How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bilbao
Need a cheap rental car in Bilbao? With prices averaging R 1,105 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a go-anywhere compact, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we round up all the top offers to get you more for your money.
R 81 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Bilbao.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 219 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Bilbao car hire. Try booking around four weeks before your departure date.
Check out the offers available with Record Go, Click and Rent and Rentbycar. They're some of the top providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Bilbao car hire policy, whether you book with Record Go or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Bilbao.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average R 422 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around R 644.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly R 591 a day.
After a car that works for most trips? The Economy rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Bilbao.
Flying to Bilbao? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Bilbao, make tracks sooner by booking a car hire at Bilbao Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Bilbao
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Bilbao car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Bilbao big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Bilbao car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Bilbao.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in Spain is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always read your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you should add a car seat to your Bilbao car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Spain.
Keep within local speed limits of about 20kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Spain. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 9am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with your card when you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Spanish is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in Bilbao for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Hotel Ortuella takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Bilbao and also comes with air conditioning and internet access.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Palacio Urgoiti. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this option, which also features bicycle rentals and a laundry.
Browse the selection of hotels in Bilbao for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Bilbao and your hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at leading attractions like Guggenheim, El gran Árbol y el Ojo (Museo Guggenheim) and Van Gogh Experience: La exposición - Next Museum Bilbao.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bilbao
Logroño has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Camino de Santiago Park and Bodegas Campo Viejo. This city is about 97 kilometres southeast of central Bilbao.
Holiday Inn Express Logroño Rioja by IHG and Hotel Sercotel Portales are recommended accommodation options with parking in Logroño.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Bilbao and then take off to Irun. Roughly 97 kilometres east of Bilbao, Via verde del Bidasoa and Castillo de Gazteluzar are major attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Irun has some good places to stay including B&B Hotel Donostia Aeropuerto and Hotel Rio Bidasoa. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to San Adrián, around 129 kilometres southeast of Bilbao. Kick things off at Parroquia de San Adrián, then spend some time at San Adrián.
Drift off to sleep in San Adrián at either Parador de Calahorra or Hotel Ciudad De Calahorra. They've got a bed waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
