Practical Guide to Car Rental in Gijon, Spain

Pickup locations are conveniently distributed across downtown areas and at the city's railway station.

Gijon is a major coastal city in Asturias with approximately 271,780 residents, serving as an ideal gateway for road trips across northern Spain. While the historic center and beach promenades are easy to navigate on foot, a vehicle is essential for discovering the region's dramatic coastline, fishing harbors, and mountain ranges. The rental market in Gijon is centered around the downtown district and the main railway station, with inventory accessible through platforms such as DiscoverCars. Driving in Spain requires attention to nationwide road regulations, including the 2026 requirement for onboard V-16 emergency beacons, strict rules on alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs, and distance-based toll systems on applicable motorways. This guide outlines everything you need to know about picking up and driving a rental car in Gijon.

Essential driving rules and local regulations in Spain

When hiring a vehicle in Gijon, foreign and domestic drivers must comply with standard Spanish traffic laws:

• Age requirements: In Spain, you must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car.
• V-16 emergency beacon: From 1 January 2026, all vehicles on Spanish roads must be equipped with an active V-16 emergency beacon. This connected luminous device replaces traditional warning triangles used to signal a stopped or broken-down vehicle.
• Road fees: Spain does not utilize time-based toll vignettes (stickers). Instead, applicable expressways require a distance-based toll fee paid at booths or electronic barriers.
• Safety enforcement: Strict compliance is enforced for speed limits, traffic signals, and mandatory seat belts. Driving under the influence of drugs is strictly forbidden, and defined legal alcohol limits apply.

Rental booking advice and considerations

Gijon attracts substantial regional and international travel during peak holiday seasons. Comparing available fleet inventory through aggregators like DiscoverCars allows you to review coverage across all Gijon collection points in advance.

• Inspect safety equipment: Ensure your rental provider supplies the mandatory V-16 beacon in the glove compartment or vehicle kit before leaving the lot.
• Select the right vehicle class: Compact models are best suited for narrow downtown streets and coastal village parking, whereas midsize cars offer added comfort for trips into mountain passes.
• Verify toll payment terms: Because Spanish toll roads rely on distance-based fees rather than vignettes, check whether your rental includes an electronic toll transponder or plan to pay via standard contactless methods.

Where to pick up your car in Gijon

Rental services in Gijon are organized around two primary urban hubs:

Driving out of Gijon: road conditions and logistics

Departing Gijon by car is generally straightforward, thanks to well-connected regional highways linking the city to the wider Cantabrian coast and the interior of Asturias.

• Urban traffic flow: Rush-hour congestion can occur on central arteries during morning and evening commutes, but outer ring roads keep transit smooth.
• Mountain and coastal navigation: Roads leading into the Picos de Europa and coastal cliffs can be winding; exercise caution during wet weather.
• Parking awareness: Downtown Gijon features designated street parking zones, so check roadside signage and meters before leaving your car.

Where to go by car

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