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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire deals at Madrid Airport (MAD). Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Choose from major car hire brands at Terminals 1 and 4 or nearby off-airport providers, with vehicle options from economy to SUVs and automatics. Pick up and go with quick access to the M-40 and A-2, reaching Madrid city centre in about 20 to 30 minutes outside peak hours.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Terminal 1 Rental Area |
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| Terminal 4 Rental Area |
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| Off-Airport Rentals |
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Location Notes: Car hire desks are located inside the terminals, but vehicles are picked up from designated areas in the airport parking structures or nearby rental lots. Most companies operate shuttle services between terminals and their pickup locations if needed.
On average, car rentals at Madrid Airport cost around €56 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €29 per day.
Compare pickup spots (T1, T4, off-airport). T4 has the biggest selection but can be busier. Off-airport locations near MAD often price lower, but factor shuttle time and hours.
Time your booking to demand. For Madrid summer, Easter, Christmas, or big IFEMA fairs, book a few weeks early. Off-peak, compare multiple dates and pickup times to catch dips.
Pick the smallest practical car, manual if you can. At MAD, compacts are roughly 40% cheaper than SUVs, and manuals usually cost less than automatics.
Play with rental length. Weekly deals can drop the daily rate by 20-30%. If you’re staying 5-6 days, compare a 7-day rate. Also consider picking up after your city days to skip pricey Madrid parking.
Limit extras. Additional drivers are often 5-10€ per day. Use your phone for navigation or pre-book GPS/child seats to avoid walk-up pricing.
Fuel and tolls smart. Most contracts are full-to-full. Refuel on the A-2 or M-11 near the airport to avoid service fees. If you’ll hit just a few tolls, skip the daily toll device and pay at booths.
| Parking Option | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Short-Term | Terminal structures |
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| Airport Long-Term | Dedicated long-term lots |
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| Off-Airport Lots | Private lots near airport |
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| City Centre Public Garages | Throughout Madrid |
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| Street Spaces (Blue/Green Zones) | City centre areas |
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Local Driving Rules:
Get a hire car so you can easily:
Madrid city centre - M-40, A-2
IFEMA Convention Center - M-11
Madrid North: Las Tablas, Sanchinarro - M-11, M-40
Toledo - Castilla-La Mancha
Segovia - Castilla y León
Ávila - Castilla y León
How much time should I allow for picking up a hire car at Madrid Airport? You should allow about 30-45 minutes to get your hire car during normal times. In peak season (summer months, major holidays and weekends), it can take up to 60-90 minutes. This includes time at the counter, doing paperwork, inspecting the car and getting to the main roads.
Are there petrol stations near the airport for refuelling before return? Yes, you'll find several petrol stations on the A-2 highway and M-11 as you drive towards the airport. The closest ones are about 5-10 minutes from the rental return areas. You should plan to refuel within 10 km of the airport to make sure the tank is full when you return the car.
Can I hire a car at Madrid Airport and return it in another city? Yes, most hire companies let you arrange one-way rentals within Spain. Popular destinations include Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Malaga. They usually charge an extra fee for one-way rentals, depending on the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations.
What types of vehicles are available for hire at Madrid Airport? At Madrid Airport, you can choose from one of Spain's biggest selections of hire cars, from economy and compact models to luxury vehicles, SUVs and vans. You can get cars with automatic transmission, but they usually cost more than manual ones.
How do the electronic toll systems work on Spanish highways? Some Spanish highways have electronic tolls. Most car hire companies don't put toll transponders in their cars, so you'll need to pay at the toll booths using cash or a credit card. Some hire companies will let you hire an electronic toll device for an extra daily fee.
What happens if my flight is delayed? Most hire companies at Madrid Airport keep an eye on flight arrivals. If your flight is delayed by a lot, you should contact the hire company to make sure they hold your booking. Many companies will hold a car for 1-2 hours past your pickup time even if you don't call them.
Is it easy to navigate from Madrid Airport to the city centre? Yes, the signs are easy to follow. From the airport, just follow signs for Madrid Centro on the M-40 and A-2 highways. The drive takes about 20-30 minutes when it's not rush hour. If it's your first time, we suggest you use a GPS.
Do I need to notify the hire company if I plan to drive to Portugal or France? Most hire agreements from Madrid Airport let you drive to nearby EU countries, but you should check this with your hire company. Some companies might charge an extra cross-border fee or ask you to tell them in advance.
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