Planning to Rent a Car in Madrid? Below is all the information you need:
Madrid, fun and lively at all times, is famous for being an open city with a lot of people from all over the world.
In addition to its famous museums, lively streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants with world cuisine or unrivaled nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its charming, peaceful historical sites, traditional and family centennial bars where friends meet for a drink, neighborhoods of all kinds and cultural centers that offer an alternative form of tourism. Madrid has a personality that is hard to match.
Anyone looking for culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as Prado Museum, Reina Sofia or Thyssen. But people shouldn't forget small options full of charm, like Sorolla Museum or cultural centers like Matadero or Conde Duque, which constantly offer innovative exhibitions, concerts, guided tours, etc. Walking in Madrid means visiting iconic places such as the stunning Royal Palace, The 400-year-old Plaza Mayor, the bustling Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Via full of shops, or the four tallest towers in Spain . Madrid also means relaxing in vast green spaces like the Retiro Park (which, along with the Paseo del Prado boulevard, has been added to the World Heritage List UNESCO), and other lesser known but no less charming parks such as El Capricho.
Sights of Madrid
The capital of Spain, Madrid, has always been characterized by a wide range of cultural activities for free time. The city gives the opportunity to take a walk with the family, enjoy art or taste delicious food, — all are just some examples. Straight fromBarajas Airport you can rent a car and go on an adventure.
Speaking of Madrid and its sights, it is impossible not to mention the various squares. The city is filled with various zones, which are visited daily by hundreds and thousands of tourists. Among the most popular are Puerta del Sol. It represents several kilometers of the road network in Spain, and is one of the most ancient parts of Madrid, built in the 15th century, at the same time as the foundation of the new capital in Toledo.
Like most of Madrid's large squares, Puerta del Sol is also adorned with spectacular and modern fountains and manicured hedges.
In addition to Puerta del Sol, the plaza de España, La Plaza Mayor ( located in the center of the city ). In Plaza de Santa Ana and Plaza de Oriente, but there are many other special squares that are definitely worth a visit.
Besides the various neighborhoods, there are many buildings and monuments that keep the true Personality Madrid. And the Royal Palace in Madrid — is certainly one of the most important and characteristic buildings of the city. It is the official residence of the royal family. On Christmas Eve 1734 it was destroyed by fire, unfortunately losing most of its monuments. Also important are the magnificent Cathedral dell'Almudena, the main church of the Catholic city, and the Church of San'tantonio degli alemanni, an example of Baroque architecture in the city.
Mountain villages
Torrelaguna, Patones, Lozoya Bay, Rascafría — these are some of the most popular cities in the Sierra Norte. Surrounded by nature, ready to delight with the rustic charm created by the small streets leading to the main square, buildings with typical architecture, beautiful views of mountains and forests, rich traditional cuisine that allows you to enjoy the region's most popular food.
North Sierra is part of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and the villages are between 65 and 100 km from Madrid. It is a good idea to visit at least two of them in one day, you can include weekend excursions along the trail through places such as the valleys of Aceite de oliva de Lozoya.
Madrid Beech Forest
Montejo Beech is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Beech Forests. It is especially beautiful in autumn, when it is decorated with shades of ocher, brown and orange, but walking along its paths and villages such as La Hiruela, Montejo de la Sierra-Horcajuelo de la Sierra, Pradena del Rincon i Puebla de la Sierra is exceptionally pleasant all round year. Please note that advance bookings are required to visit the beech forest.
Tourist routes in Madrid
There are many tourist routes in the city, such as natural roads, green routes (the ancient railways have been converted into cycling or walking), a network, paths.
The The Jets of the Manzanares and the Green Pond route is a comfortable, circular track that can be completed in less than five hours. Starts next to The Real Manzanares and runs mostly along the river. This area paves the way to the National Park Sierra de Guadarrama.
The water path starts in the municipality of Cercedilla in the Sierra de Guadarrama. This easy trail is about ten kilometers long (both ways) and is also suitable for everyone. Its biggest attraction is the view of the valley and Fuenfría Port.
Madrid's best restaurants
When it comes to food, Madrid has almost everything you could want. Whether you fancy a good, hearty, home-cooked meal, or the latest and greatest cuisine, you will find it all in the Spanish capital.
Pastry art in Madrid is unsurprising, because no one can leave without tasting one piece raspberry pie, from La Mallorquina (+34 915 21 12 01, Calle Mayor 2, 28013 Madrid Spain), the oldest in the city. Pastry Shop La Antigua del Pozo (+34 915 22 38 94, Calle Pozo 8, 28012 Madrid Spain), close to Puerta del Sol, offers great chocolate (white or dark).
But true luxury — is to have breakfast or a drink, in the Salamanca area, in the same hotel where the Beatles, Cary Grant or Rita Hayworth stayed. It's called Dry Martini Bar (+34 914 31 67 00, Calle Hermosilla 2 Plaza Colon, 28001 Madrid Spain), at the Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel. Dozens of Martini cocktails are served in an atmosphere of fun and celebration. Be careful, a drink will cost around 15 euros.
Azotea Circulo de Bellas Artes (Marqués de Casa Riera, 2., 28014 Madrid Spain) — this is a multicultural center founded in 1919, but its fame is due to also all'azotea — , which in Spanish means terrace — Tartan Roof. Here, in the kitchen, the best chef is practicing — Javier Muñoz-Calero and his team. What do they offer? Marinated tuna in vermouth with herb buns and cherry tomatoes (18 euros) or traditional paella (18 euros).
Any occasion is good to admire the scenery from the de The Principal Madrid hotels Restaurant Terrace (+34 915 21 87 43, Calle Marques de Valdeiglesias 1 Esq. Gran Via, 28004 Madrid), which is located on the seventh floor. In order to stay within budget, you can order two signature cocktails or try "Para picar", among which Jamón Ibérico and pan de cristal stand out, at a price of 28 euros to match a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne (14 euros).
Parking in Madrid
Parking in a big city theme — this is a theme that worries everyone. People who live in the city center suffer every day from the inconvenience of parking for a fee in Madrid. But even those who prefer to drive only on certain days face the same problem. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities to park.
Currently, in the center of Madrid, as well as in most major cities, there are two separate areas where you can leave your car, they are regulated by the SER. In these places, payment takes place from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 21:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 15:00 and on Sunday for free.
It is worth paying attention to SER, that is, "blue zones" and "green zones" that provide for a time limit:
Blue zone; its use is mainly dedicated to foreigners who can pay the price at the parking meter or with the application on the phone. The maximum stop time in these lanes is 4 hours, after which you must move your vehicle to another area.
Green Zone; its use is intended, in particular, for residents, who must in any case pay an annual tax corresponding to the area of the city. Also, visitors can park in these areas, but you will have to pay for the time they stay, and after 2 hours, you need to move the vehicle.
Traveling in a rental car can lead to places which are very difficult to reach by public transport or excursions. This gives you the convenience of going your own way, on time, and can often be cheaper than public transport alternatives, especially if traveling as a couple or group. It is recommended to leave your rental car in a guarded parking lot, so you can keep it safe, avoid fines and do not waste time looking for parking on the street.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Europcar
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
30 € / Day
Best price
21 € / Day
How the price changes depending on the month
January
€90
February
€87
March
€101
April
€148
May
€138
June
€190
July
€223
August
€166
September
€101
October
€103
November
€102
December
€199
* The average cost of renting a car in Madrid for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
In August rental companies located in Madrid rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.
The best time to rent a car in Madrid is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €26 for a Compact car.
The highest demand for car rental occurs in summer. The cost increases, on average, by 30-50% and the choice of available cars is significantly reduced. For example, in July, the average price for a popular car model VW Jetta is €61per day.
Bookingautos offers a wide range of cars of any class. In Madrid you can rent a convertible, SUV, sedan, minivan, as well as a business class car. Our rental fleet consists of new cars manufactured in 2024 year.
What affects the cost of renting a car in Madrid? These are three indicators: car class, time of year and rental period. The highest prices are in summer, and the lowest are in autumn and winter. The tariff is reduced if you order the service for a long time. Some specific examples: a compact model VW Polo in March-April costs about€26 per day. But book a car right away for a week - and the price will drop to €15 per day. These are standard prices for budget cars. The middle class will cost an average of €27-€35 per 24 hours. This can be VW Jetta,BMW 5 Series Estate or Opel Mokka. In Madrid convertibles can be rented for a minimum of €61. Luxury models raise the bar to €336 per day. Some exclusive cars are valued at more than 400€ per day.
In recent years in Madrid the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent Hyundai Ioniq in Madrid by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
Required documents for rental cars
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
TOP-10 car rental Tips:
Download Google maps for offline access
The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.
Book a car 6 weeks in advance
Madrid is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Madrid. The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.
Which car to choose
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Toyota Aygo or VW Polo. These models are the most popular with our customers in Madrid.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. BMW 5 Series Estate will cost €43 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Check out the fuel policy
When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Rent without mileage limit
The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Madrid, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
When renting a car in Madrid, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Madrid, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Car pick-up procedure
Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.
Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.
Our main advantages
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Car rental reviews: Madrid
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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