Car Hire Comparisons at Almeria Airport
There are three car hire companies at the Almeria Airport. Goldcar-InterRent, Hertz, and Europcar are the options and each has its upsides and downsides.
Goldcar-InterRent
If you are on a budget, Goldcar-InterRent may be your best bet. They have options for compact cars to SUVs and have manual and automatic selections.
Also of note is their safety regulations - Goldcar has contact-free car hiring options due to COVID-19. Make sure you book your car quickly, though, as Goldcar-InterRent gets very backed up during busy seasons.
Hertz
One of the most popular global hire companies, Hertz is reliable and has a decent range of options. However, it is more expensive than Goldcar.
If you need a large vehicle, Hertz is the way to go. Their models include:
- Mini
- Compact
- Intermediate
- Elite Intermediate
- Van
Hertz does not have a contact-free rental option.
Europcar
Europcar is a terrific option if you know what you want to drive and do not need scores of car hire choices. They mostly carry compact to intermediate-sized cars but have some SUVs. Most of their vehicles have excellent carbon emissions levels and are eco-friendly.
Europcar offers pay now and pay later options for your convenience.
Cheap Car Hire in Almeria Airport
While the options above are the most accessible, other companies are at or near the Almeria Airport.
These car hire companies are cheaper on the surface but might result in higher costs from insurance and extras.
Budget options are the most sought-after, especially if you do not plan on doing loads of driving. Some budget car hire selections at Almeria include:
- Thrifty
- Avis
- Budget
These companies have payment plan options that let you pay onsite or online. The cheapest of these is Budget. You can hire a car for under £200 for five days with Budget if you choose the compact car option.
Avis and Thrifty are slightly more expensive, but they have more add-ons - which can be lifesavers on holiday. Avis has add-ons like GPS, mobile Wi-Fi, concierge services, tablets, and child seats. These make a difference if you are in a remote area!
If you do not want to bother with add-ons, Hertz has GPS-included vehicles for hire, although they will be pricier than the ones above.
Almost all the car hire options above have premium or luxury cars available, so if you want to indulge and get a high-end car, you can. However, most travellers do not mind hiring a cheap car and splurging on lodging or dining instead.
Also, you may want to do some research on what days or weeks are busiest in Almeria. The more hectic the airport, the more expensive the car hire.
Tips for Hiring a Car From Almeria Airport
Hiring a car can induce significant anxiety, so having an idea of what you need to do beforehand is crucial. Below are a few tips to ensure your car hire goes as smoothly as possible.
Where to Go in the Airport
It might seem simple, but navigating an airport (especially when you end up exhausted after a flight) is quite a challenge if you do not know where you are going.
The first step is to figure out where to find your car hire from the terminal. Most of the companies are in one general location.
Hertz, Europcar, and Goldcar-InterRent are next to customs - all you do is walk out, and the kiosks are on the left.
Documents
If you are renting a car for the first time, there are a few documents you need to bring with you. These include:
- Drivers license, passport or ID card
- Debit or credit card
- International Driver Permit if you are not from the EU
Also, remember that you can only hire a car in Spain if you are over 21.
What to Look For
When looking for car hiring services, think of it like you are purchasing a vehicle. Check for scratches, broken parts, dents, cracks in the windows, and headlight functionality. Note any issues before leaving the airport, so you do not get charged for them later.
Once you are in the car and good to go, note the type of fuel the vehicle takes, where all of the buttons/levers are, and safety features.
What Cover You Need
Car hire companies love to sell you insurance, but you may not need it. That said, if you want to be extra cautious, purchasing insurance from the car hire place is almost guaranteed to be the most expensive route.
Try using a travel credit card to get insurance elsewhere, or be a defensive driver.