Car Rental in Alicante
Alicante is a city built for driving, whether you're heading along the coast to the Costa Blanca's beaches, up into the hills of the interior, or simply need the freedom to come and go on your own schedule. With the airport (ALC) just a short hop from the city and a mix of agencies at the terminal, the train station, and in the centre itself, picking up a car here is generally straightforward.
The local market covers everything from big international names to smaller, more personal outfits. Some travellers prefer the reassurance of a global brand with a big fleet at the airport desk, while others get better value and a friendlier experience from independent agencies that deliver the car directly to them.
This guide walks through what to expect when renting in Alicante, where to pick up depending on how you're arriving, and the questions worth asking before you sign anything - alongside the full directory and map below.
Airport, train station, or city centre: where to pick up
Most visitors collect their car right at Alicante-Elche Airport, where several agencies operate directly from the arrivals zone or a short shuttle ride away, including SIXT Car Rental - Alicante Airport (ALC), Goldcar, Record go Mobility, Victoria Cars Alicante Airport, Centauro Car hire Alicante airport, and Wiber Rent a Car. This is the obvious choice if you're flying in and want to drive straight off.
If you're arriving by train or staying in the city itself, there are options closer to the centre too, such as Sixt and Europcar at the Adif train terminal, Record go Mobility - Alicante Estación de Tren, Centauro on Av. Salamanca, and ClickRent near Carrer Carlet. For travellers based in the old town or port area, WeOneRent Car Rental on C. Agua and Sixt Alquiler de coches near Pl. Prta del Mar are both handy without needing to head out to the airport.
A few agencies, like Rentley, offer delivery straight to your apartment, which can save a trip altogether if you're not near a pickup point.
What to expect when picking up your car
Reviewers consistently mention a few things that make the difference between a smooth pickup and a stressful one: having your documents pre-checked or booking via an app (mentioned by Centauro renters), clear explanations of insurance and deposits at the desk, and a quick handover rather than a long queue.
It's worth asking upfront about the fuel policy and any deposit held on your card - some renters have noted extra insurance being offered at the counter, which is worth reading carefully before agreeing to. Shuttle buses between the airport terminal and off-site rental desks are common for several of the airport-based agencies, so factor in a few extra minutes for that leg of the journey.
Car condition and cleanliness come up often in reviews as a genuine differentiator between providers, so it's a fair question to ask about when you book.
Choosing between big brands and independents
Alicante has a good spread of well-known international agencies - SIXT, Europcar, Goldcar, Record go Mobility, Centauro - alongside smaller, locally run companies like WeOneRent Car Rental, Auto Rent Alicante, and Rentley. The bigger names tend to have larger fleets and multiple pickup points around the city and airport, which suits travellers who want flexibility on drop-off.
The smaller agencies are consistently well reviewed for a more personal touch - things like WhatsApp communication, home delivery, and flexible service that can be harder to get from a large counter operation. If personal service and door-to-door convenience matter more to you than brand recognition, it's worth comparing these directly against the airport desks.
20 places
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent a car at Alicante Airport or in the city centre?
The airport is the most convenient option if you're flying in, with multiple agencies on site or a short shuttle away; the city centre and train station are better if you're already staying in Alicante and don't want to travel out to the airport.
Do car rental companies in Alicante offer home or apartment delivery?
Yes, some smaller agencies such as Rentley will deliver the car directly to your accommodation, meaning you don't need to travel to a pickup point at all.
Should I expect to be offered extra insurance at pickup?
It's common for agencies to offer additional insurance packages at the desk, so it's worth checking what your booking already covers before accepting any extras.
Are shuttle buses needed to reach the rental desks from the airport terminal?
Several agencies based near the airport, including Victoria Cars and others off-site, use a shuttle bus to transfer customers between the terminal and the rental desk.
Are the smaller, independent agencies reliable compared to the big brands?
Independent agencies like WeOneRent Car Rental and Auto Rent Alicante are consistently well reviewed, often praised for responsive communication and well-maintained cars, making them a solid alternative to the larger international chains.