Car Rental in Vigo

Why rent a car in Vigo?

Vigo is an interesting city to visit. An important maritime and industrial center, it also has plenty of culture to enjoy like interesting churches, well-preserved architecture, and museums that house world-class paintings. Vigo can also serve as a great base for exploring the rest of Galicia. A unique region where Celtic heritage still runs strong, it is home to beautiful nature, quaint coastal towns, and the famous pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela,. With a rental car, even neighboring Portugal is within your reach.

Top ways to enter Vigo

• Vigo Airport: Also known as Vigo-Peinador, this airport handled 1.1 million travelers in 2018. The airport is served by six different airlines that offer flights to and from popular Spanish destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Tenerife as well as Paris in France. Located 14 km (9 miles) east of the city center, Vigo Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes.
• Santiago de Compostela Airport: The busiest airport in Galicia, Santiago de Compostela Airport handled 2.7 million travelers in 2018. The airport is popular with low-cost carriers like Vueling and Ryanair and has flights to and from about 10 countries in Europe as well as South Korea in East Asia. Located about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Vigo, the airport can be reached in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• A Coruña Airport: Serving the largest city of Galicia, A Coruña Airport handled 1.2 million travelers in 2018. Like Vigo Airport, it mainly serves domestic routes but also has flights to and from Heathrow Airport in London. The airport is about 155 km (96 miles) northeast of Vigo and can be reached in 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• Madrid Barajas Airport: The busiest in Spain and among the largest in Europe, Madrid-Barajas served 57 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a large hub for Air Europa and Iberia but also has many flights by low-cost companies like Ryanair, Wizz Air, Volotea, and Norwegian Air. In addition to countless European connections, Barajas Airport also has flights to destinations in Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Americas. Located some 600 km (370 miles) southeast of Vigo, Madrid Airport can be reached in 5 hours and 45 minutes.
• Porto Airport: The second-busiest in Portugal, Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro handled 11.9 million travelers in 2018. The airport is popular with the Portuguese flag carrier TAP, but also a number of low-cost companies. Located just 150 km (93 miles) south of Vigo, Porto Airport can be reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. To go from Portugal to Spain (or vice versa), you’d have to cross the international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it and what the fee is, if so. 
• By rail: If you arrive in Vigo by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the Vigo-Guixar railway station.

City facts

• Located in Northwestern Spain, Galicia’s climate is more similar to that of the British Isles than Spanish Mediterranean regions like Catalonia or Andalusia. Vigo is no exception to this rule as it has an oceanic climate with warm summers, cool winters, and high year-round precipitation. The average high temperature is 25°C  (77 °F) in August, the warmest month, and 12°C  (53°F) in January, the coldest.
• Galicia was home to the Western European Megalithic Culture, an ancient civilization that started as early as 10,000 years ago. Very little is known about these first inhabitants of the region, but impressive stone menhirs, dolmens, and petroglyphs can still be found all over Galicia. Later, Galicia was inhabited by different Celtic tribes, and many Celtic symbols and traditions continue to be a part of the modern Galician identity. The Celts were invaded by the Romans who in the 5th century gave way to the Kingdom of the Suebi. Ruled by Gothic-speaking elites, the kingdom has often been called the first country in Europe. Galicia only became part of the Kingdom of Castile, the predecessor of modern Spain, in the late 15th century.

Top sights and activities

• Vigo Municipal Museum. A cozy art museum in the center of the city, it specializes mainly in the best works of local Galician masters. However, masterpieces by world-famous painters like Francisco Goya, David Teniers the Young, and Pierre-Paul Prud’hon are also on display. The museum also has an archaeology section dedicated to the different cultures and civilizations that have inhabited Galicia over centuries. Entry in the museum is free.
• Castro Fortress. Standing on a hilltop and overlooking the city below, the 17th-century structure is one of the most impressive fortifications in the region. Built to protect Vigo from raids by the British Navy, the forts have ceased to fulfill their original function but remain a much-visited tourist landmark. Beautiful public gardens can also be found nearby.
• Galician Museum of the Sea. Vigo is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the sea has always been of extremely high importance for the inhabitants of the city. In the Museum of the Sea, you will find exhibitions on such varied subjects as marine biology, seafaring, representations of the sea in Iberian cultures, and the historic and present use of seafood in Galician cuisine. The museum also has a large aquarium where you can see the species of flora and fauna characteristic of the region. Located in one of the most unique buildings of the region, the Sea Museum is a must-see place.
• Monument to Jules Verne. This monument is one of the most interesting landmarks in Vigo. Although the famous French fantasy and science fiction writer only visited the city once during his lifetime, he devoted a chapter to the Bay of Vigo in his 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Appropriately for the genre, Verne is depicted sitting on a giant squid with outstretched tentacles. The monument is right on the coast in the northern part of the city, near the Royal Nautical Club.

Traffic and parking

• In Spain, driving takes place on the right-hand side of the road.
• Speed limits - 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, 90km/h (56mph) on most standard roads, 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 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 Spanish toll road website for prices and more information.

Ideas for day trips

• Santiago de Compostela. The final destination of the most famous pilgrimage in Europe, Santiago is the most visited place in Galicia. Even if you arrive by car, the city has plenty to enjoy, including the stunning Praza do Obradoiro church, the Pilgrimage Museum, and the Museum of the Galician People. Located 96 km (59 miles) north of Vigo, Santiago can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Located just off the coast of mainland Galicia, it is one of the most unique protected areas of Spain. The national park, made up of four small archipelagos, is home to thick laurel forests, long beaches, and deep quays as well as species of fauna like razorbills, guillemots, orcas, and whales. There are opportunities for hikes, as well as doing water sports like snorkeling. During the spring, summer, and early autumn months there are frequent ferries between Vigo and the national park (although it is a good idea to look up the schedule in advance); you cannot bring a car, but you can drive to the ferry port and leave it there to pick it up after returning
• A Coruña. The largest city in Galicia, A Coruña has plenty for a traveler to enjoy. Its landmarks include Hercules Tower (a lighthouse that was first built during Roman times), the ancient site of Castro de Elviña, and A Coruña Old Town. Travelers also love the nearby Praia de Pantin, the best surfing spot in Galicia. Located 160 km (99 miles) northeast of Vigo, A Coruña can be reached in 1 hour and 50 minutes.
• Cies Islands. Another small archipelago near Vigo, which is also a national park, Cies is a lovely place to visit. The islands have a combined permanent population of three, but that only helps their biodiversity, making them a lovely place to explore on a hike. A boat trip from Vigo takes about 40 minutes, with service being especially active during the summer months. Unfortunately, you can't bring a car, but the islands are small enough that you can get around on foot.
• Pontevedra. Located just half an hour’s drive up the coast, the provincial capital of Pontevedra is smaller than Vigo but just as interesting to explore. The city is primarily known for its beautiful architecture of Baroque, Renaissance, and various other styles. Inhabited since the Roman era, it retains some landmarks from these ancient times, not least the Sampaio Bridge.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Vigo is the Opel Corsa, although many travelers also go for the Nissan Micra and the Peugeot 208. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and standard.

Further destinations

• Leon. The capital of Castile and Leon Province, Leon is one of the oldest cities in Spain. From the gothic Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral and Church of San Isidoro to Guzman Palace and Casa Botines building designed by Antoni Gaudí, fascinating history and art can be found at every step. After seeing Leon, you can explore other cities of the region like Salamanca and Burgos. Located 180 km (112 miles) northeast of Vigo, Leon can be reached in about two hours.
• Asturias. Galicia’s neighboring region is best-known for its two beautiful cities, Gijon and Oviedo. Both are worthy travel destinations, but Asturias has even more to offer, including industrial heritage trails, a hauntingly beautiful coastline, and Picos de Europa National Park. Oviedo is 410 km (255 miles) northeast of Vigo and can be reached in four hours; you can explore the rest of the region from there.
• Praia de Catedrais. Located in a relatively remote northeastern part of the province of Galicia, the Beach of the Cathedrals is worth visiting for its dramatic rock arches and caves that only reveal themselves when the tide is low. The area is less than a three-hour drive from Vigo and can be visited on the way to the aforementioned region of Asturias. The neighboring settlement of Ribadeo, a border town between the two provinces, is also definitely worth a look for the magnificent bridge connecting the mainland to the green Pancha island and its lighthouse, as well as for its delicious seafood.
• Madrid. Located some 595 km (370 miles) to the southeast, the Spanish capital is not exactly around the corner from Galicia, but if you have enough time, the six-hour drive is definitely worth it, both for the road trip through this part of the country and the destination awaiting you. Famous for its art galleries, imperial architecture, and colorful neighborhoods, but equally for its modern, innovative spirit, Madrid is hands down one of the most impressive cities in Europe.
• Porto. The second city of Portugal is often named among the most beautiful places in the region; some travelers even prefer it over Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and other much-loved travel destination. From D. Luís Bridge to Sé Cathedral and Port Wine Institute, Porto has many landmarks. However, the number one attraction is simply roaming its steep, narrow streets and visiting the local markets or trying local cuisine at tiny riverside restaurants along the way. Located 157 km (97 miles) south of Vigo, Porto can be reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You’ll have to cross the international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it and how much the fee is.

Car rental prices in Vigo

• Small cars - from $28 per day
• Medium cars - from $27 per day
• SUVs - from $47 per day
• Large cars - from $35 per day
• Vans - from $62 per day
• Station wagons - from $81 per day
• Premium cars - from $136 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Get a great rental car in Galicia by following these simple tips:

• 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 Vigo is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 39% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 60% cheaper than renting a vehicle in August.