Car hire at Mallorca airport (PMI)

What to know before you pick up a hire car at Palma de Mallorca Airport: where the desks are, what the deposit and excess mean, and the local roads worth knowing about.

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Mallorca airport at a glance

AirportPalma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), Spain
OperatorAena (official site)
Car hire desksThe car hire desks are in the arrivals hall and the multi-storey car park located directly opposite the terminal; follow the "Rent-a-Car" signs from the arrivals area. Check your voucher for your specific provider's location.

Before you book and at the desk

  • Credit card in the main driver's name. Most suppliers place a hold on the card at pick-up, and many do not accept debit cards for it. Check the voucher before you fly.
  • Fuel policy. "Full to full" means you return it full and pay only for what you use. "Full to empty" charges you for a full tank up front, usually above pump prices.
  • Excess. The basic price includes cover with an excess: the amount you pay if the car is damaged. The desk will offer to reduce it. Decide before you arrive, not at the counter.
  • Take photos and a video of the car before you drive off, including the wheels, windscreen and fuel gauge. Do the same when you return it.
  • Your UK photocard licence is all you need for a holiday in Spain or Portugal; you do not need an International Driving Permit.

Driving from Mallorca airport

  • Mallorca has well-maintained roads but the centre of Palma and popular coastal resorts like Alcudia can get busy with limited parking; seek hotels with private parking.
  • Motorways (the Ma- series) are toll-free and connect the airport to most major towns.

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Checked October 2026. Desk locations and rules change: your booking voucher is the final word. Sources: Aena (airport operator).

Questions

Where are the car hire desks at Mallorca airport?

The car hire desks are in the arrivals hall and the multi-storey car park located directly opposite the terminal; follow the "Rent-a-Car" signs from the arrivals area. Check your voucher for your specific provider's location.

Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Spain?

In most cases, yes: the supplier pre-authorises a deposit on a credit card in the main driver's name. Some suppliers accept a debit card if you buy their full cover. Your voucher states the rule for your booking.

Should I buy the excess cover at the desk?

Only if you have not covered the excess another way. Compare the desk price with the full cover offered when you book online; buying at the desk is usually the most expensive option.