Basque Country Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Basque Country

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Bilbao

Bilbao

What you need to know for your Basque Country car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Basque Country

Renting a car in Basque Country provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this unique region at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and craft flexible travel plans while visiting key attractions. For culture enthusiasts, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao offers an enriching experience, while the Concha Promenade and Plaza de La Constitucion in San Sebastián provide delightful city experiences. The convenience of a rental car allows you to explore popular destinations like Bilbao, with its vibrant city life and cultural sites, and the beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes of San Sebastián. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or leisurely beach days, having a car makes it simple to navigate between these attractions, such as the stunning views from Monte Igueldo. For families and groups, renting a car ensures ample space for luggage and the ability to travel together without the constraints of public transportation schedules. Overall, a rental car enhances your ability to enjoy the diverse offerings of Basque Country, making your trip more enjoyable and personalized.

Most popular car rentals in Basque Country

  • Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travelers along with 3 large suitcases. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and space during their travels in Basque Country. Midsize SUVs also offer a great balance of power and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for both urban and rural driving.
  • Compact: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families, compact cars can comfortably fit up to 5 travelers and accommodate 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly advantageous for navigating city streets and securing parking in tight spots. Compact vehicles are convenient for those who prioritize fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
  • Economy: This option is a smart choice for solo travelers, couples, or families who need space for up to 5 travelers and 2 medium suitcases. Economy cars are designed to be lightweight and fuel-efficient, making them a cost-effective option for exploring Basque Country. They provide ease of handling, especially in urban areas, while still offering enough comfort for your journey.

Where to stay in Basque Country

  • San Sebastián: Known for its stunning beaches and outdoor experiences, San Sebastián is perfect for families and beach lovers. Visitors can explore attractions like the beautiful Concha Promenade and the vibrant Plaza de La Constitucion, both offering cultural insights. For adventure seekers, Monte Igueldo provides breathtaking scenery. Alongside these landmarks, enjoy a variety of nearby dining options, including local wineries and restaurants, enhancing your stay with delightful culinary experiences.
  • Bilbao: A cultural hub, Bilbao attracts travelers looking for a mix of outdoor activities and rich heritage. The iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, while Plaza Nueva and Plaza Moyua offer picturesque settings for relaxation and exploration. With a range of eateries nearby, from restaurants to wineries, you can savor the local flavors. Bilbao's vibrant atmosphere is particularly delightful during the warmer months, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities.
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz: This city is a great choice for families and culture aficionados alike. Key highlights include Virgen Blanca Square, a lively gathering spot, and the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vitoria. Mendizorroza Stadium adds a historical sports element to your visit. Vitoria-Gasteiz also boasts a variety of dining options, including local wineries, making it a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The city's charming ambiance is best enjoyed in the spring and summer months.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Basque Country

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you’re in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to benefit from lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Other rentals may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just make sure to return the car with an empty tank in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning to take long road trips, seek rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Basque Country

The best value period to rent a car in Basque Country is February, when both prices and demand are low. Following this, March and November also offer slightly low prices with average demand, making them decent options. However, mid-summer months like July and August see a rise in both prices and demand, with August being the most expensive month for rentals. June experiences high demand as well, so it's best to plan accordingly if you're looking for more affordable rates.

Find Basque Country Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Basque Country car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Basque Country, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Basque Country offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Basque Country car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Basque Country to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Basque Country airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Basque Country rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Basque Country airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Basque Country?
You can find cheap car rentals in Basque Country from $11 a day with OK Mobility's economy 4-5 door cars. If you pick up in San Sebastián, rates can start from $11 a day. From these locations, it's an easy drive to towns like San Sebastián and Bilbao. Suppliers such as Sixt and Enterprise operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Basque Country.
What are the best car rentals in Basque Country?
Car rentals across Basque Country offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car, broadly available in the region's main cities — San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Zarautz. The most common car classes include:
  • Economy SUV
  • Economy elite 4-5 door
  • Compact SUV
  • Fullsize elite SUV
  • Compact elite SUV
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Basque Country.

What are the best car rental companies in Basque Country?
For car rentals across Basque Country, well-rated providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities — San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Zarautz. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Bilbao Aeropuerto (BIO) for exploring Basque Country?
Yes — you can pick up a rental car right at Bilbao Aeropuerto (BIO) for exploring the Basque Country. Providers including Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car operate at the airport, with rates from around $13 a day. Bilbao Aeropuerto is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from San Sebastián to Bilbao.
Can I rent a car one-way in Basque Country?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across the Basque Country — pick up in one city, such as San Sebastián, and drop-off in another, like Bilbao, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Basque Country?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Basque Country, including San Sebastián and Bilbao. Sixt and Enterprise both offer a hybrid from $11 a day. EVs keep fuel costs low, and charging is widely available along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Basque Country?
For luxury car rentals across Basque Country, Sixt offers fullsize elite SUV cars from $16 a day (and midsize elite SUV from $22 a day), while Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car add premium categories — high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Basque Country.
What are the best car rentals in Basque Country for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Basque Country, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across the region's cities, from San Sebastián to Bilbao:
  • Sixt: midsize SUV from $19 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Enterprise: standard passenger van from $41 a day — seats up to 10 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Alamo Rent A Car: fullsize SUV from $42 a day — seats up to 6 with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Basque Country.

What are the best car rentals in Basque Country for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in the Basque Country for solo travelers are economy and compact classes — small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao:
  • Economy car, from $13 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact car, from $16 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in the Basque Country.

What are the best car rentals in Basque Country for couples?
The best car rentals in the Basque Country for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao:
  • Midsize car, from $19 a day — fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $16 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a fullsize convertible — fits up to 2 large suitcases — for scenic drives around the Basque Country. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in the Basque Country.

What are the closest airports to Basque Country for car rental pick-up?
Several airports across Basque Country offer car rental pick-up, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Bilbao Aeropuerto (BIO)
  • San Sebastián Airport (EAS)
Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

What are the best road trip destinations from Basque Country by rental car?
From the Basque Country, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the San Sebastián hub include:
  • Cote des Basques, Biarritz, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France, approximately 1 mile away
  • Concha Beach, San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain, approximately 1 mile away
  • Zurriola Beach, San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain, approximately 1 mile away
  • Anglet Beach, Anglet, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France, approximately 2 miles away
Time your trip around events like DONOSSKINO, or add activities such as Biarritz, Saint Jean De Luz & San Sebastián. With cities like Bilbao also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Basque Country.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Basque Country?
In Basque Country, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Basque Country?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Basque Country. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Basque Country?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Basque Country?
Budget car rental in Basque Country can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Basque Country?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Basque Country. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Basque Country car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Basque Country?
To rent a car in Basque Country, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Basque Country car rental?
If you need to cancel your Basque Country car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation