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Experience unmatched customer service with our trusted car rental company in Santander. Familiarize yourself with the region's unique landmarks like El Sardinero beach while we focus on your comfort and safety. Our friendly staff are always on hand to ensure a smooth ride from pick up to drop off.

Car Rental in Santander

Santander: A blend of beachside elegance, historical allure and spectacular landscapes.

City car in Santander landscape with Palacio de la Magdalena

Located on the north coast of Spain, Santander is a vibrant city that beautifully amalgamates urban vigour with the serenity of the Cantabrian Sea. Known for its opulent Belle Époque architecture, stunning beaches, rich cuisine and warm hospitality, Santander is an alluring destination that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Its picturesque landscape, embellished with verdant mountains, sprawling green valleys, and a scintillating coastline, offers a treat for nature lovers. For those with a cultural predilection, the city hosts various museums, monuments, and world-renowned festival, Semana Grande.

Around Santander, various must-see places can be conveniently covered while driving. Picos de Europa, a formidable limestone range with peaks soaring over 2500 meters, is a two-hour drive from the city. The mountains are ideal for adventure enthusiasts, offering opportunities for trekking, climbing, and wildlife spotting. Another hour-long car tour will take you to the historic town of Santoña, where the unspoiled beaches are a haven for surfers, and the marshlands attract thousands of birds, creating a bird-watcher's paradise. Further west, a 45-minutes drive would lead to the dynamic city of Bilbao, known for its avant-garde architecture and the Guggenheim Museum.

For those with an inclination towards exploring historical sites, Santander has many jewels in its arsenal. The Royal palace of La Magdalena is an architectural marvel with exquisite early 20th-century design, located at the highest point of the peninsula, offering spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea and the city. The Santander Cathedral, with its stately gothic bell tower and stunning interiors, imparts the city's rich historical profundity. Venturing just 10km from the city centre, the Altamira cave, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, contains some of the most critical prehistoric paintings globally.

Santander Car Hire

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of renting a car in Santander?

Car rental prices in Santander vary depending on the type and model of the car, the rental period, and the company. Generally, prices can range from €20 to €100 per day. Always compare prices and conditions from different companies.

2. Which car model is the most popular for rent in Santander?

In Santander, compact and economical cars are often the most popular choice for tourists and short-term visitors. This is largely due to the city's narrow and winding streets which are typical of historic Spanish towns.

3. Where are the most popular pick-up locations in Santander?

Popular pick-up locations usually include the Santander airport and the city's main railway station.

4. Is a 24-hour pick-up and drop-off service available?

Yes, most of the car hire companies in Santander offer a 24-hour pick-up and drop-off service, but it's advisable to confirm this beforehand.

5. Is there a minimum rental period?

Usually the minimum rental period is one day, but it can vary depending on the car rental company's policies.

6. What is the minimum age requirement to rent a car in Santander?

Typically, the minimum age to rent a car in Santander is 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may have to pay a young driver fee.

7. What documents do I need to hire or drive a car in Santander?

Typically, you'll need a valid driver's license, passport, and a credit card. If your driver's license is not in Latin script, an International Driving Permit may also be required.

8. When is the best time of the year to visit Santander by car?

The best time to visit Santander by car is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Exploring outlying areas and coastline by car during these seasons can be quite delightful.

9. What are the main airports in Santander?

Santander has one main airport, Santander Airport (SDR).

10. Can I pick up the car in Santander and drop it off in another city?

Yes, many companies offer one-way car rentals, but there may be an additional fee.

Satisfied Drivers

Harold

Santander – 20-11-2023. I'm Harold, a 67-year old history professor. I rented a car from these folks and the experience was just fantastic. The price was fair for the quality of the vehicle I received. It was a smooth ride throughout. I highly recommend this company for anyone requiring a rental car in Santander. The courteous and professional service from the staff is simply excellent.

Mason

Santander – 10-10-2023. I booked my car with this company during my business trip. Being 45-years old, I've quite a bit of experience of renting cars, and this company is definitely top-notch. The pricing was reasonable, and the car was fuel-efficient, making my budget on point. Highly recommended!

Adeline

Santander – 02-09-2023. I'm Adeline, a 35-year old young mum. Just recently, I rented a car from this company when traveling in Santander. The car was clean, comfortable and spacious, perfect for my little ones. The car ran smoothly the entire trip without any instances. The price was also valuable and economical.

Francis

Santander – 28-08-2023. I've rented cars several times, but this company really stands out. Good prices, service was prompt and the entire process was hassle-free from start to finish. The car was perfectly cleaned and tuned and even surpassed my expectations. As a 55-year old, I appreciate the little things accentuated by this company.

Bianca

Santander – 03-08-2023. I used their services when I visited my daughter in Santander. Being a 62-year old, I was pleased with how easy the process of renting and returning is. The car was in excellent condition, and the rates were surprisingly affordable. I would use them again.

Calvin

Santander – 05-07-2023. Hello, I'm Calvin, 30 years old. I've used many car rental services, but this one is at the top of my list. The price was also relatively lower considering the quality of the car. The process was smooth, the car was great, and the experience was value for money.



Road Connections Guide

Driving from Santander

  1. Santander - Bilbao: A short 108 km drive awaits over the AP-8 highway with a travel time of 1 hour 20 minutes. Known for its good quality roads.
  2. Santander - Oviedo: A journey of 191 km via the A-8 and A-66, with approximately 2 hours of travel. Roads are well-maintained.
  3. Santander - San Sebastian: A ride of around 207 km over the AP-8 highway spanning about 2 hours 15 minutes. Roads are in excellent condition and scenic.
  4. Santander - Madrid: A distance of 339 km away via the A-67 and A-1, approximately a drive of 3 hours 30 minutes. Freeways are of high standard.
  5. Santander - Burgos: This is a 182 km drive via A-67 with a travel time of around 2 hours. The road condition is good.
  6. Santander - Zaragoza: A longer route of 290 km via A-68, roughly 3 hours 20 minutes of driving. Interstate in good shape.
  7. Santander - Leon: A 231 km journey through AP-66 roughly taking about 2 hour 30 minutes. Roads are well taken care of.

Driving in Santander

Common Questions and Answers

1. On which side of the road do people drive in Santander?

In Santander, like in all parts of Spain, people drive on the right-hand side of the road.

2. What is the maximum speed limit in Santander?

The speed limit in the city is typically 50 km/h. However, this can reduce to 20 or 30 km/h in residential areas and school zones. On motorways, the limit is often 120 km/h.

3. Do I need an international driver's licence to drive in Santander?

If you're from a non-EU country, you will need an international driver's licence in addition to your national driver's licence.

4. Is it possible to encounter traffic in Santander?

Yes, like in any city, traffic is common during peak hours. It is advisable to plan for delays especially during rush hour.

5. Are there many speed cameras in Santander?

Yes, there are a number of speed cameras throughout the city and surrounding areas to enforce speed limits.

6. Are there any specific driving rules or customs in Santander?

Local driving customs in Santander include giving way to the right and the use of roundabouts. Drivers are also required to carry a reflective vest and warning triangle in the car at all times.

7. Are there any tolls for using Santander's roads?

While there's no toll on most urban roads in Santander, some motorways in the nearby areas may have tolls.

8. What documents do I need to carry when driving?

Always carry a valid driving license, your car's registration document, and proof of insurance.

9. How strictly are driving laws enforced?

Driving regulations, like speed limits, are strictly enforced in Santander. Breaches of traffic laws often result in heavy fines.

10. Is there anything I should know about parking in Santander?

Street parking in the city centre is generally metered. Alternatively, there are many public parking lots where you can park for a fee.

11. Can I turn right on a red light in Santander?

No, right turns on red are not permitted unless there's a sign specifically allowing it.

12. What should I do in case of a road traffic accident?

If there is an accident, call the local emergency services on 112. You also need to complete an accident report for your car insurance provider.

13. Are there any age restrictions for driving in Santander?

To drive a car, you must be at least 18 years old.

14. How do I use roundabouts in Santander?

At roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way. So, you should wait until there is a safe gap before joining.

15. Can pedestrians have the right of way?

Yes, in many situations like pedestrian crossings and when the pedestrian traffic light is green, pedestrians have the right of way.

Explore Santander

Top 8 tourist attractions

  1. Magdalena Palace: An impressive royal palace surrounded by extensive gardens and home to a small zoo.
  2. Santander Cathedral: Tour the two churches of this stunning Roman Catholic cathedral in the heart of Santander.
  3. Las Llamas Park: A large park with open spaces for picnics, trails for walking or cycling and beautiful water features.
  4. Cantabrian Maritime Museum: Discover the region's deep connection with the sea at this interactive museum.
  5. Gran Casino del Sardinero: Not just for gambling, this historic building also offers impressive architecture and sea views.
  6. Santander Bay: A picturesque bay, perfect for taking a scenic walk or enjoying a seafood meal with a view.
  7. El Sardinero Beach: Visit this popular, clean beach with calm waters, or relax in the surrounding gardens.
  8. Altamira Cave: Journey back in time by visiting this world-famous cave, showcasing prehistoric paintings close to Santander.

Top Santander Roadtrips

Exploring Spain by Car

  1. Santander to Oviedo: A route of 210 km along the A-8 with beautiful coastal views, passing by San Vincente de la Barquera and Ribadesella before reaching the historic city of Oviedo.
  2. The Northern Route: From Santander, drive 560 km to Santiago de Compostela via the A-8, A-68 and AP-9, passing picturesque cities like Bilbao, San Sebastián, and La Coruna.
  3. The Ebro River Route: A 260 km drive along the A-67 and A-231 will take you from Santander to Burgos, following the Ebro River with stops at Reinosa, Aguilar de Campoo and the breathtaking Ebro reservoir.
  4. Santander to Madrid: A convenient 390 km drive, mostly along the A-67 and A-1, that takes you directly to Spain's bustling capital, Madrid.
  5. The Wine Route: Santander to Logroño is a 240km journey along the A-68, A-1 and LO-20 where you'll pass famed wine regions and several vineyards.
  6. The Green Coast: Travel from Santander to Gijón, a 190 km drive along the A-8 where you're treated to natural landscapes, sandy beaches and fishing villages.
  7. River Nansa Valley Route: A short 80 km day-trip to explore the beauty of the Nansa river valley, through historical villages and stunning mountainous landscapes, hug the CA-280 and CA-281.

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