Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Madera
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Madera
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Madera
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Madera
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
Madera, California, nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, offers a diverse range of attractions from scenic landscapes to historical sites. While Madera has some public transportation options, renting a car provides the ultimate flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Explore Yosemite's Southern Entrance. A short drive east takes you to the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, offering stunning views and hiking trails. Public transport options are limited, making a rental car essential for experiencing this natural wonder.
Discover Local Wineries. Madera County is home to numerous wineries and vineyards. With a rental car, you can easily tour the wineries, sample local wines, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Visit the Madera Wine Trail. Easily hop between tasting rooms and wineries, ensuring you don't miss a single one along the way.
Enjoy Bass Lake Recreation. A quick drive from Madera, Bass Lake offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Renting a car ensures you can transport equipment and explore the lake's many recreational spots.
Before booking a rental car in Madera, make sure you're aware of the local regulations. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
40.77 square kilometers (15.74 square miles)
Population
Approximately 66,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT)
Ideal for
Wine tasting tours
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Madera require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 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 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand surges, increasing prices by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are common
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Madera, compare prices from different rental companies, choose the right car for your needs, carefully review rental terms to avoid unexpected charges, and book well in advance to secure the best rates. Remember to bring your driver’s license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your travel needs.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read all the fine print regarding mileage, insurance, and deposits.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking early.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver’s license, credit card, and identification ready.
Madera is a gateway to both Yosemite and the Central Valley. Understanding traffic rules and parking regulations is key for a smooth experience, especially if you're planning day trips outside of town.
Madera offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage and access to natural wonders. While it's a relatively small city, having a car allows you to explore the surrounding areas, from vineyards to national parks. Familiarizing yourself with local traffic laws and parking options will enhance your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Yosemite National Park (Southern Entrance)
A natural wonderland with stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
Madera Wine Trail
Explore local wineries and sample award-winning wines.
Bass Lake
A picturesque lake perfect for boating, fishing, and hiking.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in downtown Madera for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on most streets, but time limits apply.
Park & Ride
Limited park-and-ride options are available on the outskirts of town.
Gas Stations in Madera
Major Brands Available
Chevron, Shell, and Valero stations are readily available throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are located along major routes and near the highway.
Use Navigation Apps
Google Maps or Waze can help you find the nearest gas station.
Useful Tips for Visiting Madera
Watch for Agricultural Traffic
Be aware of slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads.
Plan for Weather Conditions
Summers can be hot; carry water and plan accordingly.
Check for Local Events
Madera hosts various events; check the local calendar.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Plan for potential delays due to traffic or road construction.
Airports
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Located approximately 30 miles south of Madera, it offers a range of domestic and international flights.
Railway Stations
Madera Amtrak Station
Provides passenger rail service on the San Joaquin route.
Bus Stations
Madera County Transit
Local bus service connecting Madera with surrounding communities.
Renting a car in Madera is relatively simple, provided you meet certain requirements. Here’s what you need to be prepared.
A valid driver's license is essential. If you are visiting from another country, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of photo identification may be required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Madera 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.
Peaceful, kinda slow
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty chill, easygoing
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Heard great things about Madera, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was a breeze. Loved it.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Low-key, kinda cute
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
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Madera was a great base for exploring the coast! Having a car made getting around so easy. Relaxing trip, highly recommend.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.07.2025