One of the main entry points to northern Spain - whether via the Ferry Port or Santander Airport, and a wonderful city to visit, Santander should form a key part of any northern Spain holiday.
Since 2025 the city has a Low Emission Zone in place - here's everything you need to know if planning a visit to Santander:
Santander 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 Santander Hotel: LEZ Permits & Access
Foreign registered vehicles are not permitted but are allowed into the zone as long as they use a public or hotel car park.
Day Trips and Visits to Santander 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 Santander 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 Santander 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 Santander Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The restricted area covers the ensanche district (the town centre) up to the seafront, which lies outside the zone, allowing any car to disembark from the ferry and leave the city via the main arterial roads to the motorways without issue.
Restricted times - When is the Santander Low Emission Zone Operational?
The LEZ is operational weekdays from 08.00 - 19.00.
At weekends and night-time there are no restrictions.
Which vehicles are allowed in the Santander 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
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)
