🚗 Bilbao Airport Car Hire – Explore the Basque Country

Bilbao Airport (BIO), located just 12 km from the city center, is the main gateway to the Basque Country — a region known for its dramatic coastlines, green mountains, Michelin-star restaurants, and the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Renting a car at the airport is the most convenient way to explore all these attractions, especially if you want the freedom to visit places that public transport doesn’t cover well.

Car rental companies at Bilbao Airport offer a wide range of vehicles — from compact cars for city trips to SUVs for mountain routes and premium models for comfort. Prices are competitive, especially if you book in advance.

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✈️ Overview: Bilbao Airport Car Rental at a Glance

To make planning easier, here is a quick summary of what you can expect:

Category	Details
🚉 Location	Inside terminal (Level 0), plus off-airport providers with shuttle
💰 Average price	€25–€45/day (economy), €55–€90/day (SUV/automatic)
🛂 Documents	Driving licence, passport/ID, credit card
🛡️ Insurance	Basic included; full coverage recommended
⛽ Fuel policy	Best option: Full-to-full
👶 Child seats	Available for an extra fee
🌍 Cross-border travel	Allowed with some companies (France)
🕑 Recommended booking time	4–8 weeks in advance

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🏆 Best Car Hire Companies at Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Bilbao Airport hosts several major international brands as well as trusted local providers. Below is a comparison to help you choose the right company.

📊 Comparison Table: Top Bilbao Airport Car Rental Companies

Company	Desk Location	Deposit	Pros	Cons
Avis/Budget	Inside terminal	€300–€800	Fast pick-up, good cars	Prices can be higher
Hertz/Thrifty	Inside terminal	€200–€900	Wide fleet, premium options	Strict fuel policy
Enterprise/Alamo	Inside terminal	€200–€600	Great customer service	Fewer automatic cars
Europcar	Inside terminal	€300–€900	Good for families	Extra fees possible
Sixt	Inside terminal	€250–€700	Newest cars, luxury options	Higher deposit
Goldcar/Key’n’Go	Shuttle	€1000+	Cheapest rates	High deposit unless full insurance
RecordGo	Shuttle	€500–€900	Good value, flexible terms	Variable service quality

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💶 How Much Does Car Rental Cost at Bilbao Airport?

Prices vary depending on season, car size, insurance, and availability. Here is a realistic cost guide:

💸 Typical Rental Prices (Per Day)

Car Type	Low Season	High Season
🚗 Economy	€20–€30	€40–€65
🚙 Compact	€25–€35	€45–€70
🚘 SUV	€40–€60	€75–€120
🚐 Family/Van	€50–€80	€90–€150
🏎️ Premium	€80–€120	€140–€200

👉 Pro tip: Prices at Bilbao Airport are much lower when you rent for 3+ days.

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🪪 Requirements for Renting a Car at Bilbao Airport

To rent a car, you’ll need:

Required Documents

✔️ Passport or National ID
✔️ Valid driving licence (EU or UK)
✔️ Credit card in the main driver’s name
✔️ International Driving Permit (if required for non-EU visitors)

Minimum Age

Most companies require:

• 21+ years old (minimum)
• 23–25 for certain vehicles
• Under-25 fee may apply

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🛡️ Insurance and Excess at Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Every rental comes with basic insurance, which includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Theft Protection (TP)
• Third-party liability

This basic plan usually has an excess (deductible), often between €900 and €1500.

Should You Get Full Coverage?

Yes, recommended — especially at Bilbao Airport.
Why?
✔ Reduces or eliminates the deposit
✔ Protects against scratches and parking damages
✔ Saves time at return
✔ Avoids surprise charges

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⛽ Fuel Policies Explained (Choose Full-to-Full)

Bilbao Airport rental companies offer several fuel policies:

• Full-to-Full (Best option)
• Full-to-Empty (Often includes service fee)
• Prepaid fuel (Not always worth it)

Full-to-full gives the most transparency and avoids hidden costs.

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🅿️ Picking Up Your Rental Car at Bilbao Airport

All major providers have desks at Level 0 (Arrivals).

Steps to pick up your car

1. Go to the rental desk with your documents
2. Sign the rental agreement
3. Pick up the keys
4. Follow the signs to the car park
5. Inspect the vehicle

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🔍 What to Check Before Driving Away

Make sure you:

• Photograph exterior & interior (scratches, dents, tyres)
• Record mileage and fuel level
• Confirm fuel policy
• Check the spare tyre & tools
• Ensure any existing damage is on the contract

This reduces disputes when returning the car.

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🗺️ Driving Tips for Bilbao and the Basque Country

Bilbao is easy to drive around, but there are a few things to know:

🚧 Road Conditions

• Excellent highways (AP-8, A-8)
• Mountain roads can be narrow
• Coastal routes are scenic but winding

🅿️ Parking

• City center has paid zones
• Use underground parking garages
• Avoid non-marked areas (towing risk)

🌍 Speed Limits

• Urban: 30–50 km/h
• Rural: 90 km/h
• Highways: 120 km/h

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🌄 Best Places to Visit with a Rental Car

Renting a car lets you explore the Basque Country at your own pace. Here are top destinations:

🏰 1. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

The famous “Dragonstone” from Game of Thrones.
Distance: 35 min.

🏖️ 2. San Sebastián

Spain’s culinary capital with stunning beaches.
Distance: 1h 15 min.

🌊 3. Mundaka & Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

Perfect for surfing and nature lovers.
Distance: 45 min.

🎨 4. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Easily accessible by car + nearby garages.

🌅 5. Getxo & Sopelana

Beautiful cliffs and sunset viewpoints.

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🧾 Returning Your Car at Bilbao Airport

Return the vehicle to the same rental car area.
Before returning:

• Refuel (keep the receipt!)
• Remove trash & personal items
• Request a final inspection
• Ask for deposit release confirmation

Most companies process the deposit within 3–10 days.

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🧳 One-Way Rentals from Bilbao Airport

You can return your car at:

• Santander
• San Sebastián
• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Valencia
• Malaga

One-way fee may apply — usually €40–€120.

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📅 When to Book Your Car Rental at Bilbao Airport

Best time: 4–8 weeks before arrival.
Peak travel months (June–September) require earlier booking.

Booking early gives:

✔ Lower prices
✔ Better vehicle choice
✔ Lower deposit options

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🧒 Child Seats & Extras

You can add:

• Child seat
• Booster seat
• GPS
• Additional driver
• Snow chains (seasonal)
• Wi-Fi device

Each extra usually costs €5–€10/day.

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🎯 Final Tips for Renting a Car at Bilbao Airport

• Book early
• Choose full-to-full fuel
• Take photos of the car
• Consider full coverage
• Avoid prepaid fuel
• Compare deposits — they vary widely
• Return during opening hours if possible