The best way to hire a car in Bilbao through FindYCar

The best way to hire a car in Bilbao through FindYCar

To hire a car in Bilbao, you need to:

  1. Find several good offers, compare prices, and choose the best one.
  2. Add extra features (no deposit, guaranteed model, for cash, no credit card, etc.) and fill out the form.
  3. Confirm your booking via Pay Now (a 20%/100% prepayment is required by card).
Location

Location

  • You are free to specify any location you prefer to collect your vehicle (this could be a city, airport, or delivery)
  • Enter the start and end dates of the rental and perform a search.
Booking

Booking

  • Choose a car and add additional services (insurance, no deposit)
  • Book a car through our website and make the payment online
  • You will receive an email voucher with the rental company’s contact details and pick-up instructions.
Pick-Up

Pick-Up

  • When collecting the car, you will need to present your voucher, passport, driving licence, and a credit card (if a deposit is required)
  • Sign the rental agreement, collect the car, and enjoy your trip.

Cheap Car Hire Bilbao: Best of FindYCar

Car Hire Bilbao
Car Hire Bilbao

A city once defined by industry reinvented itself as a cultural landmark when the Guggenheim’s titanium curves appeared along the river, yet the true Basque Country lies beyond the urban core. Many travellers stop after a museum visit and pintxos in the old quarter, then leave without seeing the wild coastline where waves crash into cliffs and fishing villages cling to steep slopes.

While public transport works well within the city, it often falls short when you want to reach the most authentic corners of the Basque Country. Car hire in Bilbao transforms your trip and stands as the best way to:

  • Reach the fishing harbours of Bermeo and Getaria, where you can explore mediaeval streets and legendary surf breaks without relying on infrequent bus schedules
  • Explore the culinary capital of San Sebastián, allowing you to enjoy world-famous pintxos bars and city beaches on your own timeline instead of a train timetable.
  • Access the vineyards of the Rioja wine region, giving you the freedom to move between legendary estates in Haro without paying for expensive private transfers.

Discover the hidden potential of active travel by vehicle today. Book now.

What’s the price of car hire in Bilbao?

Strong competition among providers and steady business demand help keep costs relatively affordable throughout the year. When renting a car in Bilbao, expect such daily rates:

  • Economy cars: €23-€51 per day
  • Mid-range cars: €52-€74 per day
  • SUVs and minivans: €76-€128 per day
  • Luxury cars: €131+ per day

Local prices seem good enough to start your trip, but they can be even more affordable. Here are some helpful tips you can use at any time:

  • Try to make a reservation as early as possible
  • Compare prices
  • Use FindYCar
  • Look for long-term car rentals.

More on how you should compare the price:

Table of rental prices for popular cars at Bilbao Airport by season

Car model Body type Passengers Luggage capacity Price per day (low season) Price per day (high season)
Fiat 500 Mini / Economy 4 1 €15 €38
Opel Corsa Economy / Compact 5 2 €20 €46
Seat Arona SUV / Compact SUV 5 3 €30 €60
Ford Focus Standard / Estate 5 3-4 €28 €65
Audi A4 Mid‑Size Saloon 5 3 €35 €80
Nissan Leaf Electric 5 2-3 €40 €70
BMW X1 SUV Premium 5 3 €45 €90
Mercedes C‑Class Luxury Compact 5 3 €50 €100
Mercedes V‑Class Minivan 7-8 4-5 €60 €140
Porsche Cayenne Luxury SUV 5 4 €90 €180

⚠️ Note: The prices listed are for guidance only and can vary depending on the pickup location at Bilbao Airport, rental company, booking date, car model, insurance coverage, and rental period. The table shows average market rates and does not guarantee availability at these prices. It also includes options to rent without a deposit or credit card where available. Actual rates may be higher or lower depending on promotions and how early the booking is made.

Chart of car hire prices in Bilbao: seasonal analysis based on verified bookings

Our experience in the Bilbao car hire market allows us to present a detailed picture of seasonal price fluctuations. All data was collected from confirmed car hire bookings made through the FindYCar website. The analysis included all vehicle types and classes, including options to hire without a deposit or a credit card.

The results show that the lowest prices occur in February at just 14 € per day. March is also affordable at 16 € per day, and October averages 18 € per day. The highest rates are recorded in August at 35 € per day and July at 33 €, which is 136% higher than the February minimum. December also has high rates at 28 € per day.

Confirmed bookings through our site indicate that spring offers moderate prices, with April at 23 €, May at 21 €, and June at 24 € per day. Autumn brings a decrease, with September at 22 € and October at 18 €, although November rises again to 25 € per day. Overall, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive months reaches 150%.

Our experience suggests that the best time to save is from February to March and in October. Planning a trip outside the summer months can save more than half of the budget compared to August rates.

19 €
JAN
14 €
FEB
16 €
MAR
23 €
APR
21 €
MAY
24 €
JUN
33 €
JUL
35 €
AUG
22 €
SEP
18 €
OCT
25 €
NOV
28 €
DEC

Renting a car in Bilbao: What documents do I need?

The best kind of rental experience can be unlocked when you have a few documents:

  • Credit card
  • Passport/ID
  • Driving Licence
  • Booking voucher.
Traffic Rules

Traffic Rules

The hilly terrain, narrow streets in Casco Viejo, and aggressive Basque driving style create challenges for unprepared visitors. Get familiar with these key tips before taking a car hire in Bilbao:

  1. Drive on the right side.
  2. Vehicles already in a roundabout have priority, and the local outskirts have many busy roads.
  3. Experienced drivers must not exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.5 ppm, while those with under two years of driving experience are limited to 0.3 ppm.
  4. The speed limit is 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 100 km/h on dual carriageways, and 120 km/h on motorways.
  5. Navigating the steep hills requires careful use of the clutch and handbrake when stopping on inclines.
Parking

Parking

In the centre and the old town, parking in blue-marked areas costs around €1.50-2.50 per hour and can be paid at machines or via apps like OTA.

Green-marked spots are reserved for residents, with fines starting at €60 for violations. White spaces are free but extremely rare near the Guggenheim.

Petrol Stations

Petrol Stations

Fuel stations generally close around 10 PM, though some along main motorways and near the airport operate 24 hours.

Diesel is priced at about €1.40-1.55 per litre, while unleaded petrol costs roughly €1.50-1.65.

Toll Roads

Toll Roads

The AP-8 motorway has charges, with a trip to San Sebastián costing about €8-10, offering faster travel and scenic coastal views.

You can take the free N-634 instead, but it passes through numerous towns and can add an hour or more to your drive.