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Finding a rental car in Madrid is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands in Spain with no booking fees. Pick up at Madrid Airport (MAD), Atocha Station or in the city centre, and compare economy car hire, SUVs and vans with clear fuel policies and mileage limits. For popular day trips, the A-42 to Toledo and AP-6 to Segovia are direct routes, and itās worth checking Madrid Centralās low emission zone rules if you plan to drive into the city core.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
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| Madrid Airport (MAD) |
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| Madrid City Centre |
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| Madrid Atocha Train Station |
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Most Madrid city centre rental locations are found near major train stations (Atocha, ChamartĆn) and in business districts. Some companies offer hotel delivery service for an additional fee.
On average, car rentals in Madrid cost around ā¬50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ā¬23 per day.
Compare pickup points. In Madrid, airport pickups are typically 10-15% higher. City centre or Atocha pickups can be cheaper. Check opening hours, as some city spots close Sundays.
Shift dates and duration. Weekend rates are often higher. 7+ day rentals can unlock cheaper weekly pricing. Return at the same hour you picked up to avoid an extra day.
Pick a smaller, manual car. Economy or compact cars are 40-50% cheaper than premium. Manual transmission usually costs less than automatic.
Time your booking. For summer, Easter and Christmas, book 1-2 months ahead. Off-peak, compare prices 2-3 weeks out and keep checking for drops.
Avoid one-way fees when possible. Returning to the same Madrid location is usually cheaper. If you need one-way, compare directions, as fees vary by route and season.
Cut local costs. Use Park & Ride lots on the outskirts for 5-10ā¬ per day instead of 15-30ā¬ city centre garages, try parking apps for discounts, and refuel in the city rather than highway stations.
| Car Space Type | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Zone (SER Azul) | Throughout central Madrid |
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| Green Zone (SER Verde) | Primarily residential areas |
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| Public Car Parks | Numerous throughout city |
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| Park & Ride Facilities | At metro stations on outskirts |
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Local Driving Rules:
Get a car so you can visit:
Toledo ā AlcĆ”zar, El Greco Museum
Segovia ā aqueduct, AlcĆ”zar, cathedral
Ćvila ā city walls, cathedral
El Escorial ā monastery, Valle de los CaĆdos
Sierra de Guadarrama
Ribera del Duero ā wineries, vineyards
How do I navigate Madrid's Low Emission Zone (Madrid Central)? Madridās low-emission zone (ZBE Distrito Centro, or āMadrid Centralā) only lets certain cars in, depending on their DGT environmental label. Cameras enforce these rules. Rental cars usually have a C, ECO or Zero label. These cars can only go into the zone to get to a public or private garage, like hotel parking. You should keep your parking ticket because the garage staff use it to register your number plate. Cars without a DGT label cannot enter the zone. Since 2024, these cars are not allowed to drive anywhere in the city. If you're not sure, it's best to park outside the zone and use public transport to get around inside it.
Where can I find the best parking options in Madrid? For short visits, you can use public parking garages, which cost about 15-30ā¬ per day. For longer stays, try the Park & Ride spots at metro stations on the edge of the city. These cost about 5-10ā¬ per day. You can also park on the street, but parking is timed and authorities check it.
Is it worth having a car while staying in Madrid city centre? If you are just exploring the city centre, you'll find public transport is easier and cheaper. A car is most useful for day trips outside Madrid or for travelling to different places in central Spain.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Madrid? You need a valid driver's licence that you've had for at least one year, a credit card in your name and a passport or ID. If you're not from the EU/EEA, you should also carry an International Driving Permit with your licence. The law says you need one if your licence isn't in Spanish and many rental companies ask for it too.
How is driving in Madrid compared to other European capitals? Compared to other European capitals, Madrid has quite wide main roads, but the traffic can get very busy during rush hours. The city has lots of roundabouts and one-way streets. Outside the centre, you'll find it's easier to get around because the roads are well-marked.
Can I pick up a rental car in Madrid and drop it off in another city? Yes, most rental companies in Spain let you pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another. People often drive from Madrid to Barcelona, Seville or Valencia. A one-way rental usually costs extra. The extra fee depends on the distance and the rental company.
What are the typical fuel costs in Madrid? In Spain, fuel prices are about average for Europe, but can be a bit high. Diesel (gasĆ³leo) is usually cheaper than regular petrol (gasolina). Prices at city petrol stations can be different from those on the highway, and highway stations are often more expensive.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Madrid? For busy times like the summer months, Easter and Christmas, you should book at least 1-2 months ahead. This will help you get a better price and make sure a car is available. For quieter times, you can book 2-3 weeks ahead, but booking earlier usually gets you a better price.
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