At Caminos by Casas Cantábricas, we create bespoke holidays tailored to your needs, whether you’re planning a fly-drive with a rental car or bringing your own vehicle on the ferry. Our strong local presence, combined with over 40 years of experience in northern Spain, means we’re perfectly placed to help you make the most of your journey and avoid the pitfalls.
One of the principal historic cities of inland northern Spain, and an excellent gateway to the Spanish Pyrenees, Pamplona is known the world over for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival in early July. The city also boasts an excellent gastronomy, closely linked to neighbouring Basque cuisine yet with its own character, featuring outstanding market-garden produce and, of course, the fine wines for which the region is now famous.
Since 2025 the city has a Low Emission Zone in place - here's everything you need to know if planning a visit to Pamplona.
Find out how the Pamplona Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules effect UK registered cars, classic cars, motorbikes as well as Spanish rental cars.
Pamplona 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 Pamplona Hotel: LEZ Permits & Access
You’re fine – those staying in hotels are exempt – just give the receptionist your registration
Day Trips and Visits to Pamplona in a Foreign or UK Registered Car: LEZ Permits and Access
Foreign registered vehicles are allowed into the zone as long as they use a public car park.
Driving a Spanish Rental Car to a Pamplona Hotel: LEZ Permits & Access
You're fine - those staying in hotels are exempt - just give the receptionist your registration on arrival.
*For rental cars collected in France or Portugal the rules for foreign registered vehicles apply.
Visiting Pamplona with a Spanish Rental Car: LEZ Permits & Access
You’re OK if it has a 0, ECO, C or B sticker which it should have.
*For rental cars collected in France or Portugal the rules for foreign registered vehicles apply.
Map of Pamplona Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The restricted area covers the city centre, 'Old Town' area
Restricted times - When is the Pamplona Low Emission Zone Operational?
The Low Emission Zone is always oprational
Which vehicles are allowed in the Pamplona Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?
Vehicles with the following stickers are allowed to enter
- Eco
- 0 (zero)
- C
- B
- 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 'Essential Information' section above).
Plan your trip...
If you're interested in visiting Pamplona as part of a touring holiday, you might like to try our Discover Navarra Tour, which offers a taste of this corner of northern Spain in just seven days. For a longer trip, our Wine and Mountains Tour covers all the highlights. With several nearby airports and ferry crossings to Santander or Bilbao, these tours can easily be adapted to suit your travel plans.
For a longer adventure across Spain from east to west, take a look at the Pyrenees to Santiago - Inland Route, a journey from the Pyrenees all the way to Santiago, following this historic route through landscapes full of contrast.
Contact us, or give us a call on 01223 328721, to discuss your requirements. We are always happy to combine and adapt our tours to suit your personal needs and help create the perfect northern Spain itinerary.
