Rental Car at Palma Airport: Pick-Up, Drop-Off and Key Tips
Where the rental car counters are at Palma Airport, how much time to allow, and what to check at pick-up and drop-off.
Anyone landing at Palma Airport and planning to pick up a rental car straight away tends to have the same questions: where's the counter, how long does it take, and what do I need to bring? Here's how the process actually works at PMI, from landing to driving away from the airport.
Where Are the Rental Car Counters at Palma Airport?
The counters for the major rental car companies are located in the arrivals hall, directly opposite baggage claim. Most large brands have their own counter there, while some smaller providers instead run a shuttle service that picks guests up outside the arrivals hall and takes them to a station nearby. Once the paperwork is done at the counter, a short covered walkway leads to the parking garage across the way, where the vehicle is usually handed over on the ground floor. Signage is generally easy to follow, and if you're unsure, current on-site directions will point you the right way.
From Landing to Your Rental Car: How Much Time Should You Allow?
How long it takes to get from landing to driving away largely depends on whether you've checked luggage and how busy the counters are at the time. Travelling with hand luggage only, you can often be through in around 15 to 20 minutes. With checked luggage and a rental car pick-up, it's worth allowing roughly 45 to 60 minutes, and during peak season or when counters are especially busy, it can take longer still. Factoring this in while planning your trip, particularly for tight connections or late arrivals, makes for a much more relaxed start to the holiday.
What Do You Need to Pick Up Your Rental Car?
You'll typically need three things at pick-up: your booking confirmation, a valid driving licence, and a credit card issued in the main driver's name. This card is usually also used to place the deposit, which is released once the vehicle is returned undamaged. For more on deposits, excess and insurance, see our general guide to renting a car in Mallorca.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Palma Airport: Tips for a Smooth Process
Even with online check-in already completed, it's worth checking in at the counter as soon as you arrive to confirm the next steps, this avoids unnecessary waiting if anything still needs to be finalised on site. During peak season, booking early is also a good idea, as popular vehicle categories tend to sell out quickly in summer. If you're arriving or departing outside regular opening hours, check this with the provider beforehand, hours vary noticeably by season and company, and a late pick-up isn't guaranteed to be available with every provider.
Returning Your Rental Car at Palma Airport
Drop-off generally mirrors pick-up: the vehicle is left in the parking garage opposite the terminal, with a short walk back to the departures hall from there. To be on the safe side, check the fuel level matches the agreed policy before returning the car, and take a moment with the provider to look over the vehicle's condition together at handover. Building in enough time before your flight is worth it, especially in peak season when drop-off stations tend to be busier than usual.
Why We Choose Sixt for Palma Airport
For exactly this process at Palma Airport, we at The Balearian chose Sixt as our car hire partner. The Sixt counter sits directly in the arrivals hall at baggage claim level, and the parking garage with the vehicles is just across from the terminal, a few minutes' walk away. If your booking is fully completed online beforehand, you'll typically only need your driving licence, ID and credit card, there's no traditional paper contract, and all documents arrive by email. Through our booking link, our guests get up to 10% off their rental car booking, depending on the offer.
Booking a Rental Car at Palma Airport: Our Recommendation
If you want to get into your rental car quickly after landing, booking with a provider that has a counter right in the arrivals hall is the way to go. Through our partner Sixt, that's just a few clicks away, with up to 10% off through our booking link.
→ Book your rental car at Palma Airport through Sixt now and save up to 10%
