Camper Van & RV Hire in Bilbao

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Spain, preferably valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. For stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, no visa is required under the Schengen Agreement.

As of now, ETIAS is not yet required. It is scheduled to begin operations in the last quarter of 2026 and will include a transitional phase and a grace period (each potentially six months), allowing travelers time to adapt before it becomes fully mandatory.

Upon arrival in Bilbao—or any Spanish entry point—you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Any stay longer than 90 days requires a national visa.

Please always check official government or embassy websites for the latest entry rules before traveling.

Bilbao’s paid parking zones are controlled by the OTA service and are divided into blue zones (maximum 2-hour parking) and green zones (maximum 5-hour parking).

There are also other paid parking options in Bilbao such as the so-called deterrent zones (usually at metro stations or train stations), designed to relieve congestion in the city center. These are generally cheaper parking alternatives.

If you want to visit Bilbao after picking up your camper van rental and don’t want the hassle of worrying about parking times, try one of the car parks on the outskirts of the city, such as Deusto, Zurbarán or Txurdinaga, and access the city center by public transit.

The ideal time to rent a camper van in Bilbao is undoubtedly during the summer. While there will still be tourists, the numbers are much lower compared to cities like Barcelona or Valencia. In Bilbao, you can experience pleasantly warm weather during the summer months, making it an excellent time to explore the diverse mountain and beach landscapes of the Basque Country.

During fall and winter, temperatures significantly drop, and long periods of rain are common. However, this doesn’t mean that northern Spain is not worth a visit. In winter, you can enjoy visiting museums, strolling through the Christmas markets, savoring pintxos in the bars, and even, weather permitting, embark on mountain hikes. The benefit of renting a camper van in Bilbao during the low season is that prices are lower, and there’s a wider selection of available vehicles.