Renting a car in Malaga is one of the smartest strategic solutions for anyone deciding to take an Andalusia Road Trip on the road, as well as one of the most common choices statistically. But what are the reasons why so many travellers decide to choose the rental agencies in this city, famous for its beaches and the splendid Alcazaba? And what is the best way to hire a car without running into unpleasant surprises and while saving money? In this article we want to try to answer 5 very frequently asked questions on the topic of “car hire in Malaga”:
Contents
Car hire for the Costa del Sol: is Malaga the right city!
On our pages, we have already talked about car hire in Seville, another city that is usually a good starting point for beginning a trip to Andalusia, especially if we intend to follow an itinerary between Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the three jewels of inland Andalusia.
But if our holiday includes a lovely spell by the sea? In that case, as we said in our guide to Malaga, this is certainly the best city from which to collect the car at the start of the tour, because it is in an ideal position both for beginning an itinerary to Cadiz along the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, and for the Granada coastline east of Malaga, the Costa Tropical, as far as the beaches of Almería and Cabo de Gata.
Airport or city centre? Where should you collect the car?
Another question concerns the car pick-up point, and the answer must take into account some important factors. First of all, let us say that in Malaga there are two reference points for car hire: Málaga-Costa del Sol airport (which we have already mentioned in our article on flights to Malaga) and Estacion Maria Zambrano (simply, the train station). What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two pick-up points?
Car hire at Malaga Airport: pros and cons
The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is located on Avenida Comandante García Morato, no more than 25 minutes by car from the city centre, to the south-west of the Carretera de Cádiz district, which is the best area to stay in Malaga if you need accommodation near the airport.
However, as in the case of Seville, picking up a hire car at the airport is not always the best choice, especially if your intention is to stay in Malaga and visit it: parking in the city centre and in the area where the hotels are located is very limited and very expensive. In that case, to get closer to your chosen accommodation, we recommend taking a taxi or, if you do not have too much luggage, the C1 Cercanías train, which connects the airport with Málaga María Zambrano station in around 8 minutes and Málaga city centre in around 12 minutes. A bus service is also available. Otherwise, a bus service is also available.
If, on the other hand, you have chosen to fly into Malaga because of its proximity to the famous holiday destinations of the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos…) and you do not intend to stay in the city, collecting the car at Malaga airport is undoubtedly the best solution in every respect: bear in mind that the distance between the airport and Torremolinos is just 15 minutes!
Where are the desks located?
The official car hire desks at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport are located in the basement of Terminal 2. Several major international and Spanish companies operate directly from the airport, including Avis/Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, Record Go and Sixt. Other companies may have offices outside the terminal and provide a shuttle service, so check the pick-up instructions supplied with your booking.
Car hire in Málaga city centre: the train station
And what about… is it worth hiring a car from an office near the city centre? The answer is yes, but on one condition: that, after visiting Malaga, you decide to set off on an on-the-road tour! In that case, on the day of departure, pack your bags and head to the train station Estación Maria Zambrano, in Explanada de la Estación, on Calle Cuarteles, not far from the historic centre and modern Malaga: you can do it on foot (just over 20 minutes) or, alternatively, you can take a taxi or head to a stop for the 1, 3 or 16 bus.
Several car hire companies have offices at or around Málaga María Zambrano station. Some desks are inside the station complex, while others are located in the surrounding streets, so check the exact collection point and opening hours shown on your booking confirmation before you arrive.
Advice on the best companies
Both at the airport and at the train station, you will find all the best international companies for car hire:
- Hertz
- Avis/Budget
- Goldcar
- Europcar (Keddy)
- Sixt
- Record-Go
- Enterprise Rent-a-Car
- Dollar
- Atesa (National/Alamo)
- Thrifty
- Rhodium
Moreover, among others, you can find the following companies, less well known but still reliable:
- Firefly
- Centauro
- NizaCars
What should you know before deciding to hire?
- Before booking, check the company’s payment requirements carefully. Some car hire companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name to secure the deposit, while others may also accept debit cards. Pay particular attention to the deposit and excess amounts, as these can be high, especially with cheaper rates.
- Before collecting the car, check what insurance is included in your rate and how much excess you would have to pay in the event of damage or theft. Basic cover often comes with a substantial excess, while additional cover can reduce or remove it.
- When you get to the desk, ask the attendant any questions that come to mind: if other requirements have arisen (a car of a different category, a larger boot, date changes, additional extras), you can get what you need directly on site, by paying an extra fee;
- All drivers (main and additional) must present a valid driving licence. If you have a UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Spain. Car hire companies may also ask drivers with a licence issued in England, Wales or Scotland for a DVLA check code, so check the company’s requirements before you travel.
- Remember that in Spain you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Take particular care at roundabouts and junctions, especially during the first few miles after collecting your car.
- For all other information on car hire in Malaga (tips and general information), feel free to visit our page on car hire in Andalusia.
- we have published a page with the available parking in the main Andalusian cities, including Málaga.
Car hire in Malaga: low-cost tips for renting a car
In my experience, when it comes to car hire – Malaga is no exception – the best way to save money is to look for low-cost offers on price comparison sites, where I have always found really advantageous rates that are hard to come by on the websites of individual companies operating in the area.
If you have already booked and, for any reason, are unsure whether you will be able to collect the car on the agreed dates, bear in mind that many companies allow cancellation of the booking up to 24 hours before collection.
