How much does it cost to rent a car in San Sebastian?

On average, car rentals in **San Sebastian** cost around **€59** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **€25** per day.

Car Rental San Sebastian

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Compare car rental prices from major companies in San Sebastian with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up in the city centre or at San Sebastian Airport (EAS), with more choice at Bilbao Airport if you're flying there. Filter by free cancellation, fuel policy and one-way options for easy day trips to Getaria, Zumaia, Pamplona or Biarritz.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Alamo · Budget · Enterprise · Enterprise · Europcar · Europcar · Hertz · Keddy · National · Sixt

Key Rental Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
San Sebastian City Centre	No airport surcharge Convenient if staying in the city Options near bus station and Kursaal area	Limited parking in the city for pickup Navigating city streets upon departure Limited to standard business hours
San Sebastian Airport (EAS)	Immediate pickup upon arrival Simpler exit to motorways Several major companies on-site	Limited flight schedule Smaller airport with fewer rental options Located in Hondarribia (20km from city)
Bilbao Airport (BIO)	More rental companies and vehicle choices Often better rates due to competition Larger fleet availability	105km from San Sebastian Approximately 1 hour 15 minute drive Toll road fees to reach San Sebastian

In San Sebastian city centre:

Avis/Budget (at bus station, underground parking)
Sixt (near Kursaal area)
Europcar
Hertz

At San Sebastian Airport (EAS):

Enterprise
Europcar
Hertz
Sixt

If arriving by train or bus in San Sebastian, city centre rental offices are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the stations. From San Sebastian Airport in Hondarribia, you'll need to take a taxi or bus to reach city centre rental locations if not renting at the airport.

Car Rental Prices

Average: €59/day
From: €25/day

Low-cost rental tips

Compare pickup spots: city centre often avoids airport surcharges, EAS is convenient, and Bilbao Airport can be cheaper due to competition. Add the AP-8 toll ~€15 and 105 km fuel/time if you collect in Bilbao to check the true total.
Time your booking to the season: for summer and the September Film Festival, book 2–3 months ahead. In Oct–Feb (outside holidays) prices drop, so pick free-cancellation deals and rebook if rates fall.
Pick a compact, manual to cut costs and fit tight Donostia parking. Automatics often cost 30–50% more.
Play with dates and durations: shifting by a day can unlock weekly rates that beat day-by-day. Compare weekday vs weekend pickups and different city branches.
Choose full-to-full fuel and refill at town stations rather than motorway plazas to avoid higher pump prices.
Heading into France? Filter for suppliers that allow cross-border at low cost. The border is only 20 km via A-8/A-63.

Car rental prices in San Sebastian 2025/2026

Parking and Driving

Type	Cost	Notes
Street Parking	Varies by zone	Blue-lined "OTA" zones Time limits (usually 1-2 hours) Payment via meters Often free on Sundays/holidays Avoid resident-only zones
Public Garages	Varies; check current rates and daily maximums	Boulevard (Old Town), Okendo, Kursaal, Amara Recommended for overnight stays May fill during summer and events
Hotel Parking	Varies by hotel	Available at some hotels Limited availability Often requires reservation

Much of the Old Town (Parte Vieja) is pedestrianised or restricted to residents/taxis
Speed limits: 30 km/h in most city streets, 50 km/h on urban thoroughfares
Many narrow one-way streets in the historic centre
During festivals (especially Semana Grande in August), additional restrictions may apply
Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) exist in some parts of the city centre

San Sebastian can be challenging for finding a spot, especially in summer and during events. Consider:

Arriving early to find street spaces, particularly near beaches
Using public garages for worry-free longer stays
Finding a spot outside the centre and using public transport
Ensuring your accommodation has spaces if driving daily
Reading signage carefully to avoid resident-only zones

Why rent a car in San Sebastian

Get a rental car so you can see:

Zarautz, Getaria, Zumaia – beaches, txakoli wineries, flysch cliffs
Hondarribia – marina, beach
French Basque Coast: Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne – markets, seafronts, chocolate shops
Pamplona – citadel, cathedral
Bilbao – Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo
La Rioja – wineries, vineyards

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

Is it necessary to have a car in San Sebastian?

While you can easily walk around the city centre, a car lets you explore the surrounding coastal towns, countryside and nearby French Basque region. It's often hard to get to these places by public transport.

Can I park near La Concha beach?

Finding a park near La Concha is tough, especially in summer. Your best bet is to use the underground public garages nearby (La Concha, San Martin and Boulevard) or get there very early for a limited spot on the street.

Are there any driving restrictions in San Sebastian's Old Town?

Yes, you can't drive in much of the Old Town (Parte Vieja) because it's a walking-only zone or is restricted to residents and service vehicles. It's best to park in a nearby public garage and walk from there.

How difficult is it to find parking in summer?

It's very hard, especially near beaches and the city centre. During the busy season, public garages can be full by mid-morning. We suggest you park further from the centre or use public transport on days you go to the beach.

Can I easily drive to France from San Sebastian?

Yes, the French border is only 20km away and you can cross it easily. Because it's in the Schengen Area, they don't usually do border checks. You can drive to popular French places like Biarritz in about 45 minutes.

What type of car is best for visiting San Sebastian?

We'd recommend a compact car so you can get around the narrow streets and find parking more easily. If you plan to do a lot of driving in the mountains or the country, a small SUV might be more comfortable on those roads.

Will I encounter toll roads around San Sebastian?

Yes, you will have to pay a toll on the AP-8 motorway that goes from San Sebastian to Bilbao (it costs about €15). If you travel into France, you will also pay tolls on the A63. You can find other routes that are free, but they take longer to drive.