Car Hire In Gijón, Spain: Competitive Prices With A Practical UK Traveller Guide

Compare airport and city pick-up options, understand insurance and fees, and get on the road in Asturias with confidence—great value for coastal drives and day trips beyond Gijón.

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UK-to-Spain Essentials

Gijón Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers

Hiring a car in Gijón is a practical way to explore Asturias beyond the city limits, from coastal villages and beaches to the Picos de Europa. In the city, parking and one-way systems can slow you down, but a rental car becomes excellent value for day trips and flexible itineraries. For UK residents, remember Spain drives on the right; most hire cars are manual, so book an automatic early if needed. If you are flying, the nearest main airport is Asturias Airport (OVD); it is not in Gijón itself, but it is the most common arrival point and offers the widest choice of suppliers and opening hours. In the city, downtown pick-up can suit travellers arriving by train or bus, though out-of-hours returns and parking logistics may be less convenient than at the airport.

Asturias Airport (OVD) Car Rental Area

The closest major airport to Gijón (about 40–45 minutes by road). Most major brands operate here with clear signage from Arrivals to the rental desks/parking area. Best for wider vehicle choice, longer opening hours, and straightforward returns via airport road signage. Downsides can include peak-time queues, higher fees than city locations, and add-ons presented at the counter.

Gijón Railway Station Area (Estación de Gijón / Sanz Crespo)

Convenient if you arrive by Renfe or regional trains and want to avoid airport transfers. Pros: central access, good for short city-based rentals, often quicker collection than airports. Cons: limited fleet and opening hours, tighter streets, and you may need to plan parking before pick-up and for overnight stays.

City Centre / Playa de San Lorenzo Area

Handy for hotels and apartments near the beach and central attractions. Pros: walkable pick-up, ideal if you do not need a car every day and prefer collecting just before day trips. Cons: parking is more constrained and can be pricey, traffic can be busy at peak times, and returning a car may take longer due to one-way systems.

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Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

More Choice And Longer Hours At Asturias Airport (OVD)

Airport collection typically offers the broadest selection of vehicles (including larger cars and automatics when booked early), clearer return procedures, and longer opening hours—useful for UK flights that arrive later in the day. It can cost more than downtown locations and queues may occur at busy times, so booking in advance and reviewing fuel and add-on options helps keep the price competitive.

Car Hire in Gijon Rated by Real Travellers

Browse genuine customer reviews of car rental suppliers in Gijon to help you choose a reliable provider for your Spanish road trip.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.1 2300+ reviews	$103	0.7 mi from Gijon Downtown	$604 - $658	●Friendly professional staff ●Clean well-maintained vehicles ●Easy airport pickup and return
	2.9 25 reviews	$91	0.8 mi from Gijon Downtown	$232 - $579	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Efficient pick-up process ●Good quality vehicles
	2.1 5,200+ reviews	$68	1.2 mi from Gijon Downtown	$925 - $929	●Friendly and professional staff ●Fast and efficient service ●Hassle-free rental experience
	2.1 5276+ reviews	$78	1.2 mi from Gijon Downtown	$579 - $1,161	●Friendly and efficient staff ●Easy online booking process ●Professional customer service
	2.0 3,300+ reviews	$97	0.8 mi from Gijon Downtown	$813	●Quick pickup process ●Friendly professional staff ●Easy smooth experience
	1.8 36 reviews	$85	0.8 mi from Gijon Downtown	$232 - $233	●Fantastic service at airports ●New cars with low mileage ●Helpful and professional staff
	1.7 300+ reviews	$70	0.4 mi from Gijon Downtown	$232 - $449	●Quick and efficient service ●Airport pickup and return ●Insurance options available
	1.4 300+ reviews	$85	0.8 mi from Gijon Downtown	$232 - $233	●Exceptional customer service ●Professional and efficient staff ●Easy and quick process
	1.3 200+ reviews	$78	0.4 mi from Gijon Downtown	$232 - $446	●Quick five-minute check-in ●New vehicle quality offered ●Helpful multilingual staff
	1.2 785+ reviews	$83	0.8 mi from Gijon Downtown	$810 - $813	●Professional and helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up and return process ●Responsive customer service team

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 12 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

Fuelling a Hire Car in Spain: A Brit's Guide

A comprehensive guide for Brits on how to fuel a hire car in Spain, including fuel types, payment methods, and a step-by-step checklist for a stress-free experience.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations capture 60-65% of car rentals in Spain, with Gijon's Asturias Airport serving 45% of regional rentals. Europcar, Hertz, and Avis dominate with 65% combined market share. Online bookings now account for 61.75% of all reservations."

Booking Patterns

"Economy vehicles dominate Spain rentals at 55-65% share; SUV demand for rural tourism rose 10.7%. Summer peak (June-August) drives 40-50% demand surge. Average rental duration is 3-5 days, with 30-40% of bookings made within 48 hours of pickup."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of car rental customers across Europe report hidden fee discrepancies between advertised and final prices, the top complaint. Insurance confusion affects 25-30%, fuel policy disputes 12-18%."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Mordor Intelligence - Spain Car Rental Market Size & Share Analysis
Mordor Intelligence - Europe Vehicle Rental Market
AENA - Spanish Airport Statistics
Mordor Intelligence - Spain Car Rental Market Analysis
INE - Instituto Nacional de Estadistica Tourism Statistics
Spain Tourist Arrivals - Trading Economics
Mordor Intelligence - Europe Vehicle Rental Industry Report
OCU (Organizacion de Consumidores y Usuarios) Spain
Feneval - National Business Federation for Vehicle Rental

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Gijon

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Gijon

GijonLerida

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$70.00

Popular Driving Routes & Day Trips From Gijón

Scenic Routes By Car:

Gijón to Covadonga Lakes via Cangas de Onís

Mountain & national park route1 hr 40 min–2 hr 10 min (each way, depending on traffic and mountain road conditions)

A classic Asturias drive into the Picos de Europa. Head inland to the medieval bridge town of Cangas de Onís, then climb to the Sanctuary of Covadonga and the high mountain Lakes (Lagos de Covadonga) for dramatic viewpoints, short walks and cooler air.

Cangas de Onís, Roman Bridge (Puente Romano), Sanctuary of Covadonga, Lagos de Covadonga, Mirador de la Reina

Gijón to Cudillero & Cabo Vidio Coastal Drive

Coastal villages & lighthouse viewpoints1 hr 0 min–1 hr 20 min (each way)

Drive west along Asturias’ rugged coast to the colourful amphitheatre village of Cudillero, then continue to the windswept cliffs of Cabo Vidio for big Atlantic views. Great for seafood lunches and golden-hour photography.

Cudillero Harbour, Mirador de la Garita, Playa de Aguilar, Cabo Vidio, Oviñana

Gijón to Lastres & Mirador de San Roque (Jurassic Coast)

Coastal viewpoints & heritage village route50 min–1 hr 10 min (each way)

A short, high-reward route to Lastres, a hillside fishing village with cobbled streets and sea panoramas. Pair it with the Mirador de San Roque for postcard views across the coast; ideal for a half-day escape from the city.

Lastres Old Town, Mirador de San Roque, Playa de La Griega, Colunga, Tazones

Most Popular Trips From Gijón:

Oviedo City Break (Cathedral & Old Quarter)

4–6 hours

A straightforward drive to Asturias’ capital for the cathedral, pedestrian streets and cider taverns. Ideal when the coast is misty and you want museums, shopping and indoor options.

Ribadesella & Playa de Santa Marina

6–8 hours

Head east for a lively seaside town with a broad beach, promenade and great seafood. In summer, arrive early for easier parking and a calmer beach experience.

Llanes & the Eastern Asturias Beaches

8–10 hours

A longer but rewarding trip for dramatic coves and coastal scenery around Llanes. Mix viewpoints with beach time; check tide times if you plan to explore smaller inlets.

Picos de Europa Viewpoints (Sotres Area)

10–12 hours

A full-day mountain adventure into the heart of the Picos. Expect narrower roads and slower average speeds, but superb scenery and a real sense of rural Asturias.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Gijón

Bring The Right Documents: Carry your driving licence, passport/ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If you’re visiting from outside the EU/EEA, check whether an International Driving Permit is required by your licence’s issuing country.

Choose The Right Car For Asturias Roads: A compact car is easiest for village streets and tight parking. If you’ll be heading into the Picos de Europa or travelling with luggage, consider a slightly stronger engine for steep climbs.

Plan Fuel Stops Before Mountain Detours: Motorways around Gijón are well-served, but rural and mountain areas have fewer stations and shorter opening hours. Fill up before heading inland, especially for Covadonga and Picos routes.

Factor In Slower Average Speeds: Asturias looks small on the map, but coastal and mountain roads can be winding. Build in buffer time for viewpoints, tractors, and weather-related slowdowns.

Watch The Weather And Low Cloud: Conditions can change quickly near the coast and in the mountains. Pack a light waterproof, and if the peaks are clouded in, switch plans to a coastal village or a city visit (Oviedo/Avilés).

Have A Parking Strategy: In busy spots (Lastres, Cudillero, Ribadesella), aim for public car parks on the edge of town and walk in. Arrive earlier in summer and on weekends to avoid circling for spaces.

Understand Insurance And Deposits: Check excess (deductible) amounts, what counts as damage (wheels, glass, underside), and whether you need to buy extra cover. Photograph the car at pick-up and drop-off, including wheels and bumpers.

Driving in Gijón: Northern Spain's Coastal Gem

Your essential guide to driving, renting and exploring Gijón, the maritime heart of Asturias on Spain's stunning Cantabrian coast

LANGUAGES

Spanish (Castilian)

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+34

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$35 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

3-5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

20-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

90-120 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (0.03% for novice/professional drivers)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.75/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.20/L - $2.30/L

TRAVELER RATING

2.0 / 10

Car Hire in Gijón: Essential FAQs

Practical answers on driving rules, roads, tolls, and seasonal tips for exploring Asturias by car

Can I drive in Gijón with a UK driving licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes. A valid UK photocard licence is accepted in Spain for short tourist stays, so most British drivers do not need an International Driving Permit. However, the DVLA recommends carrying an IDP as a back-up, especially if your licence was issued before 1998 or shows only your address, not your photograph. The minimum age to hire is generally 21, and drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge of roughly €10–€20 per day.

What is the speed limit on the A-8 motorway near Gijón, and how are speeding fines enforced?

On the A-8 dual carriageway through Asturias the limit is 120 km/h; on single-carriageway national roads it drops to 90 km/h, and in built-up areas of Gijón it is 50 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise. Spain uses fixed speed cameras, average-speed cameras, and frequently deployed unmarked police vehicles. Fines for foreign drivers can be paid on the spot or charged to the rental company, with serious offences starting at €100 and losing your licence at more than 20 km/h over the limit.

Are there tolls on the AP-66 between Gijón and León, and how should I pay?

Yes, the AP-66 motorway from Campomanes to León is tolled, with a one-way car fee of around €8–€10. Spanish toll booths accept cash, debit and credit cards, and most also offer an electronic tag lane; if you hire a car you can usually request a Via-T device for the duration of the rental. A free alternative is the N-630, which winds through the Pajares pass and takes roughly an hour longer, but is far more scenic in winter.

Where is the easiest place to park in central Gijón, and what does it cost?

Street parking in the centre uses blue ORA zones, charged Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 at roughly €1.00–€1.30 per hour, payable at the metre or via the Telpark app. Free white zones are scarce; the underground car parks such as Plaza del Carmen or El Muro are open 24/7 and charge about €1.50–€2.00 per hour or €18–€22 per day. The San Lorenzo beach area fills up quickly in August, so arrive before 11:00 in high summer.

What should I know about driving in Asturias in winter, and are winter tyres required?

From November to March the Cordillera Cantábrica and the Puerto de Pajares (N-630) can see snow, ice and fog, and the AP-66 is often the safer choice. Spanish law does not legally require winter tyres, but mountain roads frequently carry a 'cadenas obligatorias' sign, meaning snow chains must be fitted or the vehicle turned back. Summer, by contrast, is warm and dry (22–26 °C) and the coastal roads to Covadonga and the Picos de Europa are generally trouble-free, though narrow passes can be busy at weekends.

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