One of the main entry points to northern Spain - whether via the Ferry Port or Bilbao Airport, and a wonderful city to visit, Bilbao should form a key part of any northern Spain holiday.
Since 2025 the city has a Low Emission Zone in place - here's everything you need to know if planning a visit to Bilbao.
Find out how the Bilbao Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules effect UK registered cars, classic cars, motorbikes as well as Spanish rental cars.
Bilbao Low Emission Zone (LEZ) - Rules, Exceptions and Essential Information
- UK or Foreign Car - Staying in Hotel
- UK or Foreign Car - Just Visiting
- Rental Car - Staying in Hotel
- Rental Car - Just Visiting
Driving a Foreign or UK Registered Car to a Bilbao Hotel: LEZ Permits & Access
You're fine - those staying in hotels are exempt as long as you usethe hotel car park - just give the receptionist your registration on arrival.
Day Trips and Visits to Bilbao in a Foreign or UK Registered Car: LEZ Permits and Access
You can use any of the public car parks within the LEZ which will gain you access to the area irrespective of your vehicle’s characteristics.
However, for ease of access and avoidance of complications we recommend the car park of the Palacio Euskalduna beside Sagrado Corazon which is just outside the LEZ and has good connections with the motorways.
Driving a Spanish Rental Car to a Bilbao Hotel: LEZ Permits & Access
You’re OK if it has a 0 / ECO or C sticker which it should have.
*For rental cars collected in France or Portugal the rules for foreign registered vehicles apply.
Visiting Bilbao with a Spanish Rental Car: LEZ Permits & Access
You’re OK if it has a 0 / ECO or C sticker which it should have.
*For rental cars collected in France or Portugal the rules for foreign registered vehicles apply.
Map of Bilbao Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The restricted area covers the city centre to the south of the Nervión River, known as the ensanche district.
Bilbao ferry is located out of the city allowing any car to disembark from the ferry and leave via the main arterial roads to the motorways without issue.
Restricted times - When is the Bilbao Low Emission Zone Operational?
The LEZ is operational weekdays from 07.00 - 20.00.
At weekends and night-time there are no restrictions.
Which vehicles are allowed in the Bilbao Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)?
Vehicles with the following stickers are allowed to enter
- Eco
- C
- 0 (zero)
- If renting a vehicle whilst in Spain do check the sticker but normally it should be compliant.
- There is no sticker system in place for foreign registered vehicles which are therefore not authorised to enter the LEZ unless there is an applicable exception (see our 'In a Nutshell' section above)
Frequently Asked Questions about the LEZ
There is no sticker system in place for foreign registered vehicles which are therefore not authorised to enter the LEZ but exceptions may apply e.g. if you use a public / hotel car park (see our 'In a Nutshell' section above).
