How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santander
Pick up a cheap rental car in Santander and start your adventure for around $174 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll find the right wheels for whatever you have planned.
Daily rental prices in Santander start from just $50.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from $350 and fit more into your itinerary.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Around three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Santander car hire.
Click and Rent, Goldcar and OK Mobility are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage Click and Rent or another company offers for your Santander car hire can vary, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Santander.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $133 a day.
Next up is [this provider](this provider), offering daily rates of around $159.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly $114 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Santander.
Flying to Santander? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Santander trip quicker by picking up a car hire at Santander Airport. The city centre is about 5 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Santander
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Santander makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Santander car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santander takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Santander car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so always compare your options.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Santander.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in Spain, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the policies before locking in your reservation.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a car seat to your Santander car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Come prepared to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in Spain, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 20kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Spain is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 9am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
Best hotels in Santander for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Apartamentos Somo. Around 6 kilometres from central Santander, it comes with parking, tour services and room service.
El Mirador de Rivas makes things simpler with parking and features like internet access and a ticket office. It's roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Santander for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
It's time to get out and explore now you've locked in a car hire deal in Santander and your hotel. From Camino de Santiago en Santander to Playa Primera de El Sardinero and Urros de Liencres, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santander
Popular accommodation options with parking in Arija include Hotel Araz and Balneario de Corconte.
Ready to go the extra mile? Hondarribia is a top road trip destination that's around 161 kilometres east of Santander. Plan to make a few pit stops at Plaza de Armas and Playa de Hondarribia.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Hotel Rio Bidasoa and Hotel Jaizkibel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Hondarribia.
