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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Biarritz Airport (BIQ) | • Immediate access upon arrival • Multiple rental agencies • Convenient for arrivals by air |
• Can be more expensive • Can be busy during peak season • Fewer premium cars |
| Biarritz City Centre | • Walking distance from hotels • Often cheaper • Flexible rental hours |
• Difficult parking during pickup • Traffic in town centre • May require transport from airport |
| Biarritz Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • Central location • Multiple providers |
• Fewer cars to choose from • Can be more expensive • Busy during summer months |
| Nearby Bayonne | • Sometimes cheaper • Less crowded • More cars to choose from |
• 8 km from Biarritz • You need transport to the rental office • Additional travel time |
On average, car rentals in Biarritz cost around €53 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €16 per day.
Compare pick-up spots. Biarritz city centre is often 10–15% cheaper than the airport. Check Bayonne too — it’s 8 km away and can price lower in busy weeks.
Book by season. For July–August and surf events, lock in 3+ months ahead. In the off-season (Nov–Mar), watch prices and book a free-cancellation rate you can recheck.
Right car, right price. Manuals are typically 15–30% cheaper than automatics. A compact handles Biarritz’s tight streets and parking, and costs less to run. For boards, pick an estate with folding seats to skip roof-rack fees.
Tweak dates and times. Weekly rentals often save 20–30%. Keep pickup/return within business hours and stick to 24-hour blocks to avoid extra day or after-hours charges.
Limit extras. Add only necessary drivers (€5–10/day). Not going to Spain? Skip cross-border permission. If you are, compare fees as they vary (often €30–50).
Local costs. Use hypermarket fuel stations for cheaper fill-ups and return full. Summer parking is pricey and scarce near beaches, so choose lodging with parking or use park-and-ride to avoid fines and lot fees.
Beach Parking: Limited free parking near Grande Plage. Underground parking at Casino and Port Vieux. Miramar and Côte des Basques paid parking lots.
City Centre Parking: On-street parking using pay-and-display metres. Bellevue underground parking (central location). Time limits usually enforced 9 AM - 7 PM.
Payment Options: Machines accept coins and credit cards. Mobile payment apps available (PayByPhone). Rates vary by zone and season.
Summer Season: Extremely limited spaces during July-August. Higher rates during peak season. Consider park-and-ride options during summer.
Book a hire car to visit:

Do I need special permission to drive my hire car into Spain?
Tell your rental company when you book. Most companies allow it for a cross-border fee of about €30-50. You'll need your rental agreement, passport and driver's licence when you cross.
Where can I park for free in Biarritz?
You can find limited free parking in residential areas a little way from the centre and beaches. The Rue Chapelet area and parts of Quartier Saint Martin offer some free street parking.
Is an automatic transmission vehicle easy to rent in Biarritz?
You can rent automatic cars, but they make up only about 40-50% of rental company fleets. Book well in advance and expect to pay about 10-25% more than for a manual car.
What is the best vehicle type for transporting surf equipment?
A medium-sized estate/station wagon or small SUV with folding rear seats is best. Some rental companies offer roof racks as add-ons for about €5-10 per day.
Are there any driving restrictions during the peak summer season?
The city closes some central streets in Biarritz to cars on summer evenings and for special events. You should follow the local signs and avoid driving in the very centre during peak hours.
How strictly are parking regulations enforced?
They enforce parking rules very strictly, especially in summer. Fines usually range from about €35-135 depending on the offence. They may also tow your car if it blocks access.
Can I find parking near the popular surfing beaches?
Parking spots near Côte des Basques and other surf beaches fill up very early during surf season. Get there before 8 AM for the best chance of finding a spot, or use paid car parks a little further away.