Santander spreads along a sheltered bay, and parking is easy once you know the OLA blue zone. Blue bays cost €0.75 per hour (2 hours max.) and are free on Sundays and at lunchtime, the Alfonso XIII car park sits under the gardens next to the Centro Botín, and the centre has been a low-emission zone since 2026. This guide covers the zones, the real car parks, free options and the ZBE rules.
Need wheels first? If you are still looking for car rental in Spain, compare the local companies and prices in our dedicated guide – then use this page to park it without the fines.
Santander Parking Overview
Street parking in central Santander is regulated by the city’s OLA (Ordenanza Limitadora del Aparcamiento): blue bays only, run for the city by Telpark-Dornier. There is no green zone. Since 1 January 2026 the city centre (Ensanche) is also a low-emission zone (ZBE) on weekdays.
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| Zone | Meaning | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue (OLA) | Paid, max. 2 hours | €0.20 (13 min min.) · €0.75/1 h · €1.45/2 h | Mon–Fri 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–14:00 |
| Sundays, holidays, outside paid hours | Not regulated | Free | — |
| Unmarked | Free unless signed otherwise | Free | Read the signs |
| Yellow | No parking | — | Always |
Pay at the meter (coins or card) or with the Telpark app. If you overstay by less than half the time you paid, you can cancel the ticket within 24 hours at a meter or in Telpark for €2.70.
The main underground car parks are open 24 hours and sit right on the bay or next to the shopping streets.
Large underground car park under the Pereda gardens, next to the Centro Botín, the bay and the old town. The most convenient for sightseeing.
Underground car park under Plaza de Pombo, between the cathedral area and Puertochico. Height limit 1.80 m.
Car park with about 262 spaces next to the Mercado de la Esperanza and the town hall.
Car park on Calle Castelar along the seafront towards Puertochico and the Paseo de Pereda.
Smaller 24-hour car park on Calle San José, a few minutes from the centre.
For a short visit, the blue zone is cheapest (€1.45 for 2 hours) and free on Sundays. For a full day by the bay, Alfonso XIII caps at €16.45.
Free parking near the centre depends mainly on timing.
OLA bays are free on Sundays and holidays, on Saturday afternoons, at lunchtime (14:00–16:00) and after 20:00 on weekdays.
Local guides list free street parking around El Sardinero; it fills quickly on summer weekends. City buses link El Sardinero with the centre.
There are parking areas near the Magdalena peninsula and the Cabo Mayor lighthouse; check the signs, as rules can change in summer.
The official app of the Santander OLA. Pay for the exact time, extend within the 2-hour limit and cancel overstay tickets.
Meters take coins and cards. Display the ticket on the dashboard.
Pay at the machines or by card at the exit.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| OLA hours | Mon–Fri 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–14:00 |
| Maximum stay | 2 hours (€1.45) |
| Sundays and holidays | Free |
| Overstay | Cancel within 24 h for €2.70 (if under half the paid time) |
| Low-emission zone | Ensanche, Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00; unlabelled vehicles banned, €200 fine |
| Yellow lines | No parking |
Parkia Alfonso XIII is directly underneath. Centro Botín tickets cost €9 online or €10 at the door.
Interparking Esperanza or Parking Pombo, both a few minutes’ walk away.
Street parking along the beaches or take a city bus from the centre.
Use the parking areas near the peninsula entrance and walk through the park.
Bilbao is about 100 km east. The ALSA bus takes around 1 h 15–1 h 30; the narrow-gauge train takes about 3 hours. See our Bilbao parking guide if you drive.
Santander parking cost estimator
Reserve a parking spot →Pre-filled with the OLA blue-zone rate (€0.75/h, max. 2 h). Alfonso XIII car park: €2/h, €16.45 per 24 h.
Parkia Alfonso XIII under the Pereda gardens (€2/h, €16.45 per 24 h) is the most convenient for the Centro Botín and the old town. Parking Pombo and Interparking Esperanza are good alternatives.
OLA blue bays cost €0.75 per hour with a 2-hour maximum (€1.45). They are paid Monday to Friday 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–20:00, and Saturday 10:00–14:00.
Yes. OLA bays are free on Sundays and public holidays, as well as on Saturday afternoons and on weekdays between 14:00 and 16:00 and after 20:00.
Yes. Since 1 January 2026 the Ensanche is a ZBE, Monday to Friday 08:00–19:00. Only vehicles without a DGT label are banned; fines are €200.
Telpark is the official app of the Santander OLA. It also lets you cancel an overstay ticket for €2.70 within 24 hours.
No. Santander only has blue OLA bays. Residents use a resident card in the same bays.
