Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Madrid
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Madrid
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Madrid
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Madrid
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. While the city boasts an excellent public transportation system, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to explore the surrounding regions at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Center. Madrid's charm extends beyond its urban core. A rental car enables you to easily visit nearby historical towns like Toledo and Segovia, or explore the scenic Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.
Visit Multiple Attractions. Madrid is home to numerous attractions spread throughout the city. Having a car allows you to efficiently navigate between them, maximizing your sightseeing time.
Freedom to Customize Your Itinerary. Public transport follows fixed schedules, but with a rental car, you're in control. Stop at charming villages, enjoy local cuisine, or take spontaneous detours without worrying about timetables.
Before booking a rental car in Madrid, be sure to check the standard rules, documents, and possible fees.
Area
604.3 km² (233.3 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 3.3 million residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer)
Ideal for
Exploring the region around Madrid
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsIn Spain, most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) can reduce your financial liability. A security deposit is typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or total limits. Fuel policies vary, but 'full-to-full' is common.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to book a car in Madrid:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and features.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to the rental office when collecting your vehicle.
Madrid is the capital of Spain, known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a major European city with a blend of modern infrastructure and historical sites. Driving in Madrid can be challenging, but understanding local traffic regulations and parking options will enhance your experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Prado Museum
One of the world's finest art museums, showcasing Spanish masters.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, offering guided tours.
Retiro Park
A large park in the city center, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, often requiring payment at parking meters.
Park & Ride
Park & Ride facilities outside the city center allow you to park and use public transport into the city.
Gas Stations in Madrid
Major Brands
Repsol, Cepsa, and BP are common gas station brands.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Madrid and on major roads.
Refueling
Most stations offer both attended and self-service refueling.
Useful Tips for Visiting Madrid
Traffic
Be aware of traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.
Low Emission Zone
Madrid Central is a low-emission zone with restrictions on certain vehicles.
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for public transportation.
Plan Ahead
Allow extra time for travel due to potential delays.
Major Bus Stations
Estación Sur de Autobuses
Madrid's main bus station, serving both domestic and international routes.
Railway Stations
Atocha Station
Madrid's largest railway station, serving high-speed and commuter trains.
Chamartín Station
Another major railway station in Madrid, connecting to northern Spain.
Airports
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
Madrid's primary international airport, located about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from the city center.
To rent a car in Madrid, you'll need to meet certain requirements:
A valid driver's license is essential. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Madrid as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Having a car made exploring Madrid easy during the summer heat. The Prado was amazing, though the crowds were a bit much.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, yeah.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Such a great trip! Madrid was lovely, and having a car let us easily explore the coast afterwards.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Pretty good, really.
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 30.09.2024
Madrid was a blast! Catching up with friends was so easy, thanks to having a car. We saw so much!
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Madrid exceeded expectations! My family and I had a wonderful time, easily navigating the city and beyond with our rental car. So much to see!
Liam Nguyen
Reviewed: 16.01.2025
Absolutely loved Madrid! Getting around with a car was so convenient; it made exploring the city's hidden gems a breeze. The food was incredible.
Benjamin Martinez
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Madrid lived up to the hype; it was amazing. The tapas were a bit pricey, though.
Isabelle Clark
Reviewed: 11.03.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Noah Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
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Madrid was fantastic! Exploring with the family was so easy having a car. We saw everything we wanted and had a wonderful vacation.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 26.01.2025