At Caminos by Casas Cantabricas, we create bespoke holidays tailored to your needs, whether you’re planning a fly-drive trip with a rental car or bringing your own car on the ferry. Our strong local presence combined with over 40 years of experience in northern Spain, and Bilbao in particular, mean we’re well placed to help you make the most of your journey and navigate the pitfalls.
Visit Bilbao by car
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.
Driving in Bilbao offers a great way to visit the city and explore the wider Basque Country at your own pace. The recent introduction, in 2025, of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) means that you do need to be aware of the restrictions; but it needn’t be a problem as long as you have all the essential information.
Here's everything you need to know if planning a visit to Bilbao by car:
Bilbao Low Emission Zone (LEZ) - 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.
See our FAQ section for more details of how the Bilbao Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules effect UK registered cars, classic cars, motorbikes as well as Spanish rental cars.
For general notes, advice and details of all cities in northern Spain see our Expert Guide to North Spain's Low Emission Zones
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.
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, green/blue: Hybrids, plug-in hybrids with under 40 km range, and gas-powered vehicles.
- C, green: Petrol vehicles registered from 2006 and diesel vehicles registered from 2015.
- 0 Emissions, blue: Electric vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles and plug-in hybrids with at least 40 km electric range. (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 'Essential Information' 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 'Essential Information' section above).
Important note on Low Emission Zone regulations
We do our best to interpret the Low Emission Zone regulations and restrictions for each city accurately, and to keep the information on this page as up to date as possible. However, these rules are set and managed locally, and they may change at short notice.
For this reason, the information provided here is intended as general guidance only. We cannot accept liability for any errors, omissions, changes to local regulations, fines, penalties, access restrictions, or other consequences arising from reliance on this information.
Before travelling, clients should always check the latest official information from the relevant local government or city council for each destination they plan to visit.
Plan your trip...
If you're interested in visiting Bilbao as part of a touring holiday perhaps try our Bilbao - Rioja - Coastal Cantabria tour which offers a taste of north Spain in a compact one-week tour. For a longer trip taking in all the main highlights our Bilbao to Santiago Coastal Route really ticks all the boxes whilst for those coming on the ferry (or entering and returning via Bilbao) our Santander to Santiago and back tour can easily be adapted to suit.
For an epic adventure across the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean take a look at the Costa Brava Run or stay local for a deep-dive into the Basque Country with our Discover the Basque Country.
Contact us - or give us a call on 01223 328721 to discuss your requirements - we're more than happy to combine and adapt the tours to suit your personal needs and ensure you get the perfect north Spain itinerary!
