Every July thousands of people drive to Pamplona, and many plan to sleep in their car or campervan to save on accommodation. It can work, but the city changes its parking rules during the fiestas and is strict with campervans. This guide explains what is allowed, where to park and what the realistic alternatives are. The rules below are those of 2026; the City Council publishes the 2027 edict (bando) in early July, so check it before you travel.
The short version
| Option | Allowed? | Cost | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking on the street | Yes, paid almost everywhere | About €8.80 per 24 h (2026) | Fine for a day trip |
| Park-and-ride car parks | Yes, but paid during the fiestas | Same rate | Good if you sleep elsewhere |
| Underground car parks | Yes | More expensive | The safest for your car |
| Campervan on the street | No: fines and towing | — | Avoid |
| Campsite | Yes | Varies | The best option with a campervan |
| Sleeping in a car | Not encouraged | Parking fee | Only as a last resort |
Parking during San Fermín: the orange zone
From 00:00 on July 5 to 23:59 on July 14 (dates of 2026), almost all of Pamplona becomes a paid orange zone, except the Old Town, which is closed to traffic. In 2026 the rate was €0.35 for the first 10 minutes, then a few cents per block, up to about €8.80 for 24 hours. Pay at the meters or with the city's parking app.
The city's park-and-ride car parks (aparcamientos disuasorios), free the rest of the year, also become paid during the fiestas, partly to avoid unregulated overnight stays. In 2026 they were in Mendebaldea, Arrosadía, San Jorge, Milagrosa (three car parks), Trinitarios (two), Rochapea–Capuchinos, San Juan, Lezkairu, Txantrea Sur and Ezkaba.
If you want peace of mind, the underground car parks (Plaza de Toros, Plaza del Castillo, Rincón de la Aduana, Audiencia, Baluarte, Carlos III, Blanca de Navarra, the bus station and the hospital area) are more expensive but supervised.
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Campervans and motorhomes: what the rules say
The San Fermín edict is clear: parking caravans on public roads is forbidden throughout Pamplona, and so is using a campervan as accommodation, except in the municipal motorhome area of Trinitarios (33 places with water, waste disposal and electricity, next to Avenida de Gipuzkoa) or other areas enabled for that purpose. However, in 2026 that area was reserved for the vehicles of the fairground workers, so do not count on finding a place there during the fiestas. Offending vehicles are fined and towed.
In practice, if you travel by campervan:
- Book a campsite. Camping Ezcaba, in Oricáin, about 5 km north of Pamplona, has pitches for motorhomes and tents and is the classic option. Book months ahead.
- Stay in a motorhome area in a nearby town and come in by bus. Check apps such as Park4Night for current areas and their rules for the fiestas.
- Never leave it on the street overnight inside Pamplona.
Sleeping in your car
Many people do it every year, and there is no specific ban on sleeping inside a normally parked car. Even so, we don't recommend it: the city charges for the park-and-ride car parks precisely to discourage overnight stays, the police may move you on, cars are a target for theft, July nights can be hot inside a closed car and you will hardly rest. If you have no other choice:
- Park in a well-lit, busy area, pay for the full period and keep the ticket visible.
- Keep valuables and documents on you, not in the car.
- Don't drive after drinking. Leave the car parked and use the night buses, which run around the clock on most lines during the fiestas.
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Sleeping in the parks
Tents are not allowed in city parks, but every year some people sleep in a sleeping bag in green areas such as the Vuelta del Castillo or the Media Luna park. Expect cold nights, possible rain, street cleaning at dawn and a real risk of theft. It is the cheapest option and the least advisable one.
Showers, toilets and luggage
- Left luggage: at the San Francisco schools, in Plaza de San Francisco.
- Showers: the municipal public baths on Calle Eslava and the Aranzadi municipal pool.
- Toilets: use the portable toilets; urinating in the street is fined.
Before you decide, compare prices on our accommodation map (hostels, private rooms and nearby towns are often more affordable than you think) and read how to get to Pamplona without a car.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep in my car in Pamplona during San Fermín?
There is no specific ban on sleeping in a normally parked car, but it is discouraged: parking is paid almost everywhere, the police may move you on and theft is common. A campsite or a nearby town is a better option.
Where can I park a campervan during San Fermín?
Not on Pamplona’s streets: the San Fermín edict forbids parking caravans on public roads and using campervans as accommodation. Book a campsite such as Camping Ezcaba, about 5 km north of the city, or a motorhome area in a nearby town.
How much does parking cost in Pamplona during San Fermín?
In 2026 almost the whole city was a paid orange zone from July 5 to 14, at about €8.80 for 24 hours. Underground car parks are more expensive.
Are the park-and-ride car parks free during San Fermín?
No. During the fiestas they become paid, with the same rate as the orange zone.
Can I sleep in the parks during San Fermín?
Tents are not allowed. Some people sleep in a sleeping bag in green areas, but it is cold, uncomfortable and theft is common.