How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santander
Searching for a cheap rental car in Santander? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging $80 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can search less, save more, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily rental price in Santander is $41.
Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from $86 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Santander car hire. Try booking around three weeks before your departure date.
Find your perfect ride with Click and Rent, Goldcar or OK Mobility. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Santander car hire policy, whether with Click and Rent or another supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $168 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $205.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $44 a day.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Economy rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Santander.
Flying to Santander? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Santander, start exploring sooner by picking up a car hire at Santander Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 5 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Santander
Small: These cheap rental cars in Santander may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Santander car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Santander that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Santander car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Santander.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Spain is generally 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always go over your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.
Kids coming with you? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Santander car hire booking.
Come prepared and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Spain.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 20kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Spain. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 9am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Spanish is the language most often spoken across the country.
Best hotels in Santander for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Eurostars Hotel Real. Offering parking as well as air conditioning and Wi-Fi, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Santander.
El Mirador de Rivas makes travel simpler with accessible parking and features like a garden and bicycle rentals. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Santander for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Santander and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Camino de Santiago en Santander, Plaza de la Constitución and Playa Primera de El Sardinero are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santander
Around 56 kilometres south of central Santander, Arija deserves a place on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Camping Playa de Arija and Embarcadero de Arija.
They've perfected the guest experience at Pensión El Carloto and Balneario de Corconte, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Arija.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Hondarribia, about 161 kilometres east of Santander. Kick things off at Plaza de Armas, then head to Playa de Hondarribia.
Hit the hay in Hondarribia at either Hotel Rio Bidasoa or Hotel Urdanibia Park. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
