers something for every visitor. Better yet, its proximity to other cities like San Sebastian and Pamplona, traditional villages, stunning mountains, and some of Europe’s best surfing spots makes it a great hub from which to explore the rest of the Basque region and northeastern Spain.

One-Way Car Rentals in Bilbao

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Bilbao and drop off in another city include:

  • From Bilbao to Barcelona - 101 offers from $19.34 per day
  • From Bilbao to Malaga - 154 offers from $20.59 per day
  • From Bilbao to Madrid - 101 offers from $20.59 per day
  • From Bilbao to Santander - 61 offers from $18.08 per day
  • From Bilbao to A Coruña - 98 offers from $20.59 per day

Top ways to enter Bilbao

  • Bilbao Airport: Located just 9km (5.4 miles) north of Bilbao city center, the largest airport in the Basque country hosts many flights to and from Southern and Western Europe, as well as some flights to the northern and eastern parts of the continent. One of the best airports in Spain according to various surveys, it served 5.5 million travelers in 2018.
  • Santander Airport: Serving the capital city of the neighboring Cantabria region, Santander Seve Ballesteros Airport is much smaller than its counterpart in Bilbao, yet offers many flights by low-cost carriers. The airport is just an hour’s drive west of Bilbao along the Bay of Biscay.
  • Biarritz Airport: Another small and cozy airport near Bilbao, Biarritz Airport is located in nearby France. It offers convenient connections to Paris, Lyon, Geneva, London, and other Western European destinations. Biarritz Airport is just a 90-minute drive from Bilbao, but keep in mind that you’ll be crossing an international border, so first make sure your car rental provider permits it.
  • Pamplona Airport: The capital city of the neighboring Navarre region is only served by two airlines, but offers year-long flights to and from Madrid and Frankfurt, as well as seasonal flights to the Balearic Islands. Pamplona Airport is less than two hour’s drive southeast of Bilbao.
  • By rail: If you arrive in Bilbao by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Bilbao Train Station, Bilbao-Abando.
  • By sea: If you arrive in Bilbao by ferry, you can easily pick up your rental car at the Port of Bilbao.

City facts

  • Bilbao enjoys an oceanic climate. Its summers are warm (but rarely extremely hot) and quite dry, while its winters are mild and wet. The average temperature is 21°C (69°F) in August, the warmest month, and 9°C (48°F) in January.
  • Because of its proximity to the Bay of Biscay, the average altitude of Bilbao is only 19m (62ft). However, there are two impressive mountain ranges nearby, the Cantabrian Mountains to the west and the Pyrenees to the east. Both offer excellent hiking, skiing, and wildlife-watching opportunities.

 

Top destinations and activities

  • Guggenheim Museum. A landmark of Bilbao, it is also one of the most famous modern art museums in the world. Paying homage to Bilbao’s many sailors and fishermen, the museum’s largest gallery was projected to resemble the fins of a fish (and was for a time, indeed, called the Fish Gallery). Works by Mark Rothko, Francesco Clemente, and many other famous artists can be found inside. A visit to Bilbao is incomplete without seeing the Guggenheim.
  • La Ria Maritime Museum. Located in the former shipyard of the city, this museum is made up of both indoor and outdoor exhibitions telling the story of the proud Basque seafaring history. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the topic, seeing this unique building is an awesome experience.
  • Santiago Cathedral. First built during the 12th century and heavily enlarged over later centuries, this gothic church is named after the patron saint of Bilbao. In the center of a larger architectural complex that also includes a fountain and a square, the cathedral is also an important milestone for those who walk the Way of Saint James (the Camino de Santiago).
  • The Basque Museum. Known for a unique culture and a language that’s not related to any other living tongue, the native inhabitants of the Basque region are considered to be one of the oldest cultures in Europe. From archaeological findings to national costumes, this small, but interesting museum is dedicated to all things Basque. In 2021, the museum celebrated its 100th anniversary.
  • La Ribera Market. In the heart of the old town, you’ll find Bilbao’s central market which is home to a fantastic food court where you can taste delicious pintxos, similar to tapas, and traditional Basque desserts, such as Carolina pastry.
  • Artxanda Funicular. Just a ten-minute walk from City Hall, the Artxanda cable car takes you to Mount Artxanda, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Traffic and parking

  • Speed limits - 30km/h (19mph) for all roads in the city of Bilbao (this started in 2020), 90km/h (56mph) on most standard roads outside of the city, 100km/h (62mph) on standard roads that are either one-way roads, roads with more than two lanes for at least one direction of traffic and roads with shoulders more than 1.5m wide, and 120km/h (74mph) on motorways (called autovías in Spain).
  • Despite being close to the sea, Bilbao is a surprisingly hilly city. Many of its streets are very steep and narrow, so be extra cautious, especially if you’ve chosen a large vehicle.
  • The car’s registration and insurance documentation always have to be inside the vehicle.
  • The driver and all passengers are required to wear seatbelts.
  • Children up to the age of 12 and measuring less than 135cm traveling in the front seat of a car must be seated in a child restraint system adapted to their size and weight.
  • Unnecessary use of audible warning devices (horns) is prohibited.
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
  • The emergency number is 112.

 

Toll roads

Most of the roads in Spain are toll-free. Toll roads are called ‘carretera de peaje’. On maps and road signs, all toll roads have to include a letter P after the road type. The acceptable payment methods may vary depending on the road, but most will accept cash. Regardless of the region, the average estimated price is €9.5 ($11.25) per 100km by car. See the official website for prices and more information.

Ideas for day trips

  • San Sebastián. Located on the French border and also known by its Basque name Donostia, this city is famous not only for having the most Michelin three-star restaurants per person in Europe, but also for its long impressive promenade, history of human settlement dating back as far as 25 thousand years, and as an important center for Basque language and culture. San Sebastián is about 100km (62 miles) east of Bilbao, a distance that can be traveled by car in a little more than 1 hour.
  • Vitoria. Also known as Gasteiz, the capital of the Euskadi Province gets less attention than its other two cities, Bilbao and San Sebastian. It is nevertheless a charming and relaxing place to visit thanks to its Medieval town center, modern museums, and many cultural events. Located just a 45-minute drive south of Bilbao, it’s easy to go there and see for yourself. 
  • Mundaka. An otherwise calm, pretty, and quiet place like many other small towns in Spain, Mundaka also offers some of the best surfing opportunities in Europe. The impressive waves coming from the Bay of Biscay have set some serious records and are an impressive sight to behold, let alone surf; however, beginners can also find plenty of opportunities in the area. Mundaka is just a 40-minute drive northeast of Bilbao.
  • Pamplona. Home of the Running of the Bulls and the capital of the neighboring Navarre region, Pamplona is one of the most interesting cities in northeastern Spain. The famous festival takes place during the second week of July, but there’s also plenty to enjoy during the rest of the year, including the city’s interesting architecture that includes the Pamplona Cathedral, a gem of Gothic architecture. The drive from Bilbao takes about an hour and 50 minutes.
  • Santander. An hour and 10-minute drive from Bilbao, Santander is a tranquil but beautiful city to explore on a day trip. Some of the main attractions are the Centro Botín, Santander Cathedral, and Palacio de la Magdalena. If you visit in summer, Santander also has incredible golden sand beaches.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental cars in Bilbao are the Nissan Pulsar, the Ford Fiesta, and the Opel Corsa, while the most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and intermediate.

Further destinations

  • Cantabria. Less populated and more remote than the neighboring Basque Country, Cantabria is famous for its beautiful natural areas, from its long, pristine beaches to the green Cantabrian mountains that have wildlife like European bison, brown bears, and wolves. More than anywhere else in Spain, it feels like true wilderness. The area also has a unique culture and set of beliefs that are still alive in small villages and can be learned about in its towns. Santander, the region’s capital, is just 100km (62 miles) west of Bilbao.
  • Biarritz. Located in the Basque country, but on the other side of the border, Biarritz feels both similar and different to places like Bilbao and San Sebastián. While undoubtedly Basque, its French influences are also clearly noticeable when it comes to food, buildings, and lifestyle. Traveling further up the coast, you’ll soon reach France proper, starting with the famous city of Bordeaux. Coming from Bilbao by car, Biarritz can be reached in 1 hour and 40 minutes. Keep in mind that you’ll have to cross a national border, so first, ask your rental car provider if they permit it.
  • Madrid. Large and modern, Madrid is one of the very few European capitals that can also feel extremely cozy and accessible. Come here in June or July when most local inhabitants are away on their summer vacations, and you’ll have the city’s impressive boulevards, museums, and churches practically all to yourself. Madrid is exactly 400km (250 miles) southwest of Bilbao and can be reached by car in four hours. 
  • The Pyrenees. Forming a natural frontier between Spain and France, the Pyrenees is a stunning place to visit. A large part of the mountain range is located inside Basque Country and can be easily reached from Bilbao. Other attractions, like the Valles Occidentales and Ordesa y Monte Pedro National Parks, are a three-to-four-hour drive away.

Car Rental Prices in Bilbao

  • Station wagons - from $40 per day
  • Large cars - from $57 per day
  • Medium cars - from $31 per day
  • Vans - from $88 per day
  • Premium cars - from $85 per day
  • Small cars - from $25 per day
  • SUVs - from $50 per day

Money-saving tips

Try these tricks to get a great car rental deal in the Basque Country:

  • Compare  the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Bilbao is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 70% cheaper than the yearly average and an entire 85% cheaper than renting a car in April. Come visit the Basque coast in winter!
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by:
Cristina Reina
This article was reviewed and updated by travel blogger Cristina, who loves discovering new destinations, new foods and cultures. On her blog, My Little World of Travelling, she shares exclusive local insights, detailed destination guides and hidden gems for those who want to explore Spain like a local.

What travel writers say

Dedicating at least one day to visiting Bilbao is compulsory if you want to get the maximum from your journey to Biscay. In case you are going to spend just one day in Bilbao, it is better to visit the top spots, as they really worth it, and dedicate most of the time to just walking around and enjoying the city’s vibes.
CACM
Caroline and Craig Makepeace
G’day, we’re Caroline and Craig Makepeace. Traveling since 1997 -> 13 years with our two daughters.
Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao tend to be the main hubs for English teaching positions in Spain but there are plenty of opportunities outside of these cities as well. Wherever you go within Spain, I recommend learning some basic Spanish before you go – it’s not too difficult to get to grips with and it will be immensely helpful.
JSF
Jeremy Scott Foster
My name is Jeremy Scott Foster, and I started this website as a way to connect and reach other people who also don’t resonate with the status quo. I don’t believe that there’s just one way to live your life.
Ola chicos and welcome to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque country, a region in the northern part of Spain with one of the best cuisines in the world and a unique architecture that you won’t encounter elsewhere! Located on the banks of the Nervión River, this city’s history dates back to the 14th century. Even then, it was a central commercial hotspot because of the port. It has become a stylish city and a top destination, especially since the Guggenheim Museum was finished in 1997. This city is one of the best places to stay as it has that Spanish charm, and let’s not forget about the delicious pintxos, their version of tapas!
Y
Yulia
Hi there! I am Yulia, a world-traveler, adventurer and an entrepreneur.

Top 20 Cities near Bilbao

  1. Madrid Car Rentals from $10.73 per day
    318.0 km / 197.6 miles away
  2. Barcelona Car Rentals from $25.60 per day
    466.8 km / 290.1 miles away
  3. Malaga Car Rentals from $17.19 per day
    749.1 km / 465.5 miles away
  4. Alicante Car Rentals from $12.88 per day
    591.8 km / 367.7 miles away
  5. Seville Car Rentals from $7.91 per day
    701.2 km / 435.7 miles away
  6. Valencia Car Rentals from $21.07 per day
    469.7 km / 291.9 miles away
  7. 449.1 km / 279.1 miles away
  8. Jerez Car Rentals from $29.75 per day
    776.6 km / 482.6 miles away
  9. Granada Car Rentals from $28.46 per day
    683.7 km / 424.9 miles away
  10. Girona Car Rentals from $38.05 per day
    489.5 km / 304.1 miles away
  11. Zaragoza Car Rentals from $56.33 per day
    237.8 km / 147.7 miles away
  12. Santander Car Rentals from $30.12 per day
    74.8 km / 46.5 miles away
  13. A Coruña Car Rentals from $30.48 per day
    442.3 km / 274.8 miles away
  14. Vigo Car Rentals from $32.67 per day
    481.4 km / 299.1 miles away
  15. Murcia Car Rentals from $33.69 per day
    609.4 km / 378.7 miles away
  16. Almeria Car Rentals from $40.87 per day
    719.4 km / 447.0 miles away
  17. Reus Car Rentals from $47.16 per day
    412.3 km / 256.2 miles away
  18. San Sebastian Car Rentals from $24.61 per day
    90.8 km / 56.4 miles away
  19. Asturias Car Rentals from $32.67 per day
    253.9 km / 157.8 miles away
  20. Oviedo Car Rentals from $26.70 per day
    238.2 km / 148.0 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Bilbao

  1. Bilbao Airport Car Rentals from $14.64 per day
    5.0 km / 3.1 miles away
  2. 73.1 km / 45.4 miles away
  3. 115.4 km / 71.7 miles away
  4. Leon Airport Car Rentals from $53.62 per day
    232.1 km / 144.2 miles away
  5. 244.2 km / 151.8 miles away
  6. Asturias Airport Car Rentals from $32.67 per day
    251.8 km / 156.5 miles away
  7. Madrid Airport Car Rentals from $10.73 per day
    313.4 km / 194.7 miles away
  8. 316.3 km / 196.5 miles away
  9. 323.7 km / 201.2 miles away
  10. Reus Airport Car Rentals from $47.16 per day
    412.3 km / 256.2 miles away
  11. 439.7 km / 273.2 miles away
  12. 446.1 km / 277.2 miles away
  13. Valencia Airport Car Rentals from $21.07 per day
    467.2 km / 290.3 miles away
  14. 467.4 km / 290.4 miles away
  15. 467.5 km / 290.5 miles away
  16. 468.4 km / 291.1 miles away
  17. 473.9 km / 294.4 miles away
  18. Vigo Airport Car Rentals from $32.67 per day
    477.9 km / 296.9 miles away
  19. Girona Airport Car Rentals from $38.05 per day
    490.9 km / 305.0 miles away
  20. 492.4 km / 306.0 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Bilbao?

Car rental prices in Bilbao vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Bilbao
$15.35
January
$10.59
February
$17.36
March
$46.76
April
$48.11
May
$50.31
June
$65.16
July
$49.91
August
$32.26
September
$24.96
October
$23.87
November
$27.13
December
The best month to rent a car in Bilbao is February (when prices for an Economy class start from $10.59). This is 69% cheaper than the yearly average and 84% cheaper than renting in July (when rental prices start at $65.16 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.

What’s the usual rental length in Bilbao?

Travel lengths vary from month to month: in January, travelers rent a car for an average of 14 days in April, the average rental period is 6 days.
Average Rental Length in Bilbao
14
January
7
February
7
March
6
April
6
May
7
June
7
July
7
August
7
September
7
October
8
November
6
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Bilbao?

The most popular month for renting a car in Bilbao is August, and the least popular is November.
Popularity of Car Rental in Bilbao by Monthly Searches
51%
January
47%
February
49%
March
62%
April
64%
May
119%
June
218%
July
237%
August
139%
September
106%
October
39%
November
71%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 6
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers RentByCar, Record-go, Alamo, Ok Mobility, Drivalia
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans
Lowest price $15 per day
Cheapest supplier Drivalia

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
RentByCar Renault Clio 5 2 Small cars
Record-go Opel Corsa 5 1 Small cars
Record-go Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
RentByCar Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Record-go Fiat 500X 5 3 Medium cars
Drivalia Citroen C1 3 1 Small cars
RentByCar Renault Clio 5 2 Small cars
RentByCar Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Record-go Seat Arona 5 2 SUVs
RentByCar Renault Megane 5 2 Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Israel
Opel Crossland
August 23, 2022
the trip had been lucky.from Bilbao to Logrnio and Santander
Slovenia
Seat Ibiza
June 13, 2022
I receaved a better car than expected.
Netherlands
VW Golf
October 4, 2019
Not if you only stay in Bilbao, because parking in downtown Bilbao is difficult and expensive

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
RentByCar
9.49 / 10
Lowest rated company
Interrent
7.79 / 10
Total number of reviews
18
Total rental companies
20
Average daily price
$62.33
Lowest daily price
$3.61
Total cars available
468

Top 20 Suppliers in Bilbao in 2023

RentByCar
RentByCar
Exceptional 9.5 / 135 reviews
1 location
$21 - $253
Centauro
Centauro
Exceptional 9 / 15 reviews
1 location
$24 - $48
SIXT
SIXT
Exceptional 9 / 14 reviews
3 locations
$32 - $80
Record-go
Record-go
Exceptional 9 / 174 reviews
2 locations
$24 - $229
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.9 / 20 reviews
3 locations
$48 - $169
Budget
Budget
Excellent 8.8 / 6 reviews
2 locations
$40 - $67
Europcar
Europcar
Excellent 8.8 / 8 reviews
3 locations
$30 - $87
National
National
Excellent 8.7 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$50 - $180
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.6 / 13 reviews
3 locations
$23 - $70
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.6 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$46 - $112
Thrifty
Thrifty
Excellent 8.5 / 1 reviews
2 locations
$41 - $41
Drivalia
Drivalia
Excellent 8.4 / 14 reviews
1 location
$15 - $47
Alquicoche
Alquicoche
Excellent 8.4
5 locations
Ok Rent A Car
Ok Rent A Car
Excellent 8.4 / 1 reviews
1 location
Hertz
Hertz
Excellent 8.4 / 2 reviews
3 locations
$46 - $46
Alamo
Alamo
Excellent 8.4 / 41 reviews
2 locations
$39 - $150
Dollar
Dollar
Excellent 8.3 / 3 reviews
1 location
$35 - $46
Ok Mobility
Ok Mobility
Excellent 8.1 / 78 reviews
1 location
$90 - $312
Goldcar
Goldcar
Very good 7.9 / 41 reviews
1 location
$46 - $63
Interrent
Interrent
Very good 7.8 / 5 reviews
1 location
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