Car hire in Santander, Spain

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Santander

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Santander car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Santander pick-up location

There are 21 car hire locations in Santander. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Santander

Hiring a car in Santander: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyClick and Rent
Most popular carMini, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRs14,052
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Santander

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Santander car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santander

  • Looking for a cheap rental car in Santander? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging Rs14,052 a day, we compare the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.

  • May is the cheapest month to rent a car in Santander. With average daily rates of Rs7,516, you're cruising toward real savings.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Santander. Book about three weeks before your departure date to land the best prices.

  • Check out car hire deals in Santander from leading providers like Click and Rent, Goldcar and OK Mobility.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Santander car hire policy, whether you book with Click and Rent or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in Santander by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Skip the hidden fees by booking a car hire in Santander with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.

  • Jetting into Santander? Think about booking one of the car rentals in Santander Airport. That way, you can get going shortly after landing.

Compare car hire types in Santander

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Santander from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Santander car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Santander that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, luggage or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Santander car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Make life easier when you rent a car in Santander by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • You typically have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in Spain. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.

  • Kids coming with you? Car seat laws vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Santander car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Santander

  • You'll want to explore the leading attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in Santander. Camino de Santiago en Santander and Plaza de la Constitución are a great lead-in to the rest of your trip.

  • If you need somewhere to stay in Santander while touring around, consider Apartmentos Santander Maliaño Suites 3000 or Hotel Bahía.

  • Around 56 kilometres south of central Santander, Arija should be on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Camping Playa de Arija and Embarcadero de Arija.

  • Hotel Araz and Hotel Rural El Rincón de Gadea are recommended accommodation options in Arija.

  • Add Trasmiera to your list of stops. Grab your cheap car hire in Santander and drive about 18 kilometres south-east to explore top spots such as Somo's Beach Surf School and Playa de La Arena.

  • Trasmiera has some comfy places where you can unpack your bags, such as Posada La Herradura and Hosterían El Laurel.

  • Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Hondarribia, about 161 kilometres east of Santander. From Plaza de Armas to Playa de Hondarribia, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.

  • Check out the room availability at Hotel Rio Bidasoa or Ibis Irun. They make it a breeze to experience everything Hondarribia has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Santander will set you back around Rs14,052 per day or Rs18,367 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Santander is an economy crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Mini, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Santander are currently Goldcar and OK RENT A CAR.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Santander is currently May.
On average, around Rs18,367. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Santander is Rs18,367.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Santander for a whole month is Rs332,233. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Santander, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Santander that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Santander.
Most places – Santander included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs7,795 per day. The average price per day is around Rs11,386.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Click and Rent, Goldcar and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Santander.