Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Madison - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Madison
Madison
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Madison
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Madison
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Madison
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
Why Rent a Car in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful lakes, lively cultural scene, and surrounding natural attractions. While Madison has public transportation, renting a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and venture beyond the city limits.
Explore Scenic Routes. Madison is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Wisconsin Dells and the Driftless Area. With a rental car, you can easily embark on scenic drives and discover hidden gems.
Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison. A car allows for easy access to the University of Wisconsin-Madison's campus, including sporting events, museums, and cultural attractions.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities. Madison is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Renting a car provides the convenience of transporting gear for activities like hiking, biking, and water sports on the local lakes.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Madison
Before renting a car in Madison, it's important to understand the standard rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other essential policies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 94.9 square miles
Population
Around 260,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
City and countryside exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Madison require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting it. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Madison – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand leads to prices increasing by 20-30%.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts due to lower demand.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Madison?
To book a car in Madison, compare prices, select a suitable car, and review rental terms. Booking in advance helps secure the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Ensure you have the required documents when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring surrounding areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Madison
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, offering a blend of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is important, especially if renting a car to explore beyond the city center.
As the capital of Wisconsin, Madison is a vibrant city known for its beautiful lakes, cultural scene, and surrounding attractions. While Madison has public transportation, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace. Be aware of traffic regulations, parking, and fuel availability, particularly when venturing outside the city.
Top Attractions to Discover
Wisconsin State Capitol
A stunning building with panoramic views of the city.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Beautiful gardens with diverse plant collections and tranquil settings.
Memorial Union Terrace
A popular spot on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, offering lake views and a lively atmosphere.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages for secure parking options in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be time-limited, especially in busy areas.
Park & Ride
Utilize park-and-ride facilities to park outside the city and use public transportation.
Gas Stations in Madison
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Shell, BP, and Kwik Trip.
Locations Throughout the City
Gas stations are located throughout Madison, but it's good to know their locations in advance.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Madison
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during peak hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM) when roads are congested.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Stay alert, as Madison has a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, especially in the city center.
Utilize Navigation Apps
Use apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic delays.
Check for Events
Check local event schedules to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues.
Key Transportation Hubs in Madison
Major Bus Stations
Madison Metro Bus
The primary bus service in Madison, providing connections throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Madison Amtrak Station
Provides limited passenger rail service.
Airports
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
Located northeast of Madison, offering domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Madison?
Renting a car in Madison is a straightforward process. You will need to meet certain requirements before getting on the road. Here's what you'll need
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with possible surcharges for those under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
Our Content Quality
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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Madison 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.
Exploring Madison was a breeze! Getting a car locally was perfect for seeing all the sights.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Madison was even better than I remembered! So much easier to explore with a car after all these years.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 28.02.2025
Chill vibe, good eats.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 14.06.2025
Busy trip, but Madison was efficient. The hotel gym was underwhelming, though.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
My quick trip to Madison to see friends was great! Having a car made visiting all the spots we planned so easy. The only downside was that the local farmers market was smaller than I expected.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Perfect getaway! Cruising around Madison was easy, and the coastal relaxation was amazing.
Grace Wilson
Reviewed: 26.11.2024
Needed a relaxing coastal break, and Madison was a great jumping-off point. The farmers' market was underwhelming, though the city itself was lovely.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 01.09.2024
Pretty chill, good drives
Liam Thompson
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Summer in Madison was fantastic; renting a car was key. The only downside? That overpriced museum cafe.
Isabelle Martinez
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Madison in the summer was lovely! Having a car made getting around so much easier. The state capitol building was impressive, and the lakes were beautiful. The only downside was that the farmer's market was a bit smaller than I expected.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 29.06.2025