Car hire in Bilbao, Spain

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Bilbao

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Bilbao car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Bilbao pick-up location

There are 32 car hire locations in Bilbao. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Bilbao

Hiring a car in Bilbao: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyCentauro
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 2,174
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Bilbao

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Bilbao car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bilbao

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Bilbao and be on your way for around R 2,174 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.

  • Lock in your ride in November and accelerate your savings. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in Bilbao, with average daily rates of R 353.

  • We've cracked the code on when to book. Four weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with a cheap rental car in Bilbao.

  • Record Go, Click and Rent and Rentbycar are some popular providers offering car hire deals in Bilbao.

  • The coverage Record Go or another supplier offers for your Bilbao car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in Bilbao. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Bilbao that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.

  • Jetting into Bilbao? Consider booking one of the car rentals in Bilbao Airport. That way, you can take off on your terms not long after landing.

Compare car hire types in Bilbao

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Bilbao gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved 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 and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Bilbao makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Bilbao car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Take your ride to the next level with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Bilbao.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in Spain, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before securing your wheels.

  • Add a car seat to your Bilbao car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Bilbao

  • Make time for the biggest attractions in the city once you've found your car hire deal in Bilbao. Guggenheim and Bilbao BBK Live are essential viewing before leaving town.

  • Feel right at home in Bilbao by staying at Spirit Hotel Gran Bilbao or LATROUPE La Granja.

  • Around 97 kilometres south-east of central Bilbao, Logroño deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Camino de Santiago Park and Bodegas Campo Viejo.

  • Popular accommodation options in Logroño include Holiday Inn Express Logroño Rioja by IHG and Hotel Sercotel Portales.

  • Or collect 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 highlights that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Hotel Rio Bidasoa and Ibis Irun are comfy places to stay in Irun if you're in town for a while.

  • Extend your journey and road-trip it to San Adrián, around 129 kilometres south-east of Bilbao. First, swing past Parroquia de San Adrián, then head to San Adrián.

  • Snooze the night away in San Adrián at Parador de Calahorra. Hotel Ciudad De Calahorra also makes bedtime something to look forward to.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Bilbao will set you back around R 2,174 per day or R 5,410 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Bilbao is a mini convertible. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Bilbao are currently Rentbycar and Enterprise.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Bilbao is currently November.
On average, around R 5,410. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Bilbao is R 2,071.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Bilbao for a whole month is R 30,361. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Bilbao, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Bilbao that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Bilbao.
Most places – Bilbao included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 795 per day. The average price per day is around R 2,174.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Centauro, Click and Rent and Rentbycar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Bilbao.