Solo IbizaWith a hire car you can reach the northern coves, the viewpoints and the inland villages at your own pace, and head back whenever you like, even after the last bus. Compare prices from the companies on the island and pick up your car at the airport, at Ibiza port or in Santa Eulària.
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Where to pick up the car
At Ibiza airport
The easiest option if you fly in: you leave the terminal with the car and in a quarter of an hour you are in Ibiza town, about 7 km away. Some companies have their desk inside the terminal and others outside, with a shuttle bus to their car park. The comparison site tells you which is which; if you land late, check the desk opening hours too.
At Ibiza port
If you arrive by boat from Formentera, Barcelona, Valencia, Dénia or Palma, you can pick up the car at the port, at the foot of Dalt Vila. It is also the option for anyone spending their first days in Ibiza town without a car who only wants one to explore the island.
In Santa Eulària
For those staying on the east coast: Santa Eulària, Es Canar, Cala Llonga or Sant Carles. From there the north-eastern coves are close by, such as Cala Boix, Aigües Blanques or Cala de Sant Vicent.
Car hire with no excess
The excess is what you pay if the car is damaged, even when it is not your fault. At the desk the company usually blocks that amount on your credit card as a deposit and releases it when you return the car in good condition.
There are two ways to get rid of it:
- The rental company’s own full insurance, taken out when you pick up the car. It brings the excess down to zero and usually means no deposit, or a small one.
- The comparison site’s full coverage, taken out when you book, which tends to be cheaper. Note: with it the company does block the deposit and, if there is damage, you pay and are reimbursed afterwards.
Either way, read what is excluded: windscreen, underbody, tyres and keys are often left out.
Tips for hiring a car in Ibiza
- In July and August, book early. Small cars and automatics are the first to go, and prices rise as the date gets closer.
- Go for a small car. The roads down to the coves are narrow and parking in high season is hard.
- “Full to full” fuel. You pick it up with a full tank and return it the same way. It is the policy with the fewest surprises.
- A credit card in the main driver’s name. Most companies ask for one for the deposit; if you only have a debit card, check before you book.
- Age and licence. Many companies require drivers to be 21 or over and charge a surcharge for under-25s. With a licence from outside the European Union, check whether you need an international driving permit.
- Take photos at pick-up. All four sides, the wheels and the fuel level. They save arguments on return.
- Formentera: ask first. Many companies do not allow the car on the ferry; for Formentera it usually pays to cross on foot and hire there.
Car or bus?
To get from the airport to your hotel, or to the big beaches such as Platja d’en Bossa, Cala Bassa or Es Canar, the bus works well in season and is much cheaper: see the Ibiza bus lines and timetables. A car pays off for the remote coves, the interior and getting back at night. If you only need it for the odd trip, first check what an Ibiza taxi costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a car in Ibiza?
It depends above all on the dates. Out of season you will find very low prices, and in August they multiply. The best thing is to compare with your exact dates and book as soon as you have them: almost all offers can be cancelled free of charge.
Do I need a credit card?
In most cases yes, in the main driver’s name, to block the deposit. Some offers accept a debit card: the comparison site shows it in the conditions of each one.
Can I take the hire car to Formentera?
Only if the company allows it in writing; many do not. For a day in Formentera it is usually better to cross on foot by boat and hire a scooter or a car there.
How old do you have to be to hire a car?
Usually 21, with one or two years of driving experience, and a surcharge for under-25s. Each company sets its own limits, and some car categories require drivers to be older.
Where is it cheapest to pick up the car?
Offices outside the airport terminal are usually a little cheaper than the desks inside, in exchange for waiting for the shuttle. Compare both for the same dates: sometimes the difference is minimal.