Car Rental in Palma
Palma, the island's capital and main transport hub, serves as the central starting point for car rentals on Mallorca. Around Son Sant Joan Airport, the harbour and throughout the city itself, a dense car rental scene has developed – a total of 162 listings are recorded in this category in Palma, ranging from international chains to locally rooted providers.
This variety is reflected in the different locations: directly at the airport terminal, near the harbour for ferry passengers, or in the business districts around Paseo Marítimo and the old town. Providers such as Wiber Rent a Car - Mallorca and ClickRent Mallorca Aeropuerto illustrate the spectrum between smaller, specialised rental companies and larger stations with a wide vehicle selection – from compact city cars to campers for touring the island.
Anyone looking for a rental car during the high season between spring and autumn is well advised to book early, as demand around the airport rises noticeably during this period. Palma's central location, with good motorway connections in every direction, also makes the city a practical starting point for trips to the north, east or southwest of the island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many car rentals are there in Palma?
The Mallorca.com business directory currently lists 162 car rentals in Palma, including contact details, opening hours and reviews.
Which car rentals in Palma are particularly highly rated?
There is a wide range of recommended car rentals in Palma – some of the highest-rated include:
Which car rentals in Palma have the most reviews?
Do I need to buy extra full insurance when I pick up my car?
Third-party liability cover is a legal requirement in Spain and always included in the rental price, and most rates already come with basic collision damage waiver (CDW) subject to an excess. Any extra cover offered at the counter is optional - no rental company can force you to upgrade your protection. Check exactly what your rate covers before booking and decide for yourself whether you want to cover the excess separately.
Are tyres, windscreen and undercarriage covered by my rental insurance?
Usually not: basic CDW typically excludes damage to tyres, wheels, glass, the undercarriage, the roof and lost keys. These are exactly the parts most likely to get damaged on narrow country roads or gravel tracks. Read the rental contract carefully and add extra cover if needed, since only what's written down counts if something goes wrong.
How does the excess work on a Mallorca car rental?
The excess is the maximum amount you'd have to pay yourself if the car is damaged, and in Mallorca it commonly runs into four figures, often between 1,000 and 1,700 euros depending on the vehicle class. This amount is usually pre-authorised as a hold on the driver's credit card. You can reduce the excess for an extra fee at the counter or cover it more cheaply with a separate rental car insurance policy - it's worth comparing both.
Can staff pressure me into buying pricier cover at the desk?
No - additional cover is always optional and staff aren't allowed to force you to upgrade your basic protection. One common trick: if the main driver doesn't have their own credit card, a second driver with a card may suddenly become "necessary" for the deposit, triggering a hefty extra-driver fee. Stay calm, ask for everything in writing and read the contract before signing, since verbal promises don't count.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Palma?
You'll generally need a valid EU card-style driving licence (a UK photocard licence is also accepted, no international permit needed for EU/UK drivers), ID or passport, and a payment card in the driver's name. The minimum age is usually 21, with young-driver surcharges common under 25. Licences from outside the EU often require an international driving permit as well.
What are the best car rental companies in Palma?
Several popular car rental companies can be found in Palma – some of the highest-rated include: