Rent a Car in Palma de Mallorca – Your Complete Guide

Exploring Mallorca by car is one of the best ways to see the island. Whether you’re heading to hidden beaches, charming villages, or the stunning Tramuntana mountains, renting a car in Palma de Mallorca gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in Palma, including the best rental companies, costs, driving tips, and insider advice.
Why Rent a Car in Mallorca?
✔️ Explore the whole island – Many of Mallorca’s most beautiful spots are only accessible by car.
✔️ Total flexibility – Travel on your own schedule, not the bus timetable.
✔️ Scenic driving – Cruise through the Serra de Tramuntana or coastal highways.
✔️ Save time and money – A rental car often costs less than daily taxis.
💎 Looking for something special? Check out our Luxury Car Rental in Mallorca guide – featuring Ferraris, Range Rovers, and Porsches.
Where to Rent a Car in Palma
Most visitors pick up their rental car at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), but you can also rent from downtown Palma or popular tourist areas.
Rental Cars at Palma Airport (PMI)
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
📍 Location: Inside the airport terminal, near arrivals
⏳ Best for: Convenience upon landing
💰 Cost: Usually cheaper than city locations
Top companies at PMI:
- Hertz – Wide fleet, excellent service
- Sixt – Great for premium & sports cars
- Enterprise – Reliable and tourist-friendly
- Europcar – Flexible pick-up options
- Budget – Competitive prices for economy cars
🔗 Flying into Palma? Check our Palma Airport Guide for arrivals, transport, and insider tips.
💡 Pro Tip: Pre-book online to skip the queue and get better rates.
Palma City Center Car Rentals
📍 Location: Around Avinguda Gabriel Roca & Santa Catalina
⏳ Best for: Exploring Palma first before renting
💰 Cost: Slightly higher than airport, but more flexible hours
Popular locations:
- Sixt – Av. Ingeniero Gabriel Roca, 19
- Hertz – Carrer de Can Puig, 5
- Europcar – Carrer del Marquès de la Sènia, 4
Local & Alternative Car Rental Options
📍 Location: Available across Mallorca.
⏳ Best For: Flexible, eco-friendly, or last-minute rentals.
💰 Cost: Varies – can be cheaper than traditional rentals.
✔️ Discover Cars – A comparison site for the best deals.
✔️ Drivy / Getaround – Car-sharing with locals for short-term rentals.
✔️ Record Go – A Mallorcan-based rental company with competitive pricing.
🔗 Road Trips in Mallorca – The Ultimate Guide
Cost of Renting a Car in Palma?
Car rental prices in Mallorca vary depending on season, demand, and car type.
Car Type | Low Season (€ per day) | High Season (€ per day) |
---|---|---|
🚗 Economy (Fiat 500, Opel Corsa) | €15-€30 | €40-€70 |
🚙 Compact (VW Golf, Ford Focus) | €25-€45 | €60-€90 |
🚘 SUV / 4×4 (Nissan Qashqai, Jeep Compass) | €40-€70 | €90-€140 |
🏎️ Luxury (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) | €70-€150 | €150-€250 |
💎 Want to Rent a Luxury Car in Mallorca? Explore our Guide to Luxury Car Rentals in Palma and find the perfect Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley, or Range Rover.
🔹 Booking Tip: Prices are cheaper if you book in advance!
🔗 Serra de Tramuntana – Mallorca’s Breathtaking Mountain Range
Driving in Mallorca – What You Need to Know 🚦
✅ Drive on the right side of the road
🚫 No toll roads – driving is free across the island
⚠️ Watch for roundabouts – yield to cars already in the circle
🚗 Speed Limits:
- City: 50 km/h
- Country roads: 90 km/h
- Motorways: 120 km/h
💡 Use Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic and detect speed cameras.
🔗 How to Get from Palma to Ibiza
Parking in Palma 🅿️
Finding parking in Palma city center can be tricky, especially in summer.
🔹 Best Parking Options:
✔️ Public car parks: (🅿️ Underground & secure – €10-€20/day).
✔️ Blue zones: (€1-€2/hour – pay at machines).
✔️ Free parking near the Cathedral (limited spots!).
💡 Many hotels offer free or discounted parking – check before booking.
Should You Rent a Car in Palma?
YES, if…
✔️ You want to explore beaches, mountains & small towns.
✔️ You’re staying outside Palma city center.
✔️ You prefer flexibility & independence.
NO, if…
❌ You’re staying only in Palma (walking & buses are easy).
❌ You don’t like narrow roads (some mountain roads are tricky!).
Best Scenic Drives & Day Trips from Palma
One of the best reasons to rent a car in Mallorca is to explore beyond the city.
🚙 Top Road Trips:
✔️ Valldemossa & Deià – 🏔 Charming villages & mountain views.
✔️ Cap de Formentor – 🌊 Epic coastal cliffs & hidden beaches.
✔️ Es Trenc Beach – 🏖 Caribbean-style white sand & turquoise water.
✔️ Soller & Port de Soller – 🚞 Scenic train & stunning coastal drive.
🔹 Tip: Start your road trips early to avoid traffic & crowds!
FAQ – Renting a Car in Palma
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Yes, but some companies may place a larger deposit or require credit card backup.
Do I need an international driving permit?
EU license is fine. Non-EU visitors may need an IDP – check with your rental company.
Are child seats required?
Yes, for children under 135 cm – rental companies provide them for a fee.
Are automatic cars common?
Manual cars are standard in Spain – automatics are available but limited.
📌 Final Tips for Renting a Car in Palma
✔ Book in advance – Prices double in summer!
✔ Pick up at Palma Airport – Best availability & prices.
✔ Check insurance options – Avoid unexpected fees.
✔ Take photos of the car before & after renting.
✔ Use Google Maps or Waze – Avoid getting lost!
💭 Conclusion – Should You Rent a Car in Palma?
If you’re planning to explore Mallorca beyond Palma, renting a car is the best option. It gives you freedom, saves you money on taxis, and lets you discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Best for: 🌊 Beach lovers, 🏞 Adventure seekers, 🏡 Countryside escapes.
Not necessary for: 🚶 City explorers staying only in Palma.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car in advance & start your Mallorca adventure! 🚗☀️
🤝 Car Rental Company? Partner With Palma Weekly
Are you a car rental company operating in Palma de Mallorca or across the island?
We’re always looking to recommend the best and most reliable local providers to our growing audience of independent travelers, digital nomads, and holiday makers planning their Mallorca adventures.
✅ Why collaborate with us?
- 🌍 Reach thousands of monthly readers planning their trip to Mallorca
- 🚗 Get featured in dedicated travel guides and road trip itineraries
- 🔗 Gain backlinks and SEO visibility for your brand
- 💬 Receive direct inquiries from English-speaking tourists
📬 Get in touch: hola@palmaweekly.com
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