How to prepare for returning a rental car at Alicante Airport
Returning a rental car at Alicante Airport is usually straightforward if you check a few details in advance.
Before the final drive, it is useful to confirm:
- the date and time when the rental ends;
- the exact address where the vehicle must be returned;
- the required fuel level;
- whether a final refuelling stop is needed;
- how long the journey will take;
- how the vehicle and keys should be returned;
- how much time you will need afterwards to reach the terminal.
A very human mistake is to treat the vehicle return as the final five-minute task before the flight. Sometimes it really does take only a few minutes. Sometimes navigation, traffic, the petrol station and your luggage decide to test your nervous system together.
When should you start preparing for the return?
It is better to think about the return earlier on the final rental day rather than when there are only forty minutes left before departure.
Check:
- the rental end time;
- the route to Alicante Airport;
- current traffic conditions;
- the fuel policy;
- the rental company’s return instructions;
- your departure and check-in times;
- a suitable time buffer.
If you are returning to Alicante from Benidorm, Calpe, Altea, Torrevieja or another Costa Blanca destination, check the actual estimated journey time rather than relying only on the distance in kilometres.
Where can you find the exact return time?
The return date and time are shown in your rental documents.
Check:
- the rental agreement;
- the booking confirmation;
- the voucher;
- the latest confirmed changes;
- messages from the rental company if the rental was extended.
If the rental period was changed, use the latest officially confirmed return time.
Do not treat the return time as approximate. If the agreement says 16:00, that is not a secret rental code meaning “somewhere around the evening”.
Why is it important to check the exact return address?
One of the easiest mistakes before a flight is entering only “Alicante Airport” into the navigation app.
However, the airport terminal and the rental car return point may be located in different places.
Before setting off, check the exact address in:
- your voucher;
- the rental agreement;
- the email with return instructions;
- a message from the rental company.
The vehicle should first be returned correctly, and only then should you continue to the terminal.
Where do you return a SOLO rent a car vehicle in Alicante?
SOLO rent a car vehicles in Alicante are returned in the El Altet area at:
El Altet, Polígono 2, núm. 83, 03195 Alicante.
Even so, it is recommended to use the address and instructions provided in your own booking, as these relate to your specific rental.
Do not choose a different car park near Alicante Airport simply because it looks convincing enough and there are already cars parked there.
Why should you not simply drive directly to the Alicante Airport terminal?
If the rental company uses a separate office or parking area near the airport, the vehicle must be returned there.
The final part of the journey usually looks like this:
- final refuelling if required;
- drive to the return point;
- park the vehicle;
- hand over the keys or follow the required return procedure;
- continue to the terminal afterwards.
Driving to the terminal first, unloading everyone and only then trying to find the rental company may add an impressive number of steps to your fitness app, but it rarely helps the schedule.
What should you check before driving to the return point?
Before the final drive, it is useful to inspect the vehicle briefly.
Check:
- the fuel level;
- the mileage;
- the dashboard;
- the tyres;
- visible body damage;
- the windscreen;
- the interior;
- the boot;
- that all keys and documents are present;
- any additional equipment.
If you notice a new problem or a warning light, it is better to deal with it before the actual return.
What should you do about fuel before returning the car?
The fuel policy depends on the specific rental agreement.
Before returning the vehicle, check which level is required:
- the same level as at collection;
- a full tank;
- another level specified by the rental conditions.
Do not automatically apply the rule from a previous rental.
The conditions of your current agreement matter more than remembering how things worked two years ago in Mallorca.
Where can you refuel before returning the car at Alicante Airport?
There are several petrol stations around El Altet and Torrellano near Alicante Airport, so the final fuel stop can easily be included in the last part of your route.
It is best to choose a station:
- in your direction of travel;
- relatively close to the return point;
- with the correct fuel type;
- with suitable opening hours;
- without a major detour.
If you are returning from Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja, Santa Pola or Elche, check in advance which petrol station is most convenient for your actual route.
Why should you not leave refuelling until the last five minutes?
Even a simple fuel stop can take longer than expected.
Possible reasons include:
- a queue;
- occupied pumps;
- a payment terminal that is not working;
- a problem with your bank card;
- the need to pay inside;
- a complicated entrance;
- a navigation mistake.
It is much less stressful to refuel a little earlier and then drive directly to the return point.
Should you keep the receipt from the final refuelling?
Yes, it is useful to keep the last fuel receipt until the rental has been fully closed.
It may show:
- the date;
- the time;
- the petrol station name and location;
- the fuel type;
- the number of litres;
- the amount paid.
Together with a photo of the fuel gauge, the receipt provides useful additional documentation of the final refuelling.
What should you photograph before returning the vehicle?
Immediately before return, it is useful to take a short series of photos.
Document:
- the front of the vehicle;
- the rear;
- the left side;
- the right side;
- the corners of the body;
- the wheels and rims;
- the windscreen;
- the interior;
- the dashboard;
- the fuel level;
- the mileage.
This takes only a few minutes and creates a clear record of the vehicle’s condition immediately before return.
Should you photograph the car at the return parking area?
Yes, especially if the vehicle is not being handed directly to a member of staff at that exact moment.
After parking, you can take final photos showing:
- the vehicle itself;
- its condition;
- the parking location;
- the dashboard;
- the fuel level;
- the mileage.
Photos are useful additional documentation, but they do not replace the official return procedure.
What should you check inside the vehicle before returning it?
Before locking the vehicle for the last time, check the interior.
Personal items are often left:
- in the door pockets;
- under the front seats;
- between the seats;
- in the glove compartment;
- in the centre console;
- in cup holders;
- in the boot.
Phones, sunglasses, charging cables and children’s toys have an impressive ability to become invisible exactly when the rental car is being returned.
Why should you check the boot separately?
The boot should be checked again before handing back the keys.
Make sure nothing has been left behind, such as:
- suitcases;
- small bags;
- shopping;
- children’s belongings;
- jackets;
- documents;
- electronics.
Once the vehicle has been received and begins preparation for the next customer, getting access to it again can become significantly more complicated.
What should you do with a child seat or other additional equipment?
If additional equipment was supplied with the rental vehicle, make sure it remains in the car or is returned according to the instructions.
This may include:
- a child seat;
- a booster seat;
- an additional key;
- a cable;
- a parcel shelf;
- other equipment listed in the agreement.
Do not accidentally take rental equipment away with your own luggage.
Do you need to wash the car before returning it?
Normal dust and dirt from ordinary use does not automatically mean the final day of your holiday should become a competition between car washes.
However, the interior and vehicle should be returned in a condition consistent with normal use and the rental conditions.
If the interior has excessive dirt, a large amount of rubbish or another unusual level of soiling, the conditions of the specific rental may apply.
At a minimum, remove your personal rubbish and make sure nothing has been left inside.
How should you calculate the time needed for returning the car at Alicante Airport?
Add a time buffer to the normal driving time.
Take into account:
- traffic;
- the final refuelling stop;
- finding the correct entrance;
- parking;
- unloading luggage;
- vehicle inspection;
- returning the keys;
- the onward journey to the terminal.
Ten kilometres to the airport does not always mean ten calm minutes.
Returning a rental car before an early morning flight
If your flight is early, it is better to plan the return the evening before.
Check in advance:
- where you can refuel;
- whether the selected petrol station will be open;
- the exact return address;
- the return procedure at that time;
- how you will get to the terminal afterwards.
An early morning flight already offers enough entertainment. Searching for the return address at 05:40 does not need to be added to the programme.
Returning a rental car in the evening
In the evening, allow for heavier traffic on Costa Blanca roads and around Alicante.
If you are travelling from tourist areas along the coast, leave additional time.
Also avoid leaving the final fuel stop until only a few minutes remain before the rental ends.
Can you return the vehicle at night?
SOLO rent a car indicates that vehicle return in Alicante can be available 24 hours a day.
If the return takes place outside normal office hours, the company should be informed in advance and the instructions provided must be followed.
Before a night return, make sure you know:
- the exact parking location;
- how the keys should be returned;
- what steps must be completed after parking;
- how you will continue to Alicante Airport afterwards.
Night return availability does not mean that the vehicle can be left in any convenient location.
What should you do when returning the car outside office hours?
If the vehicle is returned outside normal office hours, follow only the rental company’s instructions.
It is usually especially important to:
- park the vehicle in the designated location;
- remove all personal belongings;
- lock the car;
- document its condition;
- return the keys using the specified method;
- follow any additional instructions provided.
Do not invent your own return procedure, even if it appears perfectly logical.
What should you do if you realise you are going to be late?
If your navigation app shows that you will not arrive on time, contact the rental company as early as possible.
Provide:
- the booking or agreement number;
- the vehicle details;
- the current agreed return time;
- your new estimated arrival time;
- the reason for the delay if relevant.
Do not consider a late return an automatic extension of the rental.
Can you simply return the vehicle one hour later?
Do not automatically assume that an additional hour does not matter.
The vehicle may already be:
- allocated to the next customer;
- scheduled for cleaning and preparation;
- required for another booking;
- scheduled for maintenance.
If you need to change the rental period, it is better to arrange this officially.
What should you do if you are stuck in traffic?
If traffic increases your arrival time, do not try to make up the delay by driving dangerously.
Instead:
- inform the rental company;
- provide your estimated arrival time;
- continue driving safely;
- follow the return instructions.
Being a few minutes late is inconvenient. Adding a speeding fine rarely makes the situation richer either spiritually or financially.
What should you do if the car breaks down on the way to Alicante Airport?
If there is a serious technical problem, safety is more important than the return time.
In case of:
- overheating;
- a critical warning light;
- brake problems;
- significant loss of power;
- wheel damage;
- another serious technical issue
stop in a safe place and contact the rental company.
Do not continue driving simply to reach the return point on time if it is unsafe to do so.
What should you do if an accident happens before the return?
In an accident, safety and proper handling of the incident come first.
Contact:
- emergency services if necessary;
- the rental company;
- other parties and relevant services according to the situation and instructions.
Inform the company that the vehicle may be returned later.
Do not ignore the required accident procedure simply to meet the planned return time.
How are the keys returned?
The key return procedure depends on the time of return and the instructions for your specific rental.
Follow the process provided by the rental company.
Do not leave the key:
- inside the vehicle without specific instructions;
- under a wheel;
- next to the car;
- in a random letterbox;
- with an unrelated person.
Creativity is wonderful in many areas. Returning the key to a rental car is usually not one of them.
When is the vehicle considered returned?
The vehicle being physically near the rental office does not always mean the return procedure has been completed.
It is therefore important to:
- park in the designated location;
- complete the required instructions;
- return the keys correctly;
- not leave the vehicle somewhere nearby without informing the company.
If you are unsure, confirm the procedure in advance.
What happens after the vehicle is returned?
After return, the vehicle goes through the receiving and inspection process.
Depending on the circumstances, the following may be checked:
- the bodywork;
- wheels and glass;
- the interior;
- the fuel level;
- the mileage;
- additional equipment;
- the rental conditions.
The rental then proceeds to administrative closure.
Is the agreement closed immediately after the keys are returned?
Not necessarily.
Returning the keys means the vehicle has been physically returned, but administrative closure may take additional time.
This is especially relevant if it is necessary to:
- inspect the vehicle;
- check the fuel level;
- assess any damage;
- process an additional charge;
- resolve another open matter.
So you should not assume that all financial operations are completed in the exact second the key reaches a member of staff.
What happens to the deposit after the vehicle is returned?
How the deposit is processed depends on how it was provided, the rental duration and the conditions of the agreement.
If the amount was blocked as a pre-authorisation on a credit card, the hold is released after the rental is closed according to the procedures of the rental company and the bank.
If the deposit was actually charged to the card, the refund is a separate banking transaction and may take longer.
Before the final closure, possible damage, fuel and other contractually applicable charges may also need to be considered.
Why can the release of a deposit look different from a refund?
With a pre-authorisation, the money is usually not charged as a normal purchase. Instead, it is temporarily blocked by the bank.
When the hold is released, you may not see a separate incoming payment.
The amount simply stops being blocked and becomes available again.
Banking apps sometimes make an impressive effort to explain this perfectly ordinary process in the least obvious way possible.
What should you do if you realise after the return that you left something in the car?
Contact the rental company as soon as possible.
Provide:
- the booking number;
- which vehicle you rented;
- when it was returned;
- a description of the missing item;
- where inside the vehicle it may have been left.
Do not attempt to access a vehicle that has already been returned without permission.
What should you check immediately before walking away from the car?
Before closing the door for the final time, make one last quick check:
- phone;
- wallet;
- passport and documents;
- charging cables;
- glasses;
- luggage;
- children’s belongings;
- personal items in the door pockets;
- glove compartment;
- boot.
Then document the fuel level and mileage if you have not already done so.
Common mistakes when returning a rental car at Alicante Airport
Common mistakes include:
- driving directly to the terminal instead of the return point;
- not checking the exact address;
- not allowing time for the final refuelling;
- not checking the fuel policy;
- leaving too little time before the flight;
- not photographing the vehicle;
- throwing away the fuel receipt;
- leaving personal belongings in the cabin or boot;
- not informing the rental company about a delay;
- treating a late return as an automatic extension;
- leaving the vehicle in a random location;
- not following the procedure for an out-of-hours return;
- assuming that handing over the key instantly completes every banking process.
Most return mistakes are wonderfully boring. That is good news, because they are usually prevented in an equally boring way: check the address, time, fuel level and your pockets.
Frequently asked questions about returning a rental car at Alicante Airport
Where is the SOLO rent a car return point in Alicante?
The return takes place in the El Altet area. Use the exact address and instructions shown in your rental documents.
Do I need to drive directly to the airport terminal?
No, not if the rental company’s return point is located separately. Return the vehicle at the specified address first, then continue to the terminal.
Do I need to refuel before returning the car?
This depends on the fuel policy in your agreement. Check the required fuel level in advance.
Where can I refuel before the return?
There are several petrol stations around El Altet and Torrellano near Alicante Airport. Choose a convenient station along your route and leave enough time.
Should I keep the fuel receipt?
It is recommended to keep the last receipt until the rental has been fully closed.
Should I photograph the vehicle?
This is a useful additional step. You can document the bodywork, wheels, interior, fuel level and mileage before returning the car.
Can I return the vehicle at night?
SOLO rent a car indicates that return in Alicante can be available 24 hours a day. If returning outside normal office hours, inform the company in advance and follow the instructions provided.
What should I do if I am going to be late?
Contact the rental company as early as possible and provide your estimated arrival time.
What should I do if the vehicle breaks down on the way?
If it is unsafe to continue driving, stop and contact the rental company. Do not continue at any cost simply to meet the scheduled return time.
Will the deposit be released immediately after return?
Not necessarily. The rental must first go through the closure process, after which the timing depends on the type of deposit and banking procedures.
How to return a SOLO rent a car vehicle in Alicante
Before returning a SOLO rent a car vehicle in Alicante, check the rental end time, fuel conditions and the instructions in your booking.
The return point is located in the El Altet area at Polígono 2, núm. 83, 03195 Alicante, close to Alicante Airport.
Before arrival, it is recommended to:
- bring the vehicle to the required fuel level;
- keep the final fuel receipt;
- check the interior and boot;
- make sure all personal belongings have been removed;
- photograph the bodywork, wheels and glass;
- document the fuel level and mileage;
- leave enough time before your flight.
If the return takes place outside normal office hours, SOLO rent a car asks customers to inform the company in advance and follow the additional return instructions.
If you realise that you are going to be late, there is a technical problem or an accident has occurred, contact the company before the return and follow the instructions provided.
Alicante is a convenient starting and finishing point for road trips around the Costa Blanca. From Alicante Airport it is easy to plan routes to Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja, Santa Pola, Elche and many other destinations, while good organisation during the final hour of the rental helps bring the trip to a calm end.
That is exactly how the ending should look: the car has been returned, the luggage is with you, the passport is not still in the glove compartment, and all further transport problems have officially become the airline’s responsibility again.
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