Hire car · Station

Hire car at Palma airport (PMI)

The largest choice on the island – but not every station is in the terminal.

The airport has the largest choice, but some stations are outside the terminal.

The short answer

How does hire car pick-up work at Palma airport?

At Palma airport there are two types of station: providers with a desk and car park deck right at the terminal, and providers outside the airport grounds that you reach by shuttle bus. Terminal stations are quicker – allow 20 to 30 minutes for pick-up instead of 45 to 75, and returns are faster without a shuttle – but are usually more expensive.

Palma airport station at a glance

Airport code: PMI, Son Sant Joan, around 8 km east of Palma
Station types: In the terminal (multi-storey car park) or outside with a shuttle
Time buffer for pick-up: Terminal 20–30 min, shuttle 45–75 min
Means of payment: Credit card in the driver’s name, deposit is blocked
Fuel policy: Full/full is the fair option – there are petrol stations on the Ma-19
High season: June to September long queues, especially 10:00–14:00

Terminal station or shuttle provider

Station in the terminal

Desk on the arrivals level, vehicle in the adjoining multi-storey car park. After landing, you are usually at the car within 30 minutes.
Station outside

After baggage reclaim you go to the shuttle meeting point, then a five to ten-minute drive and another wait at the desk. For night arrivals, this can add an hour to your journey.
Plan the return

With shuttle stations, you should return the car two to two and a half hours before departure; with terminal stations, an hour and a half is enough.

Step-by-step process

1. Have your documents ready

Driving licence, ID card or passport, the driver’s credit card and the booking confirmation. Additional drivers must be present in person.
2. Sort out the deposit

The amount blocked on the credit card depends on the rate. Check your card limit in advance – with basic rates, several hundred euros may be blocked.
3. Document the vehicle

Before driving off, photograph it all round, including the wheel rims, roof, windscreen and fuel gauge. This is the most effective protection against later damage charges.
4. Leaving the airport and route

From the airport, the Ma-19 leads to Palma and Playa de Palma, the Ma-19/Ma-15 to the east and the Ma-20 motorway ring towards the north and west.

Avoid summer peaks

Between 10:00 and 14:00 in summer, most holiday flights land. If you arrive in this window, choose a terminal station or allow more time.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the hire car station at Palma airport in the terminal?

That depends on the provider. Some have a desk and car park deck right at the terminal, others are outside and are reached by shuttle bus.

How much time should you allow for pick-up?

20 to 30 minutes for terminal stations, 45 to 75 minutes for shuttle stations – rather more in high season.

Do you need a credit card at Palma airport?

As a rule, yes. The deposit is blocked on a credit card issued in the name of the main driver.

When should you return the hire car before your return flight?

Around an hour and a half before departure for terminal stations, two to two and a half hours for shuttle stations.

Next steps