Car Hire in Benidorm
Benidorm offers an excellent range of transport options, and depending on what you want from your holiday or business trip there really is something for everyone including both international and independent car hire companies. For those that plan to spend the majority of there time in the city centre, visiting the nearby beaches, shops, bars and restaurants then getting around on foot is relatively easy and gives you the chance to discover some of the city's hidden gems. Alternately, if you learn a few Spanish words and sentences the local bus service is regular and efficient, and will take you to some of the outer lying attractions, beaches and villages, including the popular Wednesday and Sunday street markets. To really appreciate the beauty and fantastic attractions the Costa Blanca has to offer, car hire is the best option.
International Car Hire Companies
Most travellers to Benidorm arriving by air will fly into Alicante International Airport which is about a 40 minute drive from the city. Depending on which airline you fly with or which European city you fly from, some flights are only to Murcia-San Javier Airport which offers less flight options and is about 1 hour 30 mins drive. Both airports offer a selection of international car hire companies. Options include Hertz, Avis Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Sixt and Enterprise.
Using an international company may cost more than choosing a local independent one but it does have its advantages. Most will have their own booth or office in the airport terminal and with large fleets of vehicles, even during peak summer months will usually have vehicles available for travellers that haven't booked in advance. They only use reputable insurance companies and during the hire process the majority will have vehicle check forms. These forms are important and allow you, accompanied by a company representative to go through the check list to make sure there are no faults or damage to the vehicle before signing your contract. For these reasons international companies are favoured by business travellers.
Independent Car Hire Companies
In all fairness to local independent companies, car hire horror stories are usually a case of ‘one bad apple spoils the barrel' and there are a number of good, reputable independent companies where travellers can expect a professional service at great value rates. The key to this is really down to the customer being thorough when making booking enquiries and going through the hire process when at the airport or the company's office. Coys Rent-a-Car are an independent car hire company that have been established on the Costa Blanca since 1992 and offer their customers an excellent fleet of vehicles to choose from at very competitive rates.
Independent car hire companies vehicles are not as numerous as international companies and booking in advance is always advisable, with some offering discounts on advanced bookings. Again, with less vehicles available the type of car you want may not be available if left to the last minute. A good example of this is; vehicles with automatic transmission are far fewer in Spain than many other European countries and when driving on the opposite side of the road to what you're used to, worrying about changing gears can be added stress for some. If you are not offered a vehicle check list during the hiring process, insist on one and make sure you are accompanied by a company representative who should add their signature to any defects found. If a major problem is found, insist on another vehicle.
Important Questions & Hidden Charges
- Is there a vehicle check list and are any defects or damage noted by a representative
- Is there a 24 hour breakdown service available
- Are there restrictions or extra charges for drivers of a certain age (old or young)
- Are there vehicles available with automatic transmission
- Are flight times monitored by a company representative incase of delays
- Can the vehicle be collected and dropped off at both airports
- Are GPS and child seats available
- Is there unlimited mileage and will I be charged for a full tank of fuel
- Are there pick up and drop off charges
- What insurances are offered
- Are there extra charges for taking the vehicle outside Spain's borders