Car Rental in Gijon (Spain): A Practical Guide

Rental providers offer pickups primarily across central urban locations and the main railway station.

Renting a car in Gijon (Spain) is one of the most efficient ways to explore the Principality of Asturias, from rugged coastal cliffs to nearby mountain passes. As a major coastal city with about 271,780 residents, Gijon provides accessible vehicle collection points clustered around its downtown area and primary railway station.

This guide breaks down the essential legal requirements for driving in Spain in 2026, where to collect your vehicle in town, and how local road systems operate. Because public transit within Asturias connects mainly large hubs, securing your own wheels allows seamless travel to regional fishing villages and scenic routes at your own pace.

Essential Road Rules and Local Regulations

Driving in Gijon and the broader Spanish road network involves strict adherence to national driving regulations:

• Age Requirements: Drivers must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Spain.
• V-16 Emergency Beacon: As of 1 January 2026, all vehicles on Spanish roads must be equipped with a V-16 emergency beacon. This connected device replaces traditional warning triangles for signaling stationary or broken-down vehicles. Check that your rental provider has included this in the glove compartment or boot.
• Tolls and Vignettes: Spain does not use time-based road vignettes. Instead, applicable highways require distance-based toll payments at manual or electronic barriers.
• Traffic Laws: Driving under the influence of drugs is strictly prohibited, alongside strictly enforced blood-alcohol limits, mandatory seat belt usage for all occupants, and camera-monitored speed limits.

Pricing Overview and Booking Timing

Car hire rates in Gijon vary depending on vehicle category, seasonality, and advance reservation windows. Asturian coastal travel peaks during the summer months, which typically drives up demand for compact and family-sized vehicles.

Comparing options across platforms like DiscoverCars helps secure inventory before regional supplies tighten during peak tourism periods.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Gijon

Gijon offers two main clusters for vehicle collection:

• Gijon Train Station: The most convenient pickup location for travelers arriving via regional or long-distance rail lines. Rental desks or meet-and-greet services operate within or immediately adjacent to the rail terminal.
• Gijon Downtown: Central offices located within walking distance of primary hotels and the urban core, convenient for travelers already staying in the city.

When returning the car, confirm the specific parking lot access rules with your provider, as downtown drop-off points may have dedicated garage entries separate from general public parking.

Tips for Driving in and Around Gijon

Navigating Gijon is straightforward, but keeping regional peculiarities in mind ensures a smooth trip:

• Urban Congestion: Expect heavier traffic around central avenues and port access roads during weekday morning and evening commute hours.
• Parking: Street parking in central Gijon is regulated. Use designated underground parking facilities if your accommodation does not provide a private space.
• Weather Variations: Asturian weather can change rapidly along the coastline, with sudden rain showers reducing visibility on motorways.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.