Pamplona's Low Emission Zone Meets San Fermin, 2026

Pamplona's Zona de Bajas Emisiones classifies vehicles by Spain's DGT environmental labels and restricts the most polluting ones, with fines around EUR 100-200 for non-compliant entry. Spanish cars display a DGT sticker; foreign-registered cars don't, so check the city's current rules on foreign-plate access before driving into the centre. The compact, largely pedestrian old town means parking on the edge and walking is easy regardless.

Check emission zone requirements

For about a week each July, Pamplona's San Fermín festival takes over the city, with the famous encierro (running of the bulls) through the old-town streets each morning, plus processions, music and crowds day and night. During the festival the centre is packed and effectively closed to normal traffic — driving in is impossible and parking near-impossible. If you visit then, don't plan on driving in the centre at all; use public transport and book far ahead.

Use an underground garage near the centre or outside the old town, then walk. The walled historic centre, the citadel and the bull-run streets around the Plaza del Castillo are compact and largely pedestrian. Outside festival time, parking and walking is straightforward; during San Fermín, park well away from the centre and use public transport, as central parking and access are overwhelmed.

Plan your trip costs including parking

Yes — Pamplona is one of the first major cities on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and you'll see pilgrims passing through the old town. It makes the city a natural stop for those walking or driving the route. The compact centre, with its cathedral and walls, is easily explored on foot between stages.

Not for the city — the walled old town is compact and walkable. A car helps for exploring Navarre — the Pyrenees and the pass at Roncesvalles, the wine country, the medieval towns and the road into the Basque Country — driven out from a garage rather than used in the old town. Avoid driving in the centre entirely during San Fermín in July.