Hiring A Car in Menorca: Everything You Need to Know

Menorca is a small island, and it seems to have a good public transport system (particularly in summer), so you might be thinking hiring a car in Menorca wouldn’t be necessary. However, having your own transport is undoubtedly the best and easiest way to get around the island.

This guide covers everything you need to know about hiring a car in Menorca, and why it is the best way to see the island.

Why Hiring a Car in Menorca is Important

While there is a good public transport system around the island, particularly in the summer, the easiest and most convenient way to explore Menorca is by having your own transportation. The bus routes mainly go between the two larger cities of Mahon and Ciutadella. With more local buses heading out to the beaches and coasts from there. As well as this, while the island seems small, the road system is a little unique.

The main Me-1 runs through the centre of the island, again linking Mahon and Ciudadela together. From these ‘hubs’, there is then a maze of smaller, narrower roads that lead to resort towns, villages or even tiny roads to the remote beaches. To get between each beach, you often have to head back out towards the Me-1 to then find another smaller road that takes you to the next beach, even if it is right next door!

Hiring a car in Menorca gives you the freedom, flexibility and autonomy to head wherever you like on the island, and not be at the whim of local buses. Some of the more wild, remote and potentially beautiful parts are only accessible by a car. And then from the parking spot, often a hike, but at least having a car gets you closer!

If your trip to Menorca is centred around relaxing by the pool and heading to the nearest local restaurant, or you want to relax with maybe a day visiting Mahon or Ciutadella, then hiring a car in Menorca is probably a waste of money. But, for anything more than this, and to experience the best of the island, I would highly recommend getting a hire car!

Where to Get a Hire Car in Menorca

There are a few places on the island where you can hire a car, and here is what you need to know about each.

Menorca Airport

The most common and best value when hiring a car in Menorca is to get a rental from a company at Mahon Airport. This is the only airport on the island, and therefore home to a large number of international and local firms.

However, it is very important to note that only a handful of firms are actually based in the airport, where you can walk from the terminal to your car. These include Hertz, Don Cars, and Poppycars. As well as Auto Valls, who do offer a meet and greet service if you choose to pay more.

The majority of the car hire companies, local and cheaper, are located a short shuttle ride away. As you exit the terminal, you follow signs to the designated meeting spot in the car park. There are then free shuttles, with the representative of each company holding a sign, that take you to the offices. It is between a 5 and 10-minute drive, depending on the company, and the shuttles usually leave relatively quickly.

From a Resort or Town/City

Alternatively, if you want to start your holiday with some relaxation and then hire a car for a few days of exploring, there are local offices where you can turn up and hire a car for the next day. However, while this sounds great in theory, in practice it is rarely that straightforward. You are likely to encounter significantly higher prices, and often, in the case of summer months, limited availability.

If you want to hire from a local office, book as far in advance as possible to ensure the best deal. The best option, even if you are a few days into your holiday, would be to get a bus back to Menorca Airport and hire a car from there.

If you do want to stay local, there are offices in:

Towns & Cities: Mahón, Ciutadella, and smaller towns such as Alaior and Es Mercadal.

Resorts: Arenal d’en Castell, Cala’n Forcat, Cala Blanca, Cala’n Bosch, and Son Xoriguer all have at least one local office, as do Son Bou, Son Parc, Punta Prima, Cala Galdana, and Santo Tomás.

That said, the range of companies and vehicles available in resort locations is far more limited than at the airport. So manage your expectations and book well ahead in peak season.

How Much Does Hiring a Car in Menorca Cost?

The answer to this question does vary widely. The cost of hiring a car in Menorca can change significantly due to many factors. Generally, it is seen as quite expensive, but you can get some better deals if you know where to look.

Factors affecting hire car price:

• Season: Good deals are possible in the shoulder months of May, June and October. In the high season (July to early September), expect to pay the most. Great deals are available in the winter, and visiting in January sees car hire prices drop to around 85% below the yearly average. But of course, you can expect cool/wet weather and a quiet island.
• Booking in advance: For July and August, book two to three months ahead. In the shoulder months, you have more flexibility, but earlier is always better.
• Size: Smaller cars are cheaper to rent.
• Length of hire: Weekly rentals attract a lower daily rate than short-term hire. So if you plan to have a car for your whole trip, booking a full week upfront will usually save you money.
• Additions: Child seats can cost around €4–€6 per day, and the cost of adding on additional drivers varies, so check this as you book.

Roughly in the summer months, you should budget around €45–€80 per day for a short-term hire of one to three days. In the shoulder months, prices drop considerably compared to peak summer. Really good deals are available in these months as supply and demand ease off. Expect to pay roughly €15–€30 per day for a small economy car booked in advance.

Hire Car Companies in Menorca

There are three different types of car rental companies in Menorca: familiar international brands, regional brands, and smaller local companies.

You expect all the usual names you will recognise, such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Goldcar. These are all available at the airport, however, they are often more expensive than the local companies.

Regional brands that are well established across the Balearics include OK Mobility, Click and Rent, and Record Go. All of which consistently appear among the cheapest options on comparison sites and are reliable choices.

Then there are the island’s own local companies, which are well worth considering. Autos Menorca, one of the largest local operators, has over 40 years of experience and a fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles. Personally, this is the company I tend to use. Ownerscars operates fifteen offices across the island and is well regarded for fast airport shuttles. Menorca on Wheels and Island Cars Menorca are frequently recommended by regular visitors on travel forums. And Island Cars in particular are praised for transparent pricing and no hidden charges on collection.

Important Things to Know about Hiring a Car in Menorca

Wear the Right Shoes

There has been some confusion for years over whether you legally need to wear shoes with backs to them when driving, rather than flip-flops or sandals. And the Guardia Civil has recently taken to social media to confirm the stance. It states you can wear flip-flops. However, if an officer considers that this type of footwear affects safety in a particular situation, the driver can be fined up to 200 euros. Therefore, it does still seem to remain vague, so my best advice would be to always drive in trainers or grab yourself a pair of Menorcan sandals!

Always carry your driving license with you

When driving a hire car in Menorca, you must always carry the hire document, your current driving licence, and your passport or a photocopy of it. UK visitors can drive in Menorca on a full UK photocard driving licence and do not currently need an International Driving Permit.

A smaller car is better When Hiring a Car in Menorca

Menorca’s roads vary enormously. The main road connecting Mahón and Ciutadella is wide and well-maintained. But many of the side roads leading to beaches and coves are narrow, potholed, and have very little room to pass oncoming traffic. Often with rough brick walls lining either side. A smaller car is not only cheaper to hire but also cheaper to fuel. But it is also considerably easier to navigate on these roads and to park in busy resort and beach car parks.

Book Your Own Car Rental Insurance when Hiring a Car In Menorca

This is one of the most important tips in this guide. The majority of car rental companies include standard insurance within the total cost, but this is subject to a large excess, typically in the range of £700–£1,500 depending on the company. That means if the car is damaged, you are liable for that amount. Companies will push their own excess waiver products at the desk, but these can be expensive. A much better option is to take out a standalone car hire excess insurance policy before you travel. These are widely available online for a fraction of the cost.

Understand the Deposits

When you collect your car, a deposit will be held or blocked on your bank card. This is to cover rental risks as well as give the company certainty that you have funds to cover the excess or other charges. Expect this to be around €750–€950, though it varies by company. In some cases, particularly for larger vehicles, this can be as much as €2,200. It is a hold, and it will be released when the car is returned in good condition. However, you must make sure you have sufficient available funds on your credit card before you collect the vehicle, or you may be refused the car.

Take Detailed Videos and Photos of the Car

• Make sure you drive on the right-hand side!
• A lot of the towns have a one-way system to get around them. It is great as it means you don’t come into any traffic. But the roads are small in the centre of the towns and cities, and if you miss your turn, you have a long way to go again.
• Generally, parking at the beaches is free. However, it gets very busy very early on, so if you want to guarantee a space, make sure to get there early.
• In the built-up areas, a blue line means paid parking, and an orange line means you can’t park there. Some areas have roads and parking spaces for residents only. These are marked by signs.
• You have to park in the direction of travel. If you have to pull out of a space and cross the lane of oncoming traffic, then you have parked incorrectly, and this can lead to a parking ticket.
• Some of the roads towards the beaches get very narrow and very bumpy. Almost to the point of dirt tracks. Do check your rental agreement, as many companies won’t allow cars down them. Google Maps doesn’t do a great job of pointing these out, and if you see a sign saying ‘no access to platjas’ – pay attention to it!

Heading to Menorca? Use my guides to help you plan your trip:

• Things to Do in Menorca, 23 Amazing Must-Do’s!
• Best Beaches in Menorca: 23 Stunning Places
• The Ultimate Guide to Menorca Fiestas 2026
• Binibeca, Menorca: Ultimate Guide to Visiting this Charming Town
• Lithica Quarry Menorca: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

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