Car rental in Benidorm (Alicante)

Renting a car in Benidorm provides freedom to explore the Costa Blanca region. The city is renowned for its beaches, high-rise buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Public transportation doesn't always offer convenient connections, while taxis can be expensive. With a rental car, you'll easily reach secluded coves, mountain villages, and nearby cities including Alicante and Valencia.

Localrent connects you with offers from local rental companies. Book your vehicle for a hassle-free holiday experience—it's affordable, quick, and reliable.

Why Renting Through Localrent Works in Your Favor

The service delivers excellent terms, straightforward booking, and saves both time and money. Key advantages of renting with Localrent:

1. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. When renting a car in Benidorm, you see the exact total cost, helping you plan your budget accurately. No unexpected charges appear later in the rental cost.
2. Low advance payment at booking—15–20%. You can pay the majority of the amount when collecting the vehicle. This approach is convenient and secure, as full prepayment isn't required upfront.
3. Simple and intuitive website interface. The site navigation is user-friendly, allowing you to complete booking in just a few clicks. No need to navigate complex menus—all essential information (prices, terms, vehicle specifications) is immediately visible.
4. Filters for precise selection. You can immediately choose insurance type, transmission, deposit size, and vehicle class (from economy to luxury).
5. Extensive vehicle selection. Options include compact models for city driving, spacious crossovers for family trips, and convertibles for coastal journeys.

Rental Requirements

To rent a vehicle, you'll need:

• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Passport or other identity document
• Bank card

Minimum age and driving experience depend on the selected vehicle. These requirements are specified in each vehicle's listing. Use filters to find suitable options.

Traffic Regulations: Essential Information

Spain follows right-hand traffic rules, with priority given to vehicles from the right at equal intersections. Road markings are clear and comply with European standards. Solid lines prohibit overtaking, while broken lines permit it.

Speed limits:

• 50 km/h in urban areas
• 90 km/h outside urban areas
• 120 km/h on motorways

At roundabouts, yield to vehicles already in the circle. Exits are only possible from the outer lane, so plan lane changes in advance.

All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Children under 135 cm tall require child seats appropriate for their age, height, and weight. Front seat transport is only permitted from age 12.

Local drivers maintain fairly high speeds but remain courteous, disciplined, and rule-compliant. Traffic increases during tourist season. Police are generally tolerant toward tourists but strictly enforce speeding violations and illegal parking. Keep vehicle documents and license with you at all times.

Pay particular attention to narrow streets in the old town and mountain switchbacks in surrounding areas—these require increased caution. Slow down before pedestrian crossings, as locals occasionally cross against red lights.

Fuel Stations

Nearly all fuel stations in Benidorm operate on a self-service basis. Simply choose an available pump, fill the tank yourself, and pay at the cashier or terminal.

Prepayment is possible in some cases, but inform the cashier of your desired amount beforehand. At traditional stations, attendants handle refueling.

Parking

Standard signs with the letter "P" indicate parking zone locations. Underground and multi-level car parks in Benidorm have compact dimensions and are quite narrow, making maneuvering challenging. If you plan to spend considerable time in the city, renting a compact vehicle is advisable.

Street parking color codes:

• Blue—paid parking with time restrictions. A terminal is typically nearby, with a 2-hour maximum stay. After payment, take the receipt and display it under your windshield.
• Green and orange—primarily for local residents. Visitors may park for 1–2 hours during daytime; nighttime parking is exclusively for residents. Check information on signs before parking.
• White—free zone with no time restrictions. However, such parking spaces are nearly nonexistent in central and historic areas of Benidorm.

During high season, head directly for paid underground parking to avoid lengthy searches and potential fines.

How to Rent a Car in Benidorm

Renting in Benidorm through Localrent is simpler than it appears. In just 4 steps, you'll receive booking confirmation with final pricing.

How to book a vehicle affordably:

1. Select dates and configure filters. Specify rental period and mark important parameters—transmission type (automatic/manual), deposit amount, vehicle class (such as crossover or compact model).
2. Review your chosen vehicle's listing. Check technical specifications, insurance terms, mileage restrictions, and driver requirements (age, experience). Select additional services if needed, such as a child seat or adding a second driver to the rental agreement. If everything meets your needs, click "Continue."
3. Complete booking details. Enter pickup/return location and time. Provide driver information: full name, date of birth, email address, phone number.
4. Pay the advance (15–20%). After payment, a voucher will arrive via email—save it to your phone; printing is optional.

When collecting the vehicle, inspect it thoroughly and ensure all existing scratches or defects are documented in the inspection report. Then sign the agreement, pay the balance, and collect the keys.

Destinations for Your Rental Car

Car rental allows you to reach picturesque Costa Blanca locations. This is far more comfortable than relying on public transport or tour buses.

Top 5 locations near Benidorm, easily accessible via paved roads:

1. Cabo de la Nao (Cape Nao). Located 46–50 km from Benidorm, this cape features dramatic cliffs with stunning sea views. A lighthouse built in 1928 helps vessels navigate Mediterranean waters. The route passes through hills, so choose a vehicle with a powerful engine (a sedan or crossover works well).
2. Cuevas del Canelobre (Canelobre Caves). Situated approximately 45 km away, closer to Alicante. These magnificent stalactite caves feature a 70-meter hall. For this journey, select a vehicle with good suspension, as nearly all roads climb upward.
3. Altea. Located 10–12 km from Benidorm, this whitewashed town features narrow streets and a viewpoint at the Church of Our Lady of Consolation.
4. Peñíscola. The trip requires a full day, with approximately 283 km distance. Visit the medieval castle on a cliff where "Game of Thrones" was filmed. The road is comfortable and suitable for any vehicle type, though for extended travel, choose a model with ergonomic seating.
5. Valle de Guadalest (Guadalest Valley). A fortress village atop a cliff, where you can visit museums and a lake surrounded by mountains. Definitely select a vehicle with a powerful engine.

Car Rental Locations in Benidorm

Rental companies differ in vehicle pickup locations, though most allow you to choose your location during booking. Common pickup points include your hotel (or other specified address) and rental company offices in Benidorm.

If planning travel from Alicante Airport, select Alicante as your pickup city, not Benidorm.

How to identify available locations in the city:

• In filters, select "Specify location"—all possible pickup points are marked there
• Check the vehicle listing, which indicates exactly where you can collect it

Rental Recommendations

Renting a vehicle in a resort town has specific considerations. Here are several practical tips to help avoid common issues.

Choose vehicles suited to your routes

For mountain driving, select a vehicle with at least a 1.4-liter engine, preferably 2 liters or larger—switchbacks demand additional power.

If planning to park in the center, compact models handle narrow streets more easily than SUVs.

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly

Document scratches with photos or video when collecting the vehicle. Check tires—narrow streets with curbs frequently cause wheel damage.

Understand local parking regulations

In Benidorm during high season (July–August), free parking is nearly always occupied. Blue zones have a 2-hour time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental