Cantabria Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Cantabria

A coastal beach with clear turquoise waters, sandy shore, and rocky cliffs.
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Santander

Santander

What you need to know for your Cantabria car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Cantabria

Renting a car in Cantabria offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for tourists. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed. This convenience is especially beneficial for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences.

Key attractions like Cabarceno Natural Park, perfect for outdoor activities, and the historic Palacio de la Magdalena and Banco Santander, both located in Santander, are easily accessible by car. You can also venture to other charming cities such as Suances, known for its beautiful beaches and the Caves of Altamira, or Santillana del Mar, which features the Collegiate Church and Comillas Beach. With a rental car, you can visit these destinations without the constraints of public transport schedules, allowing you to fully enjoy everything Cantabria has to offer.

Most popular car hires in Cantabria

  • Compact SUV: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact SUV is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families, offering a balanced combination of comfort and manoeuvrability. Its size makes it ideal for navigating through town while still providing ample space for luggage, making it a popular choice for exploring Cantabria at your own pace.
  • Midsize SUV: With the capacity to hold 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle offers more room and comfort, making it suitable for longer journeys across the scenic landscapes of Cantabria. It provides a flexible travel experience, allowing passengers to enjoy both space and convenience during their adventure.
  • Economy: The Economy car is designed for 5 travellers and can accommodate up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing comfort. The Economy car allows for easy navigation and parking in urban areas while ensuring you have enough room for your essentials during your trip in Cantabria.

Where to stay in Cantabria

  • Santander: Located in Cantabria, Santander is an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of beach and adventure experiences. Popular attractions include the historic Palacio de la Magdalena and Santander Cathedral, both offering cultural insights. The city is also close to beautiful beaches and a national state park, making it perfect for outdoor activities. With numerous restaurants nearby, visitors can enjoy local cuisine while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Suances: A charming coastal city, Suances is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts stunning beaches like Playa de la Ribera and Playa de los Locos, ideal for a beach holiday. The nearby Caves of Altamira provide an adventurous exploration opportunity. Suances also features a good selection of restaurants and bars, where you can indulge in local cheese and other delights, making it a pleasant destination for relaxation.
  • Santillana del Mar: Known for its scenic beauty, Santillana del Mar is the place for those interested in outdoor adventures and rich history. Key attractions include the Caves of Altamira and the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, showcasing the area’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the beautiful surrounding landscapes and enjoy local dining options. This region is particularly inviting for those who appreciate a blend of nature and history.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Cantabria

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're after an SUV for ample space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may offer a full-to-empty or prepaid fuel option, which is acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides additional peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Cantabria

The best value period to rent a car in Cantabria is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. March and April also offer similar conditions, making them attractive options for budget-conscious travellers. As the summer approaches, June tends to see average prices but higher demand, while July and August bring slightly high prices and peak demand. January, on the other hand, is the most expensive month, despite its low demand, making it less favourable for rentals.

Renting a car in Cantabria will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that Cantabria has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you Cantabria car hire is easy. Each hire car in Cantabria option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in Cantabria with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of Cantabria car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in Cantabria with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every Cantabria hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in Cantabria. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in Cantabria today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in Cantabria with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Cantabria car reservation?
No need to stress. You should get all of your money back if you notify us a minimum of six hours prior to collecting the car. Your itinerary contains information about this, and so does our Customer Service Portal. Not all prepaid bookings qualify for a refund though, so you may want to scan your car's rental agreement.
What types of cars can I rent in Cantabria?
The majority of visitors go for economy vehicles in Cantabria. Motorists love them because they're good on fuel and affordable. Plus, their small size makes them well-suited to driving around cities, where streets are busy and parking can be a challenge. But your options don't end there. Compacts, full-size cars and SUVs are also among our hire range. Whether you're hanging around Cantabria or venturing beyond, we'll have a ride that fits your needs.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Cantabria with Expedia?
It's easy to score an incredible deal with Expedia. Simply choose your ride, select your dates and preferred pick-up and drop-off locations, and compare offers from all the top brands. Make even bigger savings when you bundle your Cantabria car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Cantabria?
Drivers need to be at least 21. But there are a few age-related rules you should keep in mind before you book your wheels in Cantabria. If you're a young driver, most hire companies will charge an extra fee and limit the types of vehicles you can rent. The surcharge, and which ages it applies to, differs between outlets. Take a moment to compare the rules.
What do you need to rent a car in Cantabria?
Any hire company you select will need these two things — a valid driver's license and credit card. If you'd like to opt out of the provider's insurance plan, proof of your own coverage will also likely be needed. Read your policy thoroughly so you know what to bring when it's time to pick up the keys.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Cantabria?
You can. We partner with quality providers that offer long-term hires for many car classes. Reserve one of our long-term car rental deals and discover every corner of Cantabria — or way beyond!
Where can I find a Cantabria hire car if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the hire companies located in Cantabria. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found a place that does cater to drivers under the age of 25, take note that extra fees may apply. Conduct some research into any extra charges before collecting the vehicle.
Why should I rent a Cantabria car with Expedia?
From our exclusive offers to our rewards programme and member prices, you're guaranteed to save when you book your hire car with Expedia. And with multiple suppliers in Cantabria to select from, you have loads of choice when it comes to finding the perfect wheels. But we don't just have unbeatable rates on rental vehicles. Flights, hotels and tours can be added to your itinerary to create your dream Cantabria holiday package. The more you bundle, the bigger the savings! Plus, when you're a member of our One Key™ rewards programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and redeem it on eligible hotels, car rentals, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation