How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bilbao (BIO)
Just landed? Grab a cheap Bilbao rental car and hit the road for around £47 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
Daily rental prices at Bilbao start from just £13.
Staying a while in Bilbao and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? £86 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to get the best price, book your BIO car hire around four weeks in advance.
Rent your wheels from Record Go, Click and Rent or Goldcar, some of the most popular providers at Bilbao.
Whether you go with Record Go or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Bilbao car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in BIO. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Bilbao that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices coming in at £40 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around £57.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly £46 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other at BIO.
Compare car hire types from Bilbao (BIO)
Small: These cheap Bilbao rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this BIO car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Bilbao that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different BIO car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Bilbao.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Spain is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so check your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.
Add a car seat to your BIO car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.
Come prepared and save time at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Spain might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 20kph (15mph) in built-up areas and 110kph (70mph) or so along highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Spain is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've grabbed the keys to your BIO car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Bilbao is about 11 kms (7 miles) south and a drive of around 15 minutes if you choose to head that way.
Driving from Bilbao to the centre during peak hour can take up to 25 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 9am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Consider collecting a car hire in Bilbao instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Bilbao (BIO)
Begin with some of the leading attractions in Bilbao, like Guggenheim and Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Whether you drive or choose a different way to get there, you'll want to explore these highlights before leaving town.
Keep travelling to Logroño. Around 105 kms (65 miles) south of BIO, you'll find well-known sights like Bodegas Faustino and Bodegas Campo Viejo.
Add Irun to your holiday plans. About 88 kms (55 miles) east of the airport, head there in your Bilbao car hire to see major highlights such as Castillo de Gazteluzar and Oiasso Roman Museum.
San Adrián makes an awesome road trip destination if you want to roam a little further. It features great finds like La Fabrica Vieja - Museo de la Conserva and is about 137 kms (85 miles) southeast of BIO.
