If you’re planning to spend a few days in Donosti and will be driving, the first thing you’ll probably wonder is: where can I park my car without spending a fortune or driving myself crazy looking for a spot?
San Sebastián has its tricks, and in this guide, you’ll find the most practical areas to park stress-free, either right in the centre or a little further out. Because yes, it’s a small city, but driving around isn’t always easy… especially if you’re from out of town.
Is it a good idea to park in the centre of San Sebastián?
If you’re staying near the Boulevard, the Old Town, or the Romantic Zone, you might think about looking for a spot on the street. But here’s the thing: almost everything is regulated. This means parking meters, limited hours, and high prices. Additionally, finding a spot can be mission impossible, especially in high season or on weekends.
The most convenient (but also the most expensive) option is to use one of the underground car parks in the centre. Car parks like Boulevard, La Concha, or Okendo are close to the main points of interest, but bear in mind the price is around €25-30 per day.
Ideal if you don’t want to move your car at all during your stay, but if you plan to take a few trips, it might be worth considering other options.
Car parks outside the centre of San Sebastián
If you prefer to leave your car parked for a few days and get around on foot, by bus, or by bike, the best option is to use a park-and-ride facility. San Sebastián has several car parks of this type, a bit further from the centre but still well connected.
The Illunbe Car Park is one of the most popular. It’s next to the Anoeta stadium and offers better pricing. Plus, you can reach the city centre by bus in less than 15 minutes.
Another interesting option is the Riberas de Loiola Car Park, easily accessible from the highway and also connected by public transport.
These car parks are designed specifically for people who don’t need their car right at the door of their accommodation. If you’re staying with Rentals Collection in areas like Gros or Amara, this option might work well for you.
Where to park for free in San Sebastián?
Yes, there are still some places where you can leave your car for free, but you need to know where to look and have some patience.
In neighbourhoods like Bidebieta, Altza, or the higher areas of Aiete or Ibaeta, you can find free street parking. However, they’re far from the centre, so you’ll need to combine this with public transport to get around comfortably.
You can also try your luck on the outskirts of the university campus (UPV/EHU), especially on weekends or outside class hours. It’s a quiet area to leave your car and then take a bus to your accommodation.
If you choose this option, make sure to carefully check the signs and verify there are no time restrictions or areas reserved for residents. Better safe than sorry when it comes to avoiding an unexpected fine.
Parking in the Gros area, good location and slightly cheaper
Gros is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods to stay in. It’s just a short walk from Zurriola Beach, has a lively atmosphere, and is quieter than the centre in terms of traffic. If you’re staying here, you have options like the Txofre Car Park or the Kursaal Car Park, both well-located and slightly cheaper than those in the centre.
Also, if you’re in Donosti for surfing or enjoying the neighbourhood vibe, parking in Gros is quite convenient. It’s a neighbourhood with more local activity, and although there aren’t many street parking spots, the underground car parks are well-managed and usually have availability.
Green and blue zones, what you need to know when you go to San Sebastián
San Sebastián has a well-regulated parking system. The blue zones (OTA) are pay-to-park and have time limits. Green zones are cheaper but are primarily for residents. So, if you park in a green zone without permission, you might only be able to stay for a few hours.
The OTA hours vary depending on the area and the day of the week, but generally, they’re from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 20:00. Sundays are free, and outside these hours, you can park without issue, but this means you’ll have to move your car early in the morning if you don’t want to risk a fine.
There’s an app you can use to pay directly from your phone (Donostia/San Sebastián OTA), so you won’t need to search for a parking meter. However, if you’re staying for a few days, it might be best to look for a more stable parking option and forget about the car.
If you’re only staying for one day, park quickly and centrally
For those who are only visiting for the day, the best option is not to waste time searching the streets. Park directly in one of the central car parks and enjoy the city. The Okendo Car Park or La Concha Car Park are ideal for being close to everything: the beach, bars, shops…
Another practical option is parking at the Buen Pastor Car Park, right in the commercial area, with direct access to one of the city’s most active areas. Time is precious when you’re only here for a few hours, so pay a bit more for the added convenience.
If you book accommodation with Rentals Collection, you can check if they have partnerships with car parks to help you save during short visits.
Parking on holidays or during summer in San Sebastián
In summer, during Easter or the Film Festival, the city gets crowded. And with that, finding parking can become quite a challenge. The best thing to do in these cases is to plan ahead. Book a spot if possible or choose a more peripheral area to leave your car.
Car parks fill up quickly, prices go up, and the streets get congested. If you’re staying with Rentals Collection, contact them before your arrival to see what alternatives are available depending on your location. Sometimes, taking a short walk or catching the bus is worth it if it saves you half an hour of circling around.
Want to forget about the car during your stay in San Sebastián?
The best thing about Donosti is that you can walk everywhere, even more so if you choose a good place to stay. If you’re still planning your trip, contact the Rentals Collection team.
We know the city perfectly and can help you choose the ideal accommodation, well-located and with the best parking options nearby.
That way, all you’ll need to worry about is enjoying yourself.