In our Seville guide we’ve already explained why this wonderful city in the heart of the region, together with Malaga, is the best place to start one of the many itineraries in Andalusia (not by chance, this is where our 5-day Andalusia tour begins). Statistically, a good proportion of tours in this region unfold exactly like this: travellers choose to fly into Seville, explore the city at leisure for 2 or 3 days and then hire a car to begin one of the possible road‑trip itineraries in Andalusia.
But let’s take things in order: is it better to pick up a hire car directly at the airport or in the city centre? Where are the most convenient collection points? How can you pick up a hire car in Seville without wasting half a day hunting for the right agency? But above all… how can we save money by choosing a low-cost solution, without having to compromise on the quality of the car?
In this article we want to provide you with some tips and all the useful information on the subject, so that, once you’ve landed, you can head straight to the rent-car Seville agency you’ve chosen and be holding the car keys in your hand in no time. So let’s get into the details: what are the things to bear in mind when you want to hire a rental car in Seville?
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Car hire in Seville: tips for the airport
Most travellers decide that the best place to pick up a hire car in Seville is the airport, immediately after the plane has landed: this choice is entirely understandable, especially if you haven’t the slightest desire to lug heavy luggage around on public transport to the hotel where you’ll be staying. However, we believe it is not always the best choice, and later we’ll explain why.
There is, however, one case in which car hire at Seville Airport is the absolute best option: that of (the few) travellers who have decided to start from Seville a tour of Andalusia without visiting the city, or who may visit it only before setting off again on their return flight. Even in this rare case, as soon as you step off the plane there is nothing more convenient than going to the desk of the chosen agency, collecting the car and setting off for the first stop on the tour.
Car hire agencies at Seville Airport
As we explained in our article dedicated to flights to Seville, despite a large proportion of international flights bound for Andalusia calling at Seville, the airport’s size is fairly modest: for this reason, unlike much larger, labyrinthine airports, it will not be difficult for you to reach the desks of the rental agencies present. But which agencies are these? Here is a list of those available as listed on the official website:
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Avis
- Sixt
As you will no doubt have noticed, the most reliable international car hire companies are well represented, but if the company you booked your hire car with does not appear among those listed, don’t worry, because some rely on local partners: for example, Alamo at Seville Airport is affiliated with Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Thrifty is, instead, affiliated with Hertz. If you still cannot locate the desk of the company you booked with, you can turn to the info points in the rental-car area.
Where are the desks located at the airport?
As soon as you have disembarked, simply collect any luggage and make your way to the Rental-car area, following the signs: the desks of the agencies at the airport are all located in the hall on level 0. As soon as you have completed the formalities at the desk, staff will direct you straight to the car park P1, which is located immediately outside the exit, on the opposite side of the terminal building.
Hiring a car at the airport: what are the drawbacks?
Earlier we mentioned that hiring a car at Seville Airport may not be the best option. Why? Yet one advantage of this choice is the short distance between the airport and the city centre: no more than about ten kilometres (6.2 miles).
Are you sure you want to venture into Seville’s centre by car, desperately searching for a parking space? This city, like all the major cities of Andalusia, is wonderful, and you can find out more in our article on things to do in Seville… but it’s an absolute nightmare for travellers who want to explore it by car! In our article on how to get around Seville we have explained clearly the best ways to see the city.
All in all… it’s not necessarily the best idea to pick up the car as soon as you land at the airport — quite the opposite! We only recommend it if you’re already certain that your hotel has a private parking space, or if you already know where you’ll be able to park the car. But even in those cases… why pay for a hire you won’t be using for all the days you’re staying in the city?
Car hire at Seville station: is it worth it? A few tips
If your travel programme includes a 2- or 3-day visit to Seville and then the start of a road trip in Andalusia, just as in the case of the car hire in Malaga, we recommend considering hiring a car at Seville’s Santa Justa train station, but only at the end of your stay in the city. How to do it?
- After landing at Seville Airport, take a bus, shuttle or taxi (prices are very reasonable) to reach your hotel or the city centre;
- enjoy the city by getting around on public transport and on foot, which is the best way to explore Seville;
- on the day of departure, head on foot or by public transport to Santa Justa Train Station, where you will pick up your rental car for the tour. The station is not far from the city centre, but in this case it might be a smart choice to stay nearby if you want to avoid using public transport (take a look at our tips on where to stay in Seville).
Find accommodation near Santa Justa station
Useful information on hiring a car at Santa Justa station
The Santa Justa station is located on Avenida Kansas City, to the north‑east of Seville’s historic centre. On either side of the station’s main entrance you’ll immediately see the car parks belonging to the various rental companies, but that doesn’t mean you can head straight there: first you must go to the desk, and some (Avis, Europecar) are situated inside the train station. Unfortunately, these counters are not always well signposted: don’t limit yourself to looking for them in the main concourse, but also in the area providing access to the platforms. The other counters (Hertz, Sixt, Goldcar and other agencies) are directly at the car parks on Avenida Kansas City.
If you are unable to find the desk inside the station, go outside and ask the competing companies that operate the car parks, because the staff at the information point in the main hall may not be able to help you. Once you have completed all the paperwork, make your way to the agency’s car park and collect your car.
The main agencies at Santa Justa are:
- Avis/Budget
- Europcar (which also operates Alamo)
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Enterprise
- Goldcar
- Centauro
Before collecting your hire car, don’t forget that…
- you will need a credit card to collect the car;
- if you have booked online and later realise you need a larger vehicle or any additional extras, you can still inform the staff at the desk. You will, of course, have to pay the difference;
- you will need a driving licence and a valid ID for all drivers when collecting the car;
- For all other information regarding car hire in Seville (tips and general advice), visit our page on car hire in Andalusia;
- We’ve published a page with available parking options in Seville and other major cities in Andalusia;
- If you really don’t want to hire a car, check out our article on transport in Andalusia (bus and train).
Low-cost car hire deals in Seville: tips on how to find deals and save
Rather than relying directly on the websites of the various companies, I have always found it preferable to use the extremely useful comparison sites for car hire: as well as finding very low‑cost deals, you can compare the different companies and filter the search according to the selection criteria you consider most important.
Other advantages include:
- the option to cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before car collection;
- no credit card fees at the time of booking;
- the opportunity to save money thanks to additional discounts and offers that are not available on the individual company’s website.
