Car rental at Bilbao Train Station

Car Rental in Bilbao

Find your ideal car from 11 local providers. Skip the airport markup — rent in the city instead.

LocationCity Center
Providers11
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ 11 providers compared ⚡ Results in 30 seconds 🧾 No hidden fees ⭐ Free cancellation

Quick answer: At Bilbao Train Station you can compare rental cars from 11 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely — not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready — that's where most people get caught out.

About Renting a Car at Bilbao Train Station

Bilbao Abando train station is the city's central rail hub and is surrounded by 11 car rental companies within short walking distance. The station is the starting point for AVE trains to Madrid and regional trains to San Sebastián, and the combination of train and car provides maximum flexible travel planning. Abando station is right by the Nervión River, 500 meters from the Guggenheim Museum and 1 km from Casco Viejo.

By car from the station, you can reach motorway AP-8 toward San Sebastián in 10 minutes and the Basque coast at Plentzia in 25 minutes heading north. Pick up the car in the afternoon if you arrive on the morning train – explore Casco Viejo and Guggenheim on foot first. Choose a rental company with an office near Abando station to avoid taking a taxi with luggage.

Drive to Urdaibai biosphere reserve (40 km northeast) for a unique natural experience in the Basque Country. How long does it take to walk from Abando train station to the nearest car rental company? Most rental companies are within 5–10 minutes' walk from the station, along Calle Hurtado de Amézaga and adjacent streets.

Can I return the car at Bilbao airport if I pick it up at the train station? Yes, most rental companies offer this since the airport is 12 km away – confirm the one-way option at booking. How long does it take to drive from Abando to Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Basque Country's administrative capital, is 65 km south and is reached in approximately 45 minutes via motorway AP-68.

We compare prices from all major providers at Bilbao Train Station so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What to Know Before Renting in Bilbao

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra — check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Spain. Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at Bilbao Train Station

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

Dollar
Centauro
Keddy
Hertz
Flizzr
Enterprise
Surprice
Europcar
National
NUCarrentals
SIXT

Essential Info for Renting at Bilbao Train Station

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers

At Bilbao Train Station you can compare rentals from 11 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Spain

In Spain you drive on the Right side.

  • Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
  • Rural roads: 90 km/h
  • Motorway: 120 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0,5 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls

Parking can be limited in cities, use parking garages where possible.

Road tolls: Be prepared to haveve cash available for sife roads.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Rental at Bilbao Train Station

Which rental companies are available at Bilbao Train Station?
You can compare 11 rental companies at Bilbao Train Station on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Spain?
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Bilbao Train Station?
The minimum age to rent in Spain is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Spain?
In Spain you drive on the Right side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?
When collecting your car at Bilbao Train Station you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?
Most providers at Bilbao Train Station use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Bilbao Train Station?
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for Bilbao

Other Rental Locations Near Bilbao Train Station

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11 rental companies at Bilbao Train Station. Enter your dates and find the right car.

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