Guide to Renting a Car in Lanzarote

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Hiring a car in Lanzarote can be super useful if you want to get to know the island in depth and reach more remote places. In addition, having your own vehicle gives you more freedom to travel at your own pace, which is why we consider it one of the best ways to get around Lanzarote.

If you prefer not to drive while on holiday, you can always get around the island by bus. Of course, keep in mind that the public transportation system here isn’t designed for tourists. Rather, the network of bus lines and schedules is tailored to local residents, so there might be certain places on your itinerary that you won’t be able to reach. To get around this issue, I recommend checking out the most popular tours in Lanzarote.

Guide to Renting a Car in Lanzarote

We always rent a car in Lanzarote whenever we travel to the island so we can discover new attractions and take our time exploring. The roads here are in good condition, although there are a few unpaved roads you might have to navigate. That said, we’ve never had any problems with our rentals, so I wholeheartedly recommend renting a cheap car in Lanzarote, especially if you want to get off the beaten track.

I also have a complete guide on how to find cheap rental cars, although I’ll tell you now that we usually find great deals with DiscoverCars. However, don’t buy insurance through them. Wait until you pick up the car to get the insurance.

Of course, in this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about renting a car at Lanzarote Airport, with DiscoverCars, or through another company. This way, you can compare all the options and find the perfect one for your travel dates, budget, and needs.

Lanzarote car rental price comparison

To give a quick overview of the different companies offering car rentals in Lanzarote, I’ve created this comparison chart. Keep in mind that the costs may vary depending on several factors, such as when you travel, how long you need the car, the age of the driver, the type of vehicle, and more. Some companies even raise their rates on the weekends, so that’s something to be aware of.

Even so, I wanted to be as impartial as possible, so I checked each company’s website, searching for a one-week rental (Monday-Sunday) in September with the same pick-up and drop-off times at Lanzarote Airport. I selected the cheapest Lanzarote car hire available with each company, as you can see below:

Looking at this table, you’ll see that DiscoverCars has the best daily prices on Lanzarote car rentals. Of course, the cost may vary depending on your exact travel dates and other factors I mentioned earlier. That said, you’ll find some of the best deals with DiscoverCars, and we’ve always had great experiences with them.

Moreover, I should add that DiscoverCars is not a real rental company, but a comparator tool that works as a search engine to find the best car rentals in Lanzarote at the cheapest prices. DiscoverCars can keep its rates so low because it overcharges for things like add-ons. That’s why I recommend holding off on purchasing the extras until you pick up the vehicle, so you can buy it directly with the rental company instead of through DiscoverCars.

Best Lanzarote car rental companies

Now that you have an overview of the best car hires in Lanzarote, I’ll give you more details about each company below.

1. DiscoverCars, the best place to rent a car in Lanzarote

First, DiscoverCars is one of the best places to rent a car in Lanzarote, and it’s the service we prefer to use for our trips to the Canary Islands and other parts of the world. DiscoverCars is actually a search engine that tracks all the available rental companies in a specific area, so you can always find the top deals.

In addition to offering the best prices for car rentals in Lanzarote, DiscoverCars lets you reserve a vehicle without paying anything in advance. Most of the time, you can even cancel your reservation for free. DiscoverCars is also super transparent in that it shows you the specific company you’re renting the vehicle from, be it Avis, Europcar, Sixt, or something else. This way, you can check the company’s official website to make sure DiscoverCars is really giving you the best rate (spoiler: they are!)

So, if you want to get a car rental in Lanzarote at a low price, I recommend that you purchase the extras, with the exception of insurance, directly with the company when you pick up the vehicle in person. DiscoverCars makes money through add-ons, which is why they are more expensive. Fortunately, it doesn’t require you to buy add-ons through its website. For this reason, and if you want to save money, it is best to only book the car with your comprehensive insurance through DiscoverCars and wait to get any extras you need directly through the company.

2. Auto Europe, another good company for car rentals in Lanzarote

After DiscoverCars, our second favorite place to find rental cars in Lanzarote is Auto Europe. This service works in the same way as DiscoverCars in that it’s a search engine that lists all the available options in your area.

We’ve used Auto Europe several times to book cheap rental cars in Lanzarote, and it’s always been a positive experience. Auto Europe also offers comprehensive insurance starting at €11/day, so we usually opt for this insurance coverage to save money.

I also like that, depending on the destination and the vehicle’s rental conditions, you can add another driver at no extra cost. This is perfect for me and Dan since we like to take turns driving, so for us, it’s a huge advantage.

However, one of the drawbacks of Auto Europe is that it charges a cancellation fee, so if you need to make a last-minute change, it’ll cost you.

3. Goldcar, one of the cheapest places to hire a car in Lanzarote

Goldcar is another good option if you’re looking to hire a car in Lanzarote. This rental company has locations in different airports around the world, including Lanzarote. If you prefer renting with a specific company rather than a search engine, it’s a great alternative.

Goldcar has its own fleet of vehicles, and while we’ve never booked directly through the company, we’ve gotten a Goldcar rental through DiscoverCars, so we got the car for a much lower price. That said, Goldcar is a reputable and competent company, and its vehicles are in very good condition.

Something else to keep in mind about Goldcar is that it has a strict cancellation policy; it doesn’t even allow you to make changes to your reservation. So, if your travel plans aren’t set in stone, Goldcar may not be the best option. However, if you book your Lanzarote rental car through DiscoverCars, you can make changes or cancel your reservation without losing money.

4. Europcar, another place with good car rentals in Lanzarote

If you want to hire a car at Lanzarote Airport, another company you can go with is Europcar. This is a well-known and popular company that operates its own fleet of vehicles in over 140 countries. Europcar’s prices are generally higher compared to other rental companies on the island, but the vehicles are in good condition and the customer service is excellent.

I have quite a bit of experience with Europcar since the U.S. company I worked for had an agreement with them. So, these were the rental cars I used whenever I had to make a trip for work. While I’ve never had any issues with the company, they wouldn’t be my first choice while vacationing since the prices are quite high. Also, Europcar doesn’t allow reservation changes or cancellations, so it can be a huge inconvenience if you run into a problem and have to change your plans.

5. Sixt, a popular place to hire a car in Lanzarote

Sixt is also a well-esteemed company that offers car rentals in Lanzarote as well as around the world. The Sixt fleet of vehicles is vast and even includes luxury cars.

I’ve never booked directly through Sixt, but I’ve gotten a car with them through DiscoverCars, and it was a great experience. The vehicle was in good condition, and I was pleased with Sixt’s customer service, although I will say that you’ll get a better price if you go through DiscoverCars.

Another thing to keep in mind is Sixt’s mileage limit. You can’t exceed 1,520 miles, but this shouldn’t be a problem in Lanzarote since the distances between attractions are relatively short. Also, you can bypass this mileage limit by reserving a Sixt vehicle through DiscoverCars.

6. Avis, another company with car rentals in Lanzarote

Avis has numerous locations throughout Lanzarote and at the airport, so it’s another popular company to consider. We used Avis once and didn’t run into any issues until we returned the car. At that point, the company wanted to penalize us for a scratch on the vehicle. Fortunately, we had photos of the car that showed the scratch was there before we picked it up.

However, this experience left a bad taste in our mouths, so we haven’t used Avis since then. Of course, it’s still an option I wanted to mention, especially since the company has a variety of vehicles. That said, you can find cheaper car hires in Lanzarote, and even if you use DiscoverCars, the prices with Avis are still higher than others.

7. Cabrera Medina, a local Lanzarote car rental company

Finally, Cabrera Medina is a local company and a popular option for those looking for rental cars in Lanzarote and other Canary Islands. You can pick up your vehicle at the airport or at other specified locations throughout Lanzarote, so it’s one of the most convenient options out there.

While you can pick up your vehicle in one location and drop it off at another, I always recommend checking the conditions beforehand, so you aren’t hit with hidden fees. Even so, the rates with Cabrera Medina are quite impressive, even compared to DiscoverCars. The Lanzarote car hires with Cabrera Medina start at €24/day and include comprehensive insurance and an additional driver. Also, cancellation is free, and you can enjoy unlimited mileage.

The only drawback of this Lanzarote car rental company is that its fleet of vehicles isn’t as large as international companies like Avis and Sixt. I recommend booking in advance, especially if you want a specific type of car. Also, while the prices are cheap, expect to pay much more during peak travel season, especially since the number of vehicles will be lower.

Where to rent a car in Lanzarote

If you don’t know where to rent a car in Lanzarote or you’re still not sure which is the best option, I’ll help you out. There are basically two options: you can rent a car at Lanzarote Airport or at the specific town or city that you’re staying in.

If you want to pick up your hired car at Lanzarote Airport, you’ll be able to start driving around the island as soon as you land. However, if you’re going to be in the same town for several days, you probably won’t need the rental car yet, so it’s not really worth getting the vehicle at the airport. Of course, if you just want to get the process over with and pick up the car at the airport, you’ll find great prices and deals since there are lots of options and companies here.

Let’s dive into each of these two options a bit deeper so you can make the best choice for your travel needs. I still recommend going with one of the main companies that I mentioned earlier, namely DiscoverCars, Cabrera Medina, Auto Europe, Goldcar, Europcar , Sixt, and Avis.

Hire a car at Lanzarote Airport

If you want to explore the top attractions in Lanzarote as soon as you arrive on the island, hire a car at Lanzarote Airport. Of course, I recommend booking your vehicle in advance so that when you land, you can go straight to the rental location and pick up the car, rather than wait in line.

Hire a car at Lanzarote Airport

Again, we always use DiscoverCars since they offer the best deals and rates. Also, since it’s a search engine, you can find Lanzarote rental cars from various companies like Cabrera Medina, Auto Europe, Goldcar, Europcar, Sixt, and Avis.

While you’re looking for cheap car hires at Lanzarote Airport, it’s also worth checking our guide on how to find cheap flights to Lanzarote.

Other places to rent a car in Lanzarote

Besides renting a car at Lanzarote Airport, you can find pick-up locations in the island’s main towns and cities. So, if you know you’re going to be staying in an accommodation in a specific city for a couple of days, you probably won’t need a car, and you can hold off on picking up your rental.

Below, I’ll tell you where to find cheap rental cars in Lanzarote’s most popular towns and tourist areas, although you’ll notice that Cabrera Medina has the best prices on the market.

10 Tips for finding cheap rental cars in Lanzarote

To make it even easier for you to find cheap rental cars in Lanzarote, here are my top tips. Don’t forget that we have a specific guide on how to find cheap rental cars, where you can find even more general info and recommendations.

1. Don’t wait until the last minute to rent a car in Lanzarote

If you want to rent a car in Lanzarote, don’t wait until the last possible moment, especially if you want a specific vehicle model. Not only will you have more options to choose from, but you’ll also find better prices and conditions if you book in advance. This is even more important if you plan to travel during the peak season.

2. Wait until you pick up your rental car in Lanzarote to buy any extas

As I mentioned earlier in this article, it’s a good idea to wait until you pick up your rental car in Lanzarote to buy add-on services. While many companies and services, including DiscoverCars, offer extras online, they’re often way overpriced.

3. Hire a car in Lanzarote without a deductible

Always hire a car in Lanzarote without a deductible, even if it’s a bit more expensive upfront. If you run into any emergencies or something happens, you’ll be covered and won’t have to pay out of pocket.

3. Hire a car in Lanzarote without excess

4. Insure a second driver for your rental car in Lanzarote

It’s not worth it to lie about not having a second driver, so if you and your travel companion plan on taking turns driving, add them to the insurance policy. Some companies even let you add a secondary driver free of charge.

5. Remember to bring your credit card when picking up your rental car in Lanzarote

You can’t rent a car in Lanzarote without a credit card since you’ll need it to leave a deposit for the vehicle. As long as you return the rental without any damage, you’ll get your deposit back automatically. If you only have a debit card, check out our guide on the best travel credit cards to use abroad.

6. Double-check the mileage policy

Before choosing a rental car in Lanzarote, make sure you understand the mileage policy. It’s best to have unlimited miles since, even though the island isn’t too large, it gives you more peace of mind so you can focus on exploring.

7. Check the fuel policy for your rental car in Lanzarote

Likewise, be mindful of the company’s fuel policy. It will vary depending on the car rental company in Lanzarote, but it’s best to choose the Full-Full option if you can. This means that you pick up the vehicle with a full tank of gas and you return it with a full tank. You can look for the cheapest gas stations online to help you save money on fuel costs.

7. Check the fuel policy for your rental car in Lanzarote

The alternative is the Full-Empty option, in which you can return the car without worrying about filling up the tank. However, the rental company will charge you for the cost of refueling the tank, and they’ll find the most expensive gas station, so you’ll end up paying more.

8. Take photos of the rental car as soon as you pick it up

Avoid a nasty surprise when you return your rental car in Lanzarote by taking photos of the vehicle as soon as you pick it up. That way, the company can’t blame you for any stains or dents that you didn’t cause.

9. Make sure you return your Lanzarote rental car on time!

It goes without saying, but if you return your car rental in Lanzarote after the agreed-upon time, you’ll be charged an extra fee. It’s better to err on the side of caution and set up a drop-off time that gives you plenty of wiggle room.

10. If you’re returning the rental car to Lanzarote Airport, arrive 4 hours before

Lastly, if you’re returning your Lanzarote rental car right before your flight back home, set aside 4 hours to arrive at the drop-off location, return the car, and get to the airport for check-in.

FAQs about renting a car in Lanzarote

To wrap up, here are the answers to some common questions about renting a car in Lanzarote:

That’s it for this guide, so I hope you feel better prepared to rent a car in Lanzarote. If you have any other questions, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you out. Until then, enjoy driving your rental car around Lanzarote!