One of the most elegant and popular cities in northern Spain - whether arriving by air, ferry or crossing the French border by road - San Sebastián is a standout coastal destination renowned for its gastronomy and refined atmosphere, and an ideal base from which to explore the wider Basque Country, making it a key part of any northern Spain holiday.
Find out how the San Sebatián Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules effect UK registered cars, classic cars, motorbikes as well as Spanish rental cars.
San Sebastián 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 San Sebastián Hotel: LEZ Permits & Access
Foreign registered vehicles must fill in a form to get access to the LEZ. Access will only be granted if it is a petrol or diesel car from 01-01-2006 or if you hold a historic vehicle certificate.
Day Trips and Visits to San Sebastián in a Foreign or UK Registered Car: LEZ Permits and Access
Foreign registered vehicles must fill in a form to get access to the LEZ. Access will only be granted if it is a petrol or diesel car from 01-01-2006 or if you hold a historic vehicle certificate.
Driving a Spanish Rental Car to a San Sebastián Hotel: 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.
Visiting San Sebastián 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 San Sebastián Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The Low Emission Zone in San Sebastián covers the city centre and stretches mainly from the Boulevard - the city’s main commercial and social hub - to Araba Park, defining the central area with the highest concentration of traffic and activity.
Restricted times - When is the San Sebastián Low Emission Zone Operational?
The LEZ is always operational
Which vehicles are allowed in the San Sebastián Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)?
Vehicles with the following stickers are allowed to enter
- Eco
- B
- 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
Yes, foreign registered vehicles must fill in a form to get access to the LEZ. Access will only be granted if it is a petrol or diesel car from 01-01-2006 or if you hold a historic vehicle certificate. (see our 'In a Nutshell' section above)
