Ibiza isn’t just beach clubs, taxis, and late nights… If you want to see the real side of the island, hidden coves, quiet beaches and local restaurants and cafes, hiring a car might just be the best decision you make.

I’ve literally just got back from a 4-day trip (April 2026), and it was the first time we’d ever hired a car here. Before that, we always relied on taxis, including a 6-week stay back in 2021. Making taxis even more difficult to find and much more expensive.

From what I remember, a one-way taxi from Ibiza Airport to San Antonio was around €35. Do that a few times, add in beach trips, dinners, nights out… it quickly becomes one of the biggest expenses of your trip. I mean it when I say that those taxi fares add up fast. And it’s not just the cost.

Taxis in Ibiza can be surprisingly hard to get, especially in busy areas or late at night. We’ve spent way too long waiting around trying to flag one down with no luck. Then there’s the airport…

If you’ve been during high season, you’ll know exactly what I mean; the taxi queue at arrivals is wild. Yes, it moves… but you can easily stand there for what feels like an age, especially in the heat, just waiting to start your holiday. If you don’t believe me, check out this Instagram video I found a couple of days ago… and that’s in April!! Don’t get me started on the queues during peak season.

Which is exactly why, this time around, we decided to do things differently, and honestly, I can’t imagine doing it any other way from now on. So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, how it works, and what to expect… here’s everything you need to know, including what it’s like driving on the ‘wrong side’ of the road.

Throughout this blog, you’ll probably be wondering why none of these photos have anything to do with driving… well, it’s because I don’t make a habit of taking photos of roads whilst I’m driving, so please just enjoy some of my favourite snaps from my most recent visit, because that’s all I’ve got 😉

---

Do You Actually Need a Car in Ibiza?

Honestly, it totally depends on you and what your trip will look like; it won’t be the same for everyone.

You’ll want a car if:

• You’re planning to explore beyond Ibiza Town or San Antonio
• You love beach hopping
• You’re staying in a villa or quieter area
• You want full freedom to come and go as you please

You probably don’t need one if:

• You’re staying central and mainly heading to beach clubs + nightlife
• You’re planning on drinking most days (taxis will be your best friend 😅)
• You’re only there for a short party-focused trip

Our take?
If you’ve got 4–7 days and want to actually explore, get the car.

---

Where to Hire a Car in Ibiza

This is where a little planning goes a long way (and saves you money). During high season (June–September), cars get snapped up quickly, and prices shoot up, so booking in advance is key. There has also been some rule changes this year to the number of hire cars available on the island, so booking in advance is essential.

We used DiscoverCars to book our car with GOBYCAR. Most companies offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport, usually just a couple of minutes away. The shuttle area is in the multi-storey car park across from the terminal and they all pick up and drop off in the same place.

⚡ TOP TIP ⚡When you head to the hire car shuttle pick up, you’ll need to go up a floor; there are plenty of stairs, but from what we could tell, only one elevator. For ease, as you look at the car park with your back to the airport, the pick-up area is on the right-hand side. So whether you take the stairs or search out the elevators, make sure you head to the right. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up is undercover, so you don’t need to wait in the blazing sun. The vans run every 10 minutes, so it’s never long before your hire company come and collects you.

👉 Compare prices and book your hire car with DiscoverCars

---

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary a lot depending on the time of year.

• Low season (Oct–May): €15–€30 per day
• High season (June–Sept): €40–€100+ per day

A few things to watch out for:

1. Insurance add-ons: Do your research on insurance before you arrive. Most rentals include basic insurance for small dents and scrapes, but they will offer you a higher insurance policy when you arrive. It’s totally up to you whether or not you take this.
2. Security deposits range from around €500–€1,500 depending on the car and can ONLY be paid for by credit card – this is because the money is not actually taken from your card, just held and this can only be done on a credit card. The credit card MUST be in the name of the lead driver.
3. Fuel policy: Ours was full when we collected it and we needed to return it with a full tank – each rental company is different, so check this before you drive away.
4. Existing damage: Take plenty of photos & videos of any existing damage to the car, even small marks or scrapes. They should give you a document showing you where any existing damage is on the vehicle, but it’s good for you to have a record before driving away, to avoid any disputes when you get back.
5. Additional drivers: we added an additional driver, which cost us €5 per day, but again, this will depend on the hiring company.

For reference, our 4-day car hire in April 2026 cost us £82 + €20 (paid in cash) for the additional driver. We booked the smallest possible option, a Toyota Yaris, and ended up with a Hyundai i30. It was modern, clean and had lots of smart features.

---

What You Need to Hire a Car

This part is simple, but a couple of things catch people out:

• Valid driving licence (UK licences are fine)
• Credit card in the driver’s name (this is a big one)
• Minimum age (usually 21–25 depending on the company)

If you don’t have a credit card, your options can be more limited. You must check their policy in advance.

Ooh one thing to mention. When I booked my car I was asked if I needed a SatNav which was going to cost an extra 29 EUR. Don’t bother. Modern hire cars will usually allow you to connect your phone via Bluetooth. You can either download whole areas on Google Maps to use offline (do this before arriving in Ibiza… you can download the whole island), or get yourself an e-Sim from Airalo, so you can stay connected during your trip.

I wrote a short piece on e-Sims for visits to Thailand, but it’s the same principle in Europe. Just check with your local network first, as many UK plans will include data roaming in Europe. I only have a pay-as-you-go GiffGaff sim as I’m only in the UK for a few months of the year, but that worked perfectly during my stay and I never ran out of data.

---

What It’s Like Driving in Ibiza

It’s actually pretty easy. Roads are generally well-maintained and you’ll mostly be driving on main roads. Distances are short (you can cross the island in about 40 minutes). Signage is clear, including speed limits… which do change very frequently, so watch out for this.

That said, some rural roads are narrow and can be uneven; watch out for potholes. Parking in busy areas can be chaotic in the summer months and check parking charges. We only used free car parks during our stay and walked from our hotel down to the front, but I know that the marina car park as an example is usually full and expensive to use.

It’s nothing stressful, though, just stay alert, take your time and don’t feel pressured to drive any faster than you feel comfortable.

For us UK folk, driving on the other side of the car is a little bit confusing at first. Apparently, it takes your brain 15 minutes to get into a rhythm of having the gearstick on the ‘wrong side’, but it gets easier. Just be super cautious at roundabouts, remembering to give way to the traffic coming on your left. If you’re not feeling confident using a manual car and would prefer to focus on just driving, the car hire companies have a huge range of automatics, which are much easier to navigate. Just make sure to pick an automatic when selecting your vehicle preferences, they are usually a little more expensive, but very easy to drive.

---

Is Hiring a Car in Ibiza Worth It?

Short answer? Yes, if you want more than just the party scene. Having a car means you can:

• Chase sunsets without relying on taxis
• Find quieter beaches away from the crowds
• Stop off at random viewpoints and hidden spots
• Explore at your own pace
• No waiting for expensive taxis to take you to/from the airport

---

Hiring a car in Ibiza is one of those things that doesn’t feel essential… until you do it. Then suddenly, you’re discovering places you’d never have seen otherwise.

If you’re the kind of traveller who likes a bit of freedom, spontaneity, and exploring beyond the obvious, it’s 100% worth it.

---

Travel safe and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips + guides!