Everything you need to know about the San Sebastian Low Emission Zone. 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.
At Caminos by Casas Cantabricas , we create bespoke, self-drive touring holidays tailored to your personal requirements, whether you’re planning a fly-drive trip with a rental car or bringing your own car on the ferry. With a strong local presence in the San Sebastian area, and over 40 years of experience in northern Spain, we’re well placed to help you make the most of your visit and avoid any unexpected issues. Visit San Sebastian by car One of the most elegant and popular cities in northern Spain - whether arriving by air, by ferry or crossing the French border by road - San Sebastián is an outstanding 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. Here's all you need to know if planning a visit to San Sebastián by car: San Sebastián 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 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. https://www.donostia.eus/ataria/en/web/ige/foreing-vehicles 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. https://www.donostia.eus/ataria/en/web/ige/foreing-vehicles 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. 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. 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. See Our North Spain Tours See Our Ferry-drive Tours 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 'Essential Information' section above) Frequently Asked Questions about the LEZ Are foreign registered cars allowed in the San Sebastián 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 'Essential Information' section above) Can I get a sticker for my car when travelling to Spain? No, as yet there is no general sticker system for foreign cars travelling to Spain. Each city has its own rules and exceptions. (see our 'Essential Information' section above) Will my classic be OK to enter the LEZ? Yes, classic cars can get into the LEZ if you hold a historic vehicle certificate, you can register your classic car to get into the San Sebastián LEZ Will my motorbike be OK to enter the San Sebastián LEZ? Bikes rented in Spain will have the appropriate sticker and will be subject to the same restrictions as cars. As rental bikes are generally quite new this shouldn't be an issue but you need to check. There are no special rules for foreign motorbikes so your bike will be subject to the same rules as for all foreign / UK registered vehicles. (see our 'Essential Information' section above) Will my rental car be OK to enter in the San Sebastián LEZ? Normally yes but you do need to check the sticker. (see our 'Essential Information' section above) How is the San Sebastián LEZ controlled? There are cameras with number-plate recognition at all entry points to the low emission zone. If your rental car has the appropriate sticket it is registered in the national database and will be admitted. If you have a foreign car and public parking or hotel exceptions apply (see Essential Information) your car will be registered with the local authority on entering the parking / registering at the hotel. Plan your trip... For the ultimate Basque Country experience try our Bilbao - Rioja Alavesa - San Sebastian tour. Or swap San Sebastián for Bilbao on our Wine and Mountains for a marvellous Pyrenean adventure, or build it into our Bilbao to Santiago Coastal Tour which takes in the whole of the north Spain coast! 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 south Spain itinerary! About us About our Tours Related Travel Guides The Basque Country San Sebastián Bringing your car on the ferry Insider tips - avoid the pitfalls Santander & East Cantabria The 'City on the Bay'
