How to Rent a Car in Ibiza
Even though Ibiza has convenient bus and taxi services, renting a car is the best way to explore this beautiful island. It not only gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary but also allows you to explore at your own pace. The roads are generally well-maintained, which makes it easy to reach every corner of the island!
Read: Discover all the best things to do in Ibiza!
Travel from vibrant Ibiza Town to the stunning beaches of Cala Saladente and Cala Comte while driving through charming villages along the way. Make sure to drive towards the legendary rock of Es Vedra to see a magical sunset – one of the best things to do in Ibiza. Whether you want to visit the hidden beaches or local markets, having a car is the perfect way to get around!
We recommend to rent a car in Ibiza through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
What do you need to rent a car in Ibiza?
When you rent a car in Ibiza, you’ll need to bring the following documents:
- Your driver’s license from your home country
- Your ID (passport)
- Credit Card in your name
- International Driver’s Permit
The legal driving age in Ibiza is 18 years old. However, you need to be at least 21 years old to be able to rent a car (some car rentals might require you to be 23 years or older). Additionally, most rental car companies require you to have had your license for at least 1 or 2 years. All drivers must present a valid driver’s license, an ID as proof of identity, and a credit card in their name to make the payment.
Note: Most car rentals in Ibiza will charge an extra fee if you’re under 25 years old.
If you’re a non-EU citizen and want to rent a car in Ibiza, you must hold an International Driver’s Permit. Although car rentals might not ask for your permit, you are required by law to have one, as you may be asked for it during a police check. You can get your International Driver’s Permit here. It costs just 15 USD and is valid for one year.
Rental car insurance in Ibiza
Car insurance is mandatory in Ibiza, as it is throughout Spain. All rental cars must have unlimited third-party liability insurance, typically included in the rental price. You’ll find this in the form of a deductible hold on your credit card; make sure your credit card can cover the costs of this deposit before you rent a car in Ibiza.
Additional coverage, such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft cover, is optional but recommended for more security.
We recommend to rent a car in Ibiza through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
When you opt for additional insurance, try and arrange this in your initial booking as this is when the price will be lowest. You can also check if your credit card policy covers car rental issues in Ibiza, Spain. The proof of insurance, the car’s documentation, your passport, and your IDP must be in the car whenever you’re driving.
Good to know: When renting a car in Ibiza, check if your insurance includes coverage for tire and windshield damage. You’re likely to encounter some unpaved, rough terrain on the island. Consider adding additional coverage for more peace of mind, as repairs can get expensive.
Is it easy to drive in Ibiza?
Before renting a car on this beautiful island, it’s good to know some of Ibiza’s rules and customs.
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Road conditions and speed limits
The island’s landscape varies from gentle slopes to hilly areas — perfect for a scenic Ibiza road trip! The roads are generally well-maintained, so relax and enjoy the beautiful views while driving along the stunning coastline. Keep in mind that you’ll sometimes need to take unpaved roads to get to the beaches. These can be rough, so drive carefully!
The speed limits in Ibiza, Spain, are mostly set at 80 km/h on the main roads and at 50 km/h in towns and suburban areas. There are also 2 highways on the island, but you won’t take these as much since the island is pretty small. The speed limit on the highway is usually set at 100 km/h and increases to 120 km/h for some short sections.
We recommend to rent a car in Ibiza through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Good to know: Speed limits can change quickly, so pay close attention. You can easily get a ticket from one of the many radars on the island. You’ll notice everyone sticks to the maximum driving speed because of this!
Tolls & Offline Maps
There are no toll roads on the islands, so the well-maintained roads are free for you to enjoy! This makes it convenient and cost-effective for you to enjoy a beautiful Ibiza road trip. Explore all the beautiful landscapes and charming villages while exploring all the best things to do in Ibiza.
There’s also a reliable mobile network across Ibiza, and service coverage is generally good, especially in towns and popular tourist spots. However, the signal strength will be weaker in some rural areas. Because of this, if you’re planning on discovering some remote spots, having a GPS or offline Google Maps is recommended.
Traffic in Ibiza
Generally, there isn’t as much traffic in Ibiza as in larger Spanish cities such as Barcelona or Madrid. However, things can get a bit hectic in popular areas during peak season (June to September). Expect to run into some traffic and chaos when visiting popular beaches such as Cala Comte and Sa Caleta or when visiting Ibiza Town and San Antonio.
Top Tips for Renting a Car in Ibiza
1. Do a walk around and check the car
When you pick up your car in Ibiza, make sure to inspect it thoroughly before you set off on your adventure. You’ll have to sign a document called the check-out form, which isn’t uncommon in Spain. Be sure to check if all damages are listed on this form. If not, make sure they are added to this form before you sign it. This form will also list the mileage and the amount of fuel the car has upon pickup time.
If you want some extra peace of mind, take photos and videos of the rental car. Make sure to capture the logged damages, the amount of fuel, and the previous mileage.
We recommend to rent a car in Ibiza through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Tip: Make sure to also check the inside of your car and take pictures of any damages, such as a cigarette burn on a seat or a broken parcel shelf. There was one time we realized we didn’t have a parcel shelf, and when we brought back our car, they tried to charge us for it. Luckily, we had taken pictures when we picked up the car, so they couldn’t charge us any extra costs.
2. Opt for a smaller rental car
Unless you’re traveling with a bigger group, it’s best to rent a smaller car in Ibiza. We’ve seen some seriously impressive parking from the locals who use tiny cars to zip around the island!
The island’s roads can be narrow, parking spots are often small, and fuel prices can be a bit higher. If the rental car offers an upgrade to a bigger car, it’s usually best to decline unless necessary.
In Ibiza’s charming villages, you’ll find charming narrow roads and cobblestone streets. These roads add to the charm of Ibiza, Spain, but can make navigation tricky. For the best experience, choose a smaller car with an up-to-date GPS to enjoy a hassle-free trip.
3. Watch your parking
Parking can be quite challenging in Ibiza, especially during peak tourist season from June to September. You’ll find different parking zones on the island:
- Blue zones: paid parking
- White zones: free parking
- Yellow zones: no parking, if you park in a yellow zone, you risk getting towed
Finding parking spots can be difficult in busy areas like Ibiza Town and San Antonio. However, finding free parking in peak tourist season is nearly impossible. Instead, we recommend parking just outside the city and taking public transportation to the center.
If you want to park in the city, be sure to arrive as early as possible to secure a spot. If you plan on staying in the city, search for a hotel that offers parking! This will make things a lot easier for you.
Tip: Download our Google Maps pointers to see all the parking options available.
Parking at popular tourist spots and beaches can be just as busy and chaotic. Note that many drivers don’t care too much about a scratch or two on their cars, they’re even known to ‘bump’ cars out of the way. This is why it’s crucial to get full insurance for your rental car. We recommend arriving early to find a decent parking spot and avoid stress.
Note: Always be mindful of where you park, and try not to leave anything on display inside the car. Remove all valuables and luggage if you can. Read more about travel safety.
4. Fill your car with the right fuel
Gas stations are widely available across Ibiza, especially in and around major towns like Ibiza Town and San Antonio. You can find gas stations near you by using Google Maps or other navigation systems.
Fuel prices on the island are typically higher than on mainland Spain. The average price for unleaded petrol is around 2 EUR per liter (8,32 USD per gallon), while diesel prices are slightly lower. Pay extra attention to the names of the gas types in Ibiza, Spain, as gasoline is gasolina, and diesel is sometimes also called gasóleo.
While most gas stations in Ibiza are self-service, there’s usually an attendant available during the day who can help you if you have questions. If you’re unsure of the type of fuel your rental car needs, look for a sticker with this information. You can usually find it on the car key, dashboard, or fuel door.
Tip: To avoid any confusion, ask the car rental company what fuel your car needs when you pick it up and make a note on your phone.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Ibiza?
In general, rental cars are reasonably priced on Spanish islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca. A few factors influence the price: the time of year, the duration of your rental, and the type of car you’re looking to rent. During summer, prices reach their peak because of the increase in tourists who drive up prices. As such, if you’re planning on visiting Ibiza between June and September, we recommend booking your rental car well in advance to get the best price.
Renting a car during off-peak season is considerably cheaper. The length of your rental also influences the price. For example, renting a car for a longer period of time will reduce the daily rate, so a 5-day rental could only be slightly more expensive than renting for 3 days. If you want to explore every corner of this stunning island, consider renting a car for a week.
We recommend to rent a car in Ibiza through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Getting the right vehicle
In Ibiza, as in many European countries, renting a smaller car is generally cheaper. Bigger cars are not only more expensive, but they also require more fuel, which will add to your expenses. Smaller cars will also make it easier to navigate the narrow streets in the town centers. Keep in mind that renting an automatic car will be more expensive as they are less common in Europe.
To get the best deal on your rental car, compare options online using a comparison site. Booking in advance will reduce your costs compared to arranging your car rental when arriving in Ibiza, Spain.
Tip: If you plan on visiting Ibiza’s remote beaches, consider renting a slightly bigger car to ensure a smooth drive on the unpaved, rougher roads.
Where do I rent a car in Ibiza?
It’s quite straightforward to rent a car in Ibiza, and there are several good options to suit your needs. If you plan on renting a car in the summer months, try making your booking well in advance. This will not only reduce the price, but you’ll also be more likely to secure the type of car you want.
We recommend to rent a car in Ibiza through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
The best place to pick up your rental car is at Ibiza Airport, so you can start your adventure straight after landing. Most major car rentals will have a desk at the airport where you can pick up and drop off your car.
Formentera rental
If you’re planning a visit to the neighboring island of Formentera and want to take your rental car there, check if your car rental allows you to take it off the island before booking. Not all car rentals allow you to bring your car to Formentera, or they might ask for an additional fee.
You’ll also need to book a ferry that allows vehicles. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer, as visiting Formentera is one of the best things to do in Ibiza, Spain.
Discover all the best things to do in Formentera!
Note: During the summer, the island limits vehicles for ecological purposes, requiring you to book a permit to drive your car. For this reason, we recommend hiring a scooter instead. You can do this from one of the rental stores in Formentera on arrival.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
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- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
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