Finding the Cheapest Car Hire in Alicante: Your Wheels within your Budget
Ah, Alicante! Sun-drenched beaches, historic castles, delicious tapas, and the perfect base to explore the beautiful Costa Blanca. Whether you’re flying in for a quick weekend getaway or planning on an extended Spanish adventure, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to need a car. And not just any car-you’re here to score a deal. You’d be lucky to find the cheapest car hire in Alicante; it’s no pipe dream but reality, especially with services like LowCosta Car Hire‘s budget-friendly rentals without compromising on quality. So, get a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get down to brass tacks about how you can drive off into the Spanish sunset without breaking your bank.
Why Renting a Car in Alicante Is a No-Brainer
Meanwhile, before showing all those juicy tips on how to save money, let me point out why hiring a car in Alicante will be a good idea. You see, one can manage using public transportation or book really costly tours, but actually, having a rented car gives an incomparable sense of freedom.
- The Costa Blanca Is Huge: From the vibrant city of Benidorm to the serene beaches of Jávea, the region is packed with incredible spots that public buses might not even reach.
- Convenience at Its Finest: You’re on vacation, so why waste time waiting for buses or taxis? With a car, you’re on your own schedule.
- It’s Surprisingly Affordable: Believe it or not, car hire in Alicante can be cheaper than a few taxi rides if you know where to look. Spoiler alert: LowCosta Car Hire is one of those places.
- Hidden Gems Await: Want to explore inland villages like Guadalest or the Algar Waterfalls? A rental car is your best bet for uncovering those lesser-known gems.
Now that we have you dreaming of road trips through lemon groves and along sparkling coastlines, let’s get down to brass tacks on how to find the best deals.
Tip #1: Book Early (Seriously, Do It)
You know how flights and hotels get more expensive as the dates of travel draw near? So does car rental. And if you’re trying to rent in high-demand areas, like Alicante, waiting until the last minute could mean through-the-roof prices-or, worse, no availability at all.
The sooner you book, especially if you can seal a deal with a company such as LowCosta Car Hire, the better your rates will be. Early bookings also offer greater choices, whether it will be a compact car to zip around the city or an SUV for a big family adventure.
Tip #2: Compare Rates, But Be Careful
The internet is full of comparison sites that promise to provide the “cheapest car hire in Alicante.” Many are very good starting points, but do be wary. Some of these websites list prices that just seem too good to be true-and indeed, they are. Hidden fees, added insurance, or mileage limits can turn that “bargain” into a budget-buster.
This is why so many travelers stick with trusted names like LowCosta Car Hire. They offer transparent pricing, no sneaky charges, and flexible options that are actually affordable. Plus, their customer service team is always happy to answer questions, so you’re not left scratching your head at the rental desk.
Tip #3: Go Small and Save Big
Now, let’s talk about the size of the car. Sure, it might be nice to rent some luxury car or huge 7-seater just because it looks cool, but do you really need it? Compact cars are almost always cheaper, and they’re a dream for navigating Alicante’s narrow streets and finding parking in busy areas.
With LowCosta Car Hire you can hire a wide range of models, but if you’re on a shoestring budget, stick with the small models. They are cheaper to hire and, equally important, more economical for fuel.
Tip #4: Skip the Extras (Unless You Really Need Them)
When you’re booking your car, it’s easy to get lured into adding extras like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers. While some of these might be necessary, others are just sneaky ways for rental companies to inflate the cost.
For example:
- Use your smartphone’s GPS instead of paying extra for a navigation system.
Bring your own child seat if you’re traveling with kids; most airlines let you check these for free.
Just have one driver to avoid extra fees for additional drivers.
With LowCosta Car Hire, many of these extras are cheaper than with the larger rental companies, plus if you are unsure of what you may need, then their friendly team can explain the options to you.
Tip #5: Don’t Overlook Local Companies
Sure, big-name brands like Hertz and Avis ring a bell, but they’re not always the cheapest or the most flexible. Local companies, such as LowCosta Car Hire, offer better rates, more personalized service, and a no-nonsense approach to car rentals.
Here’s why going local makes sense:
- Lower Overheads = Lower Prices: Local businesses don’t have massive international marketing budgets, so they can pass the savings onto you.
- No Hidden Fees: You’ll often find more straightforward pricing, without all the sneaky add-ons.
Better Customer Service: Local companies thrive on word-of-mouth, so they go the extra mile to keep customers happy.
Tip #6: Look for All-Inclusive Deals
Another way to save money, to avoid surprises, is by searching for packages that offer all-inclusive services. These usually include stuff like basic insurance, unlimited mileage, taxes upfront-so you know you pay for exactly what you get.
LowCosta Car Hire are known for their all-inclusive pricing, so you aren’t surprised with additional fees when you go to pick up your car. It is just one more reason they are a budget traveler’s favorite in Alicante.
Tip #7: Consider Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Convenience is everything when you’re traveling, but sometimes it can cost you: picking up a car directly at Alicante Airport may be more expensive than choosing a location in a city nearby. That being said, LowCosta Car Hire offers very competitive rates for airport pickups so that you won’t have to worry about heading into the city after a long flight.
Pro tip: If you go for a one-way trip – say, drive from Alicante to Valencia, check if your car rental company charges extra for dropping the car in some other location. The fees that come with this for some companies can be brutal; LowCosta Car Hire has flexible options which won’t make you sweat over your budget.
Tip #8: Avoid Fuel Scams
The one thing to beware of is fuel policies. Some car hire companies operate on a “full-to-empty” policy, where they charge you for a full tank of fuel-often at inflated prices-and expect you to return the car empty. Spoiler: it’s almost impossible to time it perfectly, and you end up paying for fuel you didn’t use.
Instead, watch out for a company that gives you a “full-to-full” policy where you just return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up. Guess what? LowCosta Car Hire uses the full-to-full policy because they know no one likes to spend money on a waste.
Must-Visit Spots in Alicante (Now That You’ve Got Your Car)
Alright, you’ve found the perfect rental car. Now it’s time to hit the road! Here are some must-visit spots in Alicante and beyond:
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Perched high above the city, this historic fortress offers panoramic views that are worth the climb.
- Playa del Postiguet: A sandy beach right in the heart of Alicante. Perfect for a quick swim or a lazy day in the sun. 3. Guadalest Village: A picturesque mountain village about an hour’s drive from Alicante. 4. Algar Waterfalls: Nature lovers, this one’s for you! Just a short drive from Benidorm, these cascading waterfalls are a sight to behold.
- Tabarca Island: A drive to Santa Pola then a ferry across, the island’s waters are crystal clear. It is tiny.
Finding the cheapest car hire in Alicante doesn’t have to be a time-consuming stressful ordeal. With a little bit of planning, a focus on local firms such as LowCosta Car Hire, along with making a few smart choices, you can save money while still enjoying the freedom provided by your own wheels.
Whether you are cruising the coast, exploring hidden villages, or going off the beaten track, car rentals are flexible to offer you your type of Alicante experience. So go ahead, wing in that flight, and start making plans for a Spanish road trip-adventure and savings await!