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.
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.
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.
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
- 0 Emissions, blue: Electric vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles and plug-in hybrids with at least 40 km electric range.
- 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.
- B, yellow: Petrol vehicles registered from 2001 and diesel vehicles registered from 2006.
- 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
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)
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...
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!
