Why hire a car in Bilbao?

Bilbao

Imagine arriving in Bilbao and instantly having the freedom to plan your own route: strolling through the avant-garde architecture and the central markets, stopping in a tavern in the Old Town (Casco Viejo) to try a pintxo (tapa), and within minutes swapping the city for more natural landscapes.

Behind the wheel, the opportunities for exploring the region multiply dramatically. You could drive alongside the cliffs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, tour the vineyards of the Rioja Alavesa, discover the fishing villages of the Biscayan coast, or lose yourself on the wild beaches of Cantabria. This unique blend of culture, cuisine, and nature makes Bilbao a perfect starting point for exploring northern Spain. Hiring a car in Bilbao with DoYouSpain isn’t only about convenience but the independence to discover every corner at your own pace.

Benefits of hiring a car in Bilbao

Hiring a car in Bilbao offers multiple advantages, especially if your plan extends beyond the city limits. The main benefit is freedom and flexibility. With a hire car, you can decide your itinerary and schedules, visit secluded places, and change your plans spontaneously without any hassle.

Another important advantage is saving time. Although Bilbao has efficient public transport, travelling by car allows you to get to destinations outside the centre quicker. Particularly, those coastal villages or natural areas that are difficult to reach via bus or train. It's also a far more comfortable choice if you are travelling as a family, with friends, or carrying substantial luggage.

Finally, comfort is a crucial factor. The ability to avoid carrying suitcases through busy metro or bus stations and the luxury of travelling at your own pace contribute to a much more relaxed and personalised holiday experience.

What to see in Bilbao with a hire car

Bilbao has many tourist attractions within the city, but its real charm lies in the numerous nearby excursions that are truly best enjoyed by car.

Guggenheim Museum and the Old Town

The Guggenheim Museum is a global icon of contemporary art and architecture, making it a must-visit in Bilbao. A hire car simplifies arrival and movement within the city, allowing you to easily continue your journey. Nearby, the Old Town (Casco Viejo) awaits with its narrow streets, historic squares, and traditional markets like Plaza Nueva. Having a car means you can effortlessly combine these central tours with visits to other districts without depending on fixed public transport routes.

Zubizuri Bridge and other urban gems

Bilbao is also known for its modern architecture, exemplified by the Zubizuri Bridge (designed by Santiago Calatrava) and the Azkuna Zentroa cultural centre. A hire car provides the comfort and convenience to visit several of these spots in a single day.

Day trips: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Bizkaia coast

One of the biggest incentives for hiring a car in Bilbao is the option of taking day trips. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, with its stunning seaside hermitage and legendary staircase, is one of the most visited places in the area. You can also get to know the beaches of Bizkaia, like Sopelana and Plentzia, or coastal towns such as Getxo and the surf-famous Mundaka. All these experiences are far more comfortable and accessible when you have your own vehicle.

The best price for your hire car in Bilbao

Hiring a car in Bilbao doesn't need to be expensive, especially if you use comparison tools like DoYouSpain, which can find the best rates in minutes. To find a good deal in Bilbao, it's smart to plan ahead, choose a compact vehicle if travelling solo or as a couple, and keep an eye out for discounts and promotions.

The requirements to hire a car with DoYouSpain are straightforward: you need a valid driving licence, a credit card for the security deposit, and in some cases, you must meet the rental company’s minimum age requirement. Furthermore, DoYouSpain offers smart filters to select automatic, electric, or other specific features that suit your needs.

Hire car vs. public transport in Bilbao

While Bilbao has efficient public transport, hiring a car offers advantages that are hard to beat. For instance, a car allows you to visit more remote places like the coast, natural parks, or fishing villages all in the same day.

For travel with family or friends, the overall cost of multiple public transport tickets can exceed the price of an economical hire car. Plus, a personal vehicle guarantees the comfort and privacy that public buses and trains simply cannot, especially when travelling with luggage or children.

Your best route to discovery starts with DoYouSpain

Hiring a car in Bilbao provides you with freedom, comfort, and efficiency. It allows you to combine urban sightseeing with day trips. By using DoYouSpain, you can easily find cheap hire cars tailored to your needs. In just minutes, your car will be booked, and you can pick it up from the location that suits you best (the most popular ones are the Airport or the Train Station).

When you book a car with DoYouSpain, you get 24-hour personalised customer support. You can contact our team online, call us on +34 964 83 09 95, or chat with our AI Assistant.