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Car hire in Bilbao – Exploring Northern Spain
Stretching for some 15 kilometres alongside the River Nervión, Bilbao is a coastal city of striking contrasts with a mix of ancient and ultra-modern architecture backed by lush, green mountains. Once a bustling industrial city, it is now a major European arts centre that's home to a plethora of world-class cultural attractions, most notably the famous Guggenheim Museum which transformed Bilbao's cultural scene and urban landscape when it opened in 1997.
Despite its ultra-modern extension, Bilbao's heart still remains in the medieval streets of the Old Town, which incorporates Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets), an area of narrow, cobbled walkways surrounding the city's 14th-century cathedral. Popular for its burgeoning art scene, staggering architecture and traditional Basque cuisine, it is without doubt one of the great treasures of the Basque Country in northern Spain.
With a car hire in Bilbao you can enjoy a leisurely drive through the rural valleys and verdant landscapes of one of the Iberian penisula's most scenic regions. The city itself is surrounded by rolling green hills and a breathtaking coastline that visitors can easily accesss by car to reach many excellent beaches, including Las Arenas, Getxo and Plentzia. Some of the quaint little fishing villages located close are the perfect place for a relaxing lunch overlooking the Bay of Biscay.
Since 1954, Auto Europe has been one of the leaders of the international car rental industry, offering the best service at over 28,000 locations in more than 190 popular destinations worldwide, including Bilbao and nearby San Sebastian. Our main focus is to offer our clients not only the lowest prices on the market but the widest choice of vehicles.
You can book your low-cost car rental in Bilbao online now through our state-of-the-art booking engine or call our award-winning rental specialists and they will be happy to find you the cheapest deal. For added peace of mind, please visit our Bilbao car hire reviews page to see the user ratings and comments posted by previous Auto Europe customers in the city.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Bilbao, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Bilbao
Auto Europe is one of the longest-established car rental companies and by working with all the world's top car hire providers we are able to offer you a wide choice of locations in and around Bilbao, meaning that you can pick up your vehicle in the city centre and be on your way in a few minutes. Besides the many car hire companies operating at Bilbao Airport, there are several conveniently-located suppliers' offices in other parts of the city, most of which are in close proximity to Bilbao's top tourist attractions, such as the world-famous Guggenheim Museum and the Old Town (Casco Viejo). In order to help you make the best choice for your visit to the Basque region, our state-of-the-art booking engine allows you to do an extensive search to find the best vehicle and the most suitable pick-up point for your trip. Once you've keyed in your dates, an interactive map will come up with all the available locations for your next car hire in Bilbao.
Bilbao Airport
As the main gateway to the Basque region and the rest of northern Spain, Bilbao Airport is conveniently located just 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the centre of Bilbao, capital of the country's very scenic Biscay province. Inaugurated in 1948, it caters for a large number of important airlines, includes Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus (Dublin), Air Arabia Maroc, Air Cairo, Air Europa, Air France, Blue Air, Brussels Airlines, easyJet (Manchester, Bristol and London–Gatwick), Edelweiss Air, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, Transavia, Turkish Airlines, Volotea, Vueling (London–Gatwick) and Wizz Air. Collecting your car rental is normally a speedy affair as the majority of the suppliers operating at the airport have their desks located in the parking area opposite the main terminal building.
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Website: aena.es
Address: 48180 - Loiu, Bizkaia, Spain
Telephone: +34 913 21 10 00
Bilbao Train Station
Located in the city's upmarket Abando district, Bilbao Train Station is a central railway and public transport hub with direct connections to and from many other important Spanish cities such as Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. Officially opened in 1863, it offers travellers direct access to the city's Metro and tram systems, as well as the city's many bus services operating in and around the city centre. Many of the world's most prestigious car rental companies have their offices either right inside the station or just a stone's throw away from the main entrance.
Bilbao Train Station
Website: adif.es
Address: Pza. Circular 2, 48008 Bilbao, Spain
Telephone: +34 944 879 371
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Bilbao
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Bilbao
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Bilbao. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please call our reservations team and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Bilbao?
Yes. A major credit card such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express in the main driver's name will always be required to rent a car in Bilbao and all other popular destinations in Spain. The reason for this is that the local supplier will require a security bond in order to ensure that the vehicle is covered against any additional charges such as speeding fines, unpaid tolls etc. and any damage that occurs during the rental period. Credit cards are also a proven way for the car rental company to confirm that the driver isn’t a credit risk. Please note that debit cards and pre-paid cards will not be accepted. When booking a premium- or luxury- category car, the car hire supplier may request a second credit card (also in the name of the main driver) because of the high cost of such vehicles and the extra security risk involved.
It's easy to find out how much the bond will be for your cheap car hire in Bilbao. When making a search through our booking engine, just click on the blue and white info icon (i) and all the necessary credit card details will pop up. Please consult our dedicated blog post for more advice on the credit cards and car hire deposits required for picking up your vehicle on arrival at your destination.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Bilbao?
All the basic rates for low-cost car rental in Bilbao quoted on the Auto Europe include the minimum amount of legally-required coverage, such as liability insurance, theft protection and CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), either with or without excess (depending on the supplier). Nevertheless, it's important to bear in mind that CDW does not cover the whole vehicle, which is why we strongly advise paying a bit more for Full Damage & Theft Protection product which can added with a single click of the mouse at check-out. Please note that the price of this coverage varies according to the location, rental duration, car category and supplier.
You can find all the information relating to CDW, theft protection, liability insurance and other aspects concerning car hire coverage simply by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) when making a quick search in the Auto Europe booking engine. The same information is also clearly stated in the T&Cs when making an enquiry or finalising a booking.
Please be aware that it is common practice by the staff of some local car rental companies to offer our customers similar coverage when they arrive at the car hire desk to pick up their car hire in Bilbao. Anything offered by the supplier is completely optional and Auto Europe will not be able to refund the cost of any locally-purchased coverage even if it is deemed unnecessary once the vehicle has been dropped off at the end of the rental period.
How is the traffic in Bilbao?
Driving in Bilbao, due to its layout and hills, may seem challenging but is perfectly manageable with a bit of forward planning. The city sprawls down both sides of the river that is crossed by over a dozen bridges. It's important to remember that Bilbao is one of Spain's largest cities and has a high volume of traffic due to its size and navigating the roads in and around the city centre can be quite challenging during the rush-hour. There are four main access routes into Bilbao via the AP-8 (from Irun/Francia), the AP-8 (from Santander in the other direction), the AP-68 (from Vitoria or Madrid) and the A-636 (from Burgos). All these access routes link up with the AP-8 which is also a bypass. To get to the city centre (where all the museums, shops, football stadium, Old Town and the Palacio Euskalduna Opera House are located), you need to leave at the exit marked 'Bilbao Oeste' on the AP-8 bypass. To find your way around the centre of Bilbao, it is a good idea to locate the Plaza Moyua which is right in the heart of the city. Everything is near Plaza Moyua, including the Guggenheim Museum, the city's main shopping districts and the Old Town. Please check out our Spain Driving Guide for some useful tips and advice on getting around Bilbao and the rest of Spain safely by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Bilbao?
There are various underground car parks in and around the city centre, or you can choose to park your car hire in Bilbao in spaces along the side of the streets using the pay and display method of payment, but you'll need to be careful when parking on these streets because some areas are reserved for residents only. Another good option is to use the Park and Ride car parks located along the metro line, which means you'll be able to park your vehicle at the station and comfortably access the main tourist attractions by using the city's efficient public transport system. Although the Guggenheim Museum does not have its own car parking facility for visitors, there is metered street parking available nearby in the underground car parks in Plaza Pio Baroja and Plaza Euskadi.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Bilbao?
Yes. Autopistas are the toll roads in Spain starting with the letter AP. Many autopistas in Spain are free of toll charges because of the reduced traffic density. Autopistas connect major Spanish cities like Bilbao, Madrid and Barcelona levy tolls for road usage. Autovías, however, are the toll-free alternate routes that occasionally run parallel to the tolled Autopistas. You can pay tolls directly at the toll stations on the autopistas. Toll payments can be done using cash, credit cards, or using Via-T - an onboard unit that deducts tolls automatically. There are two toll tunnels on autopistas where you need to pay tolls for crossing the tunnels.
Bilbao Travel Guide
With a car rental in Bilbao you have the best of both worlds - the chance to explore one of Spain's most fascinating cities at your own pace before taking to surrounding hills to witness the sheer beauty of the region's many natural attractions, including the spectacular Salto de Nervión Waterfall. It's also possible to enjoy a leisurely drive along the Bay of Biscay's southern coastline, home to many magnificent beaches and some of the best fish and seafood restaurants in northern Spain.
Best day trips with my car rental in Bilbao
Full places in the Basque region as a beautiful as San Sebastian, a busalting city within easy striking distance of Bilbao. For natural beauty and a privileged view of the Bay of Biscay's dramatic southern shoreline within a short drive of the city, there's no better place for a day-trip than San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a little off-shore island topped by a 1,000-year-old church from which the most stunning sea views can be enjoyed. Auto Europe offers its customers plenty of added-value when visiting the Basque region, such as the chance to pick up their vehicle in one place and drop it off somewhere else by means of a one-way car hire. It's also possible to share the driving with a friend of family member with one of our popular Free Additional Driver offers running throughout the year.
San Sebastian
Set around a lovely crescent-shaped bay, the magnificent city of San Sebastian is a lively seaside destination with plenty of diversity and an abundance of interesting cultural attractions. Its Parte Vieja (Old Town) dazzles visitors with its arcaded squares (perfect for al fresco dining) at the many authentic pintxos restaurants in this part of town.
Guernica
Located around 30 kilometres east of Bibao, Guernica is arguably the most typical of the traditional towns in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain. It is known throughout the world on account of the famous painting by Pablo Picasso that bears its name. Despite its relatively small size, the town has many excellent museums (don't miss the Peace Museum) and its weekly farmers' market is one of the best in the area.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Home of the Basque parliament and capital of the fiercely independent Basque region, Vitoria-Gasteiz (about an hour's drive south of Bilbao) has many must-see attractions starting with the impressive Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa María. Surrounded by six large parks known as the Green Ring, the inner city boasts one of the finest old quarters in the whole of northern Spain. The city is also a very short distance from Rioja Alavesa, a world-class wine region notable for its fine reds made from Tempranillo grapes.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
A 50-minute drive north with your car rental in Bilbao takes you to one of the loveliest places in the Basque region, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Visitors to this remote spot can immerse themselves in the area's unique geography by following the narrow, twisting footpath that leads to a spectacular coastal island that's topped by an ancient church dating back to the 10th century. The photogenic mix of land, sea, sun and mountains is best viewed from the footpath leading up to the church, so make sure you have plenty of disc space in the your camera!
What to do in Bilbao
Modern, stylish and ever vibrant, Bilbao's great achievement has been to reinvent itself since the collapse of its traditional industrial base at the end of the last century. Conveniently situated in the heart of the city centre, the incredible Guggenheim Museum draws people like a powerful magnate and there's enough to see and do in there to fill an entire day or two, after which a visit to the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is an absolute must.
- Guggenheim Museum: Full of world-class pieces of art and 21st-century creativity on permanent display throughout the year, the amazing Guggenheim Museum is not only a city landmark but one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. This unique showcase contemporary art is the first port of call for most visitors to Bilbao and it offers enough breathtaking innovation to keep people coming back for more. Before they've even entered its curved glass and titanium walls, few turists can resist taking a selfie in front of Jeff Koons’ giant floral 'Puppy'. Besides regular modern masterpieces by the likes of Robert Motherwell, Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Eduardo Chillida and Anselm Kiefer, the museum's most oustanding highlights include Richard Serra’s massive curved steel walkthrough installation called 'The Matter of Time' which has to be seen to be believed.
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: In the shadow of the Guggenheim lies another glittering jewel in the city's cultural crown - the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes). Founded in 1908, it ranks as one of the city's oldest attractions featuring a vast collection of over 10,000 major works ranging from the old masters to pieces by some of the Basque region's most notable luminaries.
- Vizcaya Bridge: Featuring a highly suspended gondola, the remarkable Vizcaya Bridge was the first river crossing in the world designed to carry both people and traffic. Completed in 1893, it was subsequently used as a model for many similar constructions in Europe, Africa and the America, only a few of which are still in existence. With its innovative use of lightweight twisted steel cables, it is regarded as one of the outstanding architectural iron constructions of the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can enjoy the exhilarating eperience of taking a lift to the 50-metre-high walkway or ride in the hanging gondola known locally as a barquilla.
- Casco Viejo: Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter (the Casco Viejo) is a labyrinthine residential district full of charming streets, lively bars and numerous boutiques and independently-run shops. At the heart of the area Casco are Las Siete Calles, Bilbao’s original seven streets, which date right back to the 1400s. Don't miss the Casco Viejo's 14th-century Gothic Catedral de Santiago which has a splendid Renaissance portico and an exquisite cloister.
- Mercado de la Ribera: Nestling on the banks of the River Nervión, the wonderful Mercado de la Ribera (Waterfront Market) is a marvel of Art Deco glory nestled along the banks of the River Nervión. The interior is filled with light, stained glass and interesting things to see and buy, such as the freshly filleted anchovies (a local delicacy). Offering fine views of the nearby Casco Viejo, it first opened in 1929 and today offers its many visitors one of the best shopping experiences in the whole Basque region.
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