San Sebastián car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in San Sebastián
The best car rental companies in San Sebastián are Sixt, Goldcar, Avis. Prices start from €27/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
✓ Free cancellation options✓ No booking fee✓ Full-to-full suppliers✓ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in San Sebastián
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€26/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#6
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#7
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Goldcar
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€23/day
base rate
View Goldcar deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in San Sebastián
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €27 | Seat Ibiza | 4 |
| Compact | €32 | Opel Corsa | 4 |
| SUV | €48 | Seat Ateca | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €64 | Citroën Berlingo | 7 |
| Luxury | €90 | Audi A4 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in San Sebastián
Airport — San Sebastián Airport (EAS)
San Sebastián's own airport (EAS, in nearby Hondarribia) has limited routes, so many visitors instead fly into Bilbao (BIO), about 1 hour west, and drive in along the AP-8.
Downtown — San Sebastián city center
Local desks near the old town serve visitors who arrive by train and only want a car for day trips into the wider Basque Country or across the French border.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | EAS or Bilbao airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €12–25/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €6–10/day | Per extra driver |
| One-way fee (Bilbao ↔ San Sebastián) | €50–100 | Different pickup/drop-off city |
| Cross-border insurance confirmation | Usually included, verify at pickup | Driving into France |
| Refundable deposit | €200–450 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in San Sebastián
- San Sebastián's own airport, EAS in Hondarribia, has limited flight routes, so most international visitors fly into Bilbao (BIO) instead and drive roughly 1 hour east along the AP-8 motorway.
- The city center around La Concha beach and the old town has a dense one-way street network with paid public parking, and many hotels charge extra for on-site parking in season.
- San Sebastián sits just 20km from the French border, making it a common base for day trips into the French Basque Country, including Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- The Basque coastal roads through Getaria and Zarautz are popular scenic drives, though narrow and busy with cyclists in summer.
- Rain is common year-round in the Basque Country — a car with good tires matters more here than in drier parts of Spain, especially on the winding roads toward the interior.
- Public parking in the old town fills quickly on weekends; many locals and visitors alike use the park-and-ride lots on the city's outskirts near the bus routes into downtown.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in San Sebastián
Do you need a car in San Sebastián?
Not for the city itself — the old town and La Concha beach are walkable. A car becomes useful for exploring the wider Basque coast, wine country, or crossing into France.
Should I fly into Bilbao or San Sebastián airport?
Bilbao (BIO) has far more international routes than San Sebastián's own airport (EAS), so most visitors fly into Bilbao and drive about 1 hour east, often renting there instead.
Can I drive from San Sebastián into France easily?
Yes — the French border is about 20 minutes away, and Biarritz is roughly 45 minutes further. Most rental insurance covers cross-border driving into France, but it's worth confirming at pickup.
Where do you park in San Sebastián old town?
Street parking is limited and metered. Many visitors use public car parks near the old town or park-and-ride lots on the outskirts, then walk or bus in.
Is the coastal road from San Sebastián to Zarautz worth driving?
Yes, it's a popular scenic route through Getaria and Zarautz, though narrow with cyclist traffic in summer — allow extra time rather than rushing it.
Does it rain a lot in San Sebastián?
Yes, the Basque coast sees rain year-round, more than most of Spain. It's worth checking tire condition and driving cautiously on the winding roads toward the interior.
What is the cheapest car type in San Sebastián?
Economy cars like a Seat Ibiza start around €27/day. For a family trip along the coast, a 7-seat minivan starts around €64/day.
Nearby trips
