🚗 Returning Your Rental Car at Palma de Mallorca Airport
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is one of Spain’s busiest holiday hubs — and for most travelers, the final step before heading home is returning a rental car. 🌴
Whether you rented from Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Centauro, or Record Go, understanding the return process can save you time, money, and stress. This detailed guide explains where to go, what to check, and how to avoid surprise charges when returning your vehicle at Palma Airport.
📍 Where to Return Your Rental Car at Palma Airport
Most major rental companies operate inside the airport (Terminals A–D) or have clearly marked drop-off zones within walking distance of the departures area.
You’ll see signs labeled “Car Rental Return / Devolución de Vehículos” as you approach the terminal complex.
| Company | Return Location | Access Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Parking Building Level 0 | On-site | Follow orange Sixt signs |
| Hertz / Thrifty | Car Park Level 0 | On-site | Near Terminal A |
| Avis / Budget | Multi-level Car Park | On-site | Direct lift to Departures |
| Europcar | Car Park Level 0 | On-site | Clear green signage |
| Centauro | Off-site | Shuttle | Free shuttle every 10–15 mins |
| Record Go | Off-site | Shuttle | Follow yellow shuttle area |
💡 Tip: If your company is off-site, allow an extra 30 minutes for shuttle transport, especially during summer.
🕓 Best Time to Return Your Car
Plan to return your car at least 2–3 hours before your flight.
This ensures time for:
✅ Fuel refill
✅ Car inspection
✅ Shuttle (if off-site)
✅ Check-in and security
| Flight Time | Recommended Return Time |
|---|---|
| 06:00–09:00 | Return night before or 04:00 |
| 10:00–14:00 | 3 hours before |
| 15:00–22:00 | 2–3 hours before |
| 23:00–05:00 | Confirm 24/7 return availability |
Many providers at Palma Airport offer 24-hour key drop boxes, allowing you to return your car even after closing hours.
⛽ Fuel Policy & Refueling Tips
Almost all car rentals at Palma Airport use a Full-to-Full policy — meaning you must return the car with a full tank of fuel.
| Fuel Policy | What It Means | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full | Pick up full, return full | Always refill before drop-off |
| Fair Fuel | Pay only for what you used | Keep the receipt |
| Full-to-Empty | Prepaid fuel option | Rare, less economical |
🛢️ Closest petrol stations near Palma Airport:
- Repsol Palma Airport Station (2 min away) – Ctra. de l’Aeroport s/n
- BP Can Pastilla (5 min away) – MA-19 exit 8
- CEPSA Coll d’en Rabassa (7 min away) – MA-19 exit 6
💡 Pro tip: Always keep your fuel receipt — some companies may ask for it as proof of refill.
💳 Deposit Refund & Car Inspection
When returning the vehicle, an agent will inspect it for:
- Scratches or dents
- Fuel level
- Cleanliness
- Mileage
If everything is fine, your deposit will be released — usually within 3–7 business days for credit cards or up to 10 days for debit cards.
| Payment Type | Deposit Hold (€) | Refund Time |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | 200–900 | 3–5 days |
| Debit Card | 300–1000 | 5–10 days |
| Cash (rare) | 300–700 | Up to 14 days |
📸 Before leaving, take photos of the car’s exterior and dashboard (fuel level, mileage). It’s the best protection against disputes.
🧾 Late Returns & Extra Charges
If you return the car later than agreed, most companies charge hourly or daily penalties.
| Delay | Typical Fee (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | Often waived | Depends on company |
| 1–3 hours | 25–40 | Partial day |
| 3+ hours | Full daily rate | May lose deposit |
💡 Always inform your rental provider if your flight is delayed — some allow grace periods when notified in advance.
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🧽 Cleaning & Damage Policy
While small amounts of dust are fine, excessive dirt or sand (especially after beach trips 🌊) can lead to cleaning fees.
| Condition | Possible Fee (€) |
|---|---|
| Light dirt | None |
| Sand or stains | 30–60 |
| Major interior mess | 100–150 |
🧺 Tip: Quick vacuuming before drop-off (5 minutes at Repsol station) can save you €50 or more.
🚦 Traffic Fines & Tolls
If you received any parking or speeding fines, the rental company will automatically charge your card later — often with an additional admin fee (€25–50).
Mallorca doesn’t have toll roads, but certain restricted zones (old towns) may result in fines if entered without a permit.
✅ Always check local road signs before entering narrow historic areas.
✈️ Step-by-Step Return Process
Here’s how a typical Palma Airport car return works:
- 🧭 Follow “Car Rental Return / Devolución de Vehículos” signs.
- ⛽ Refill the tank nearby.
- 🚗 Park in your company’s dedicated return area.
- 🧾 Show your rental agreement.
- 📸 Take photos (fuel gauge + exterior).
- 🔑 Hand keys to agent or drop in the Key Box.
💡 24/7 return: Many brands like Sixt, Record Go, and OK Mobility have secure key drop-off points for after-hours returns.
🕹️ Off-Site Car Return (Shuttle Companies)
Off-site rentals (like Centauro or Record Go) require a short shuttle ride back to their offices.
The bus stop is usually near Terminal Parking – P1, Level 0.
| Company | Shuttle Frequency | Travel Time (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Centauro | Every 10–15 | 5 |
| Record Go | Every 15 | 6 |
| OK Mobility | Every 10 | 4 |
🚌 Shuttles are free of charge and operate daily, typically from 06:00 to 23:00.
🔄 Changing or Extending Your Rental
If your plans change, you can extend your rental by contacting the company before the original drop-off time.
Most brands offer online extensions — but rates may differ.
| Company | Extension Option | Extra Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Online & App | Current daily rate |
| Hertz | By phone only | 10–20% markup |
| Centauro | Website | Based on demand |
| Record Go | App | Same rate if early request |
🧾 Always get written confirmation of any change to avoid being marked as “late return.”
📊 Quick Checklist Before Return
✅ Full tank of fuel
✅ No new scratches or dents
✅ Personal belongings removed
✅ Photos taken (outside + inside)
✅ Fuel receipt kept
✅ Keys returned or dropped
You’re done! 🎉
✨ Summary
Returning your rental car at Palma de Mallorca Airport is quick and easy when you know where to go and what to expect.
Here’s the key takeaway:
- 🅿️ Follow “Car Rental Return” signs to your provider’s parking area
- ⛽ Refill at a nearby station (keep receipt)
- 🕓 Arrive 2–3 hours before your flight
- 💳 Wait 3–7 days for deposit refund
- 🔑 Use 24-hour key drop if returning late
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth, stress-free drop-off — and head to your flight with total peace of mind. ✈️
