Bilbao Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bilbao

Renting a car in and around Bilbao offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans, making it an ideal choice for those eager to experience the rich culture, outdoor activities, and beautiful beaches of the Basque Country. Key attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Plaza Nueva, and Bilbao City Hall are all conveniently accessible by car, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's cultural offerings without the constraints of public transport. Additionally, you can venture to nearby areas like Bilbao Old Town, where you can discover charming squares and historical sites, and Getxo, home to Playa de las Arenas and the picturesque Abra Getxo Marina. For families or groups, having a car allows for easy storage of beach gear or picnic supplies, so you can enjoy a day out without hassle. Overall, renting a car enhances your sightseeing experience, providing the convenience to explore both Bilbao and its scenic surroundings effortlessly.

Most popular car rentals in Bilbao

• Midsize SUV: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. It is ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking comfort and versatility. With a midsize SUV, you can enjoy a spacious interior, making it perfect for road trips around Bilbao and its beautiful surroundings.
• Compact: The compact car option is designed to accommodate 5 travellers, providing space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This type is particularly suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer a balance of space and manoeuvrability. The compact size is great for navigating the streets of Bilbao while ensuring you have enough room for your luggage.
• Economy: The economy car option accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly option. With an economy car, you can explore Bilbao with ease while keeping costs low, making it a practical choice for your rental needs.

Top rated car suppliers in Bilbao

• Budget: With one rental location in the heart of Bilbao, Budget is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for offering excellent value, the most booked vehicles from Budget include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, perfect for navigating both the city and the scenic Basque countryside at your own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo boasts two convenient rental locations in Bilbao, making it easy for visitors to access their services. This supplier is well-regarded for its friendly service, and the most booked cars here are Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs. These vehicles are ideal for families or groups looking to explore the region comfortably.
• Enterprise: Also featuring two rental locations in Bilbao, Enterprise is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction. This supplier offers a diverse selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs being the most popular choices. Renting from Enterprise allows you to enjoy a spacious ride while exploring the beautiful attractions around Bilbao.

Where to stay in Bilbao

• Bilbao City Centre: Located in the heart of Bilbao, this vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking a cultural experience. Visitors can explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, marvel at the historic Bilbao City Hall, and relax at Plaza Nueva. The area is also known for its lively atmosphere, with various restaurants and wineries nearby, making it an ideal spot for food and drink enthusiasts. With its rich cultural offerings and accessibility to cultural venues, Bilbao City Centre is a great choice for travellers.
• Deusto: This lively neighbourhood is celebrated for its cultural and entertainment appeal. Deusto is home to the renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, alongside the picturesque Plaza Nueva and Plaza Moyua, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture. The area boasts a selection of cafes perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. With its proximity to art museums and event venues, Deusto offers a unique blend of city life and cultural immersion, making it a wonderful place to stay.
• Getxo: Situated close to Bilbao, Getxo offers a delightful beach experience paired with outdoor activities. The picturesque Playa de las Arenas is ideal for sunbathing or a leisurely stroll, while the Abra Getxo Marina caters to adventure seekers. Visitors can also explore the cultural offerings of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao nearby. With numerous restaurants and wineries in the area, Getxo is a fantastic destination for those wanting a combination of beach relaxation and cultural exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bilbao

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to locate the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and have a wider selection, especially during peak periods.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements necessitate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental vehicle at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you evade unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bilbao

The best time to rent a car in and around Bilbao is March, which offers moderately low prices and low demand. This is closely followed by January and February, where demand remains low and prices are also favourable. April to June sees average prices and steady demand, making them good shoulder months. However, December can be quite expensive, with moderately high prices and average demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
June	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
December	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High