Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Alcalá de Henares
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Alcalá de Henares
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Alcalá de Henares
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Alcalá de Henares
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a city steeped in history and culture, best explored with the freedom of your own vehicle. While public transport options exist, a rental car provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to discover the region at your own pace.
Explore Historic Sites with Ease. Alcalá is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the University of Alcalá and the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. A rental car allows you to easily access these sites and explore the city's rich heritage.
Venture Beyond the City. With a car, you can easily explore the surrounding region, including the beautiful countryside and nearby towns. Discover hidden gems and enjoy scenic drives without the constraints of public transport schedules.
Convenience and Comfort. Travelling with family or luggage? A rental car provides the space and comfort you need for a hassle-free experience. Avoid crowded buses and trains and enjoy the convenience of door-to-door transportation.
Before renting a car in Alcalá de Henares, be aware of the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Key considerations include age requirements, required documentation, insurance coverage, and mileage policies.
Area
88.02 square kilometres (33.98 square miles)
Population
Approximately 200,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET)
Ideal for
Sightseeing and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect increased traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Alcalá de Henares is typically 21 years old, but some companies may have higher age requirements or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed for licenses not in Spanish or from countries outside the EU. A passport is also usually required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is often included, but consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often brings discounts and lower rates on car rentals.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Alcalá de Henares involves a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and a vehicle that suits your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals from various companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that matches your travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and any additional fees.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure lower prices and better availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental car.
Alcalá de Henares is a city rich in history and culture, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Spain's past. Navigating the city by car requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alcalá de Henares is known for its historic university and Cervantes' birthplace. While the city centre is pedestrian-friendly, a car is useful for exploring the surrounding areas. Understanding traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability is important for a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
University of Alcalá
A historic university and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cervantes Birthplace Museum
The birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote.
Plaza de Cervantes
The central square, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, often requiring payment.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options outside the city center for easier access.
Gas Stations in Alcalá de Henares
Main Fuel Chains
Find Repsol, Cepsa, and Galp stations throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Refuelling Guidance
Plan your refuelling stops as gas stations may not be readily available in the historic center.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate the nearest gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Alcalá de Henares
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
Be Aware of Pedestrians
The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, so watch out for pedestrians.
Use Contactless Payment
Many establishments accept contactless payments.
Check Local Regulations
Be aware of any local traffic regulations or restrictions.
Railway Stations
Alcalá de Henares Railway Station
The main railway station connecting Alcalá de Henares with Madrid and other destinations.
Bus Stations
Alcalá de Henares Bus Station
Provides bus services to Madrid and other nearby towns.
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Distance from Alcalá de Henares
Located approximately 20 kilometres from Alcalá de Henares, offering international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Spain is generally straightforward, but it’s essential to have the necessary documents and meet specific requirements.
A valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in Spanish, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, though some companies may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Alcalá de Henares as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Absolutely loved exploring Alcalá de Henares! Having a car made getting around so easy, and I discovered charming streets and hidden gems I'd never have found otherwise. A truly memorable first visit!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Okay, but kinda pricey.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 20.08.2024
Relaxing, car helpful
Javier Rodriguez
Reviewed: 01.06.2025
I'd heard so much about Alcalá de Henares, and it lived up to the hype! Exploring with a car was fantastic; so convenient. Beautiful city!
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 07.12.2024
Pretty chill, yeah.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
Charming town, perfect car, coastal relaxation afterward.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, tbh
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
Alcalá de Henares was delightful! Exploring by car was effortless, and the coastal relaxation afterwards was perfect.
Isabelle Martinez
Reviewed: 19.12.2024
Alcalá de Henares was a wonderful surprise! Getting around with my rental car was a breeze, and I explored so much more than I expected.
Grace Wilson
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Such a lovely town! Having a car made exploring Alcalá de Henares easy, and the coast was perfect afterward.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 14.06.2025
First time in Alcalá de Henares, and it was lovely. Exploring with a rental car was a breeze. The Cervantes museum was great, but the tourist information center could've been better organized.
David Lee
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Pleasant enough, really
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 16.05.2025