Renting a car in mallorca

If you're heading to Mallorca for a cycling trip, especially outside the peak summer season, hiring a car is often the most convenient and cost-effective option - particularly if you’re travelling with a bike box or two.

Why Renting a Car Makes Sense for Cyclists

• Excellent Value Off-Season
  Outside the peak July–August window, car hire in Mallorca is surprisingly affordable.
  In fact, it’s often cheaper than booking private transfers, and far more convenient than trying to juggle your gear onto a bus or taxi.

• Buses Are Infrequent - and Bike Boxes Are a Problem
  Public transport connections to key cycling towns like Port de Pollença, Sóller, or Andratx are limited outside peak season. You will likely need to take a bus first into Palma and then change for your onward destination.
  Even when buses are available, many won’t take bike boxes, or only do so at the driver’s discretion. Hiring your own car removes the guesswork.

Space Matters: Bike Box Tips

Most small to medium hatchbacks (like a VW Golf, Seat Leon, or similar) can fit two bike boxes, provided the rear seats fold flat. You’ll need to stack carefully, and may lose all back-seat passenger space — but it’s do-able.

However, fitting three boxes is a challenge, even in larger cars or SUVs.
If you’re travelling as a group of three or more cyclists with bikes, it may be more practical to book a private transfer through a company like Mallorca Cycle Shuttle, which is well-equipped for this exact scenario.

Who to Book With (and Who to Avoid)

Cyclists value reliability and ease — and not all rental providers offer that. Here’s a breakdown based on real-world experience:

• ✅ Recommended

  • Wiber and OK Mobility – consistently good value, decent vehicles, and straightforward processes.

  • Sixt, Europcar (on-terminal) – convenient and reliable, but often far more expensive than off-site alternatives.

• ⚠️ Mixed Experiences

  • ClickRent – cheap, but quality control varies; cars may be older or more worn.

• ❌ Avoid

  • Goldcar – infamous for hidden fees, poor customer service, and aggressive upselling. Best avoided.

Top Tips for Cyclists Renting in Mallorca

1. Compare Prices - And Keep Watching

Use comparison sites (like DiscoverCars, Kayak, Rentalcars.com) to check rates early.
If you book a cancellable deal, keep checking back - if prices drop closer to your trip, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate.

2. Don’t Buy Their Expensive Insurance

At the counter, you’ll be pushed to add “super” or “premium” cover.
Instead, take out a standalone excess insurance policy online before your trip. It’s far cheaper and covers the same risks. Just politely decline their upsell.

3. Get the Paperwork Right

You’ll need:

• A credit card in the main driver’s name, with enough credit for the deposit hold (often €800–€1500)

• A valid driving licence

• Your passport

Without these, you won’t get the car - no exceptions.

4. Beat the Queues

The biggest delay you’ll face isn’t the drive - it’s queuing at the rental desk.
If you can get off the plane quickly, clear passport control fast, and reach your provider ahead of the crowd, you’ll save serious time. Even beating a few families from your flight can make a big difference.

5. Off-Terminal Rentals Are Fine

Companies like Wiber operate out of off-site depots, reached via free shuttle buses.
These run every 10–15 minutes and are easy to spot - just allow a bit of extra time when returning the car for your flight home.

Scratches, Damage & What to Expect

Most providers won’t hassle you about tiny scuffs or dust.
Take photos or a short video of the car when you pick it up and drop it off, just in case.

And if there’s a minor scratch when you return it? Don’t panic. In most cases, it won’t be noticed or flagged. Just stay calm, and don’t draw attention unless asked.

Final Tips for Cyclists

• Book early - especially over Easter school holidays or during spring cycling season. You should still be able to get a bargain.

• Check mileage and fuel policies - look for full-to-full fuel (and don’t fill up at the expensive station by the rental car drop off...)

• Think about space - if you’re planning to explore all corners of the island, you’ll want room for bikes, wheels, luggage, and legs.

• Don’t try to cram too many boxes - beyond two riders, it’s usually smarter to book a transfer or split the group into two vehicles.

In Summary

Hiring a car in Mallorca gives you freedom, flexibility, and can be surprisingly affordable outside the busy summer months.
Compare providers, skip the insurance upsell, and get organised - and you’ll have a smooth start to your cycling trip.