While Valencia City has good public transport connections and can in some areas be explored on foot, if you are planning to make the most of your journey here to explore outside of the city itself or simply maximise the time you have here, picking up car hire at Valencia Airport is a great idea. Having a car of your own gives you the freedom to explore on your own time, at your own pace and without wasting any travel time waiting for transport.
You should be able to find the Valencia Airport car hire offices easily, as the airport is efficiently designed with friendly staff and multiple information desks as well as signs to direct you. Though the airport can get busy with its many facilities for shopping, dining and services, the car hire area at Valencia Airport is well laid out with plenty of room to navigate other travellers and collect your rental vehicle.
Most of the bigger companies for car hires at Valencia Airport will use the designated returns area at the airport when you are returning your rental, though some companies will have a different return process directly to their office. When returning to the designated returns area, simply follow the signs for ‘Rent a Car’ when approaching the airport, and you will be guided to the returns area for an attendant to complete the inspection with you and return the keys.
Surprisingly, the weekends are not usually the peak busy period for Valencia Airport, and instead Fridays seem to be the day that you may find more crowds here. Late morning through to late afternoon on any day tend to see the most activity, so if you are arriving or departing early or late in the day or on a weekend, you may find that there are less travellers joining the queues and your process will be swift.
FAQs about renting a car at Valencia Airport
If you are sticking to the city and main roads, any vehicle will do, and a compact car will cover your needs and in fact may be more comfortable on some of the city’s narrow roads. If however you are travelling further, into more rural areas, or simply traveling in a larger group, a larger vehicle like an SUV or van may be a good idea for the room and comfort, and potential rougher roads as your venture away from the cities. Opting for a rental car with a navigation system is a good idea to help you through the busy roads of Valencia without potential wrong turns or confusion on unfamiliar roads.
You will need to provide your full driver’s license, as well as an international driving permit, and both must be current and valid. Many car hire companies will also request a second form of photo identification such as a passport. Insurance is also a requirement for driving a rental car in Spain, so if you are opting to use your own instead of organising a policy through the rental company, you will need to provide evidence of your coverage. The minimum age also varies between hire car companies, and can be from 18 to 23 years of age.
The bigger companies tend to be the most efficient and more conveniently located. You will find the familiar companies such as Hertz, Thrifty, Budget and Europcar all in one place along a few other local companies in the main area just past Arrivals, with plenty of signs to direct you and helpful staff to ensure a fast and easy collection for you.
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Valencia Airport to off-airport locations is Amigos Car Rental.