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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 brimming with attractions, from the State Capitol Building to the shores of Lake Mendota. While Madison offers public transportation, a rental car unlocks the full potential of your visit.
Explore Beyond Downtown. With a rental car, you can easily access attractions like the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, and nearby state parks.
Flexibility and Convenience. Public transport may not reach every corner of the city or operate on your schedule. A car allows you to travel at your own pace and visit multiple destinations in a single day.
Ideal for Day Trips. Consider driving to nearby towns like New Glarus, known as 'America's Little Switzerland,' or exploring the scenic Wisconsin countryside.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Madison
Before renting a car in Madison, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential fees.
Area
Approximately 94 square miles
Population
Around 260,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies 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) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are usually available. A security deposit is generally required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same fuel level.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Madison – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £11 / $14 / €13 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
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?
Booking a rental car in Madison involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car early, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
General Information About Madison
Madison is a city known for its vibrant culture, beautiful lakes, and progressive atmosphere. Exploring Madison and its surroundings is best done with an awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
As the capital of Wisconsin, Madison offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. From the bustling State Street to the serene shores of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, there's plenty to explore. While Madison has a decent public transportation system, renting a car offers greater flexibility, especially for venturing outside the city center.
Top Attractions to Discover
Wisconsin State Capitol
A stunning architectural masterpiece offering panoramic views of the city.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Beautiful themed gardens and a conservatory.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Extensive natural areas with walking trails.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available downtown, such as the State Street Capitol Garage.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride lots on the outskirts of the city and taking a bus downtown.
Gas Stations in Madison
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Madison.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Kwik Trip, Mobil, and Shell.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Madison
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Madison has a large population of pedestrians and cyclists, especially around the university area.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect heavier traffic during rush hours, particularly on the main thoroughfares.
Check Event Schedules
Be aware of events that may impact traffic and parking.
Explore Local Restaurants
Madison boasts a diverse culinary scene, so take advantage of the many local restaurants.
Key Transportation Hubs in Madison
Major Bus Stations
Madison Metro Transit
The primary bus service in Madison, connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Madison Amtrak Station
Provides limited rail service to Chicago and other destinations.
Airports
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
Located northeast of Madison, offering flights to major cities across the US.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Madison?
Renting a car in Madison requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth rental experience.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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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 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.
Pretty chill vibe
Alex Johnson
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
It was great being back in Madison after all these years! Having a car really opened things up. The farmers' market was a bit underwhelming, though. Still, a lovely trip overall.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Surprisingly efficient business trip to Madison! Getting around with my rental car was a snap. The city's charm made even quick meetings enjoyable.
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.05.2025
Pretty chill place
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Madison exceeded expectations! So glad I rented a car; exploring the city and its beautiful lakes was effortless. Heard great things, and they were true.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 17.03.2025
Madison lived up to the hype! Renting a car was a breeze, making it easy to see everything. The only downside? That one cafe we tried was a bit overpriced.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 05.08.2025
Madison was fantastic! A quick weekend trip, but having a car made it so easy to see everything. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
I'd heard great things about Madison, and they were all true! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, making it easy to explore the beautiful city and surrounding areas. Highly recommend!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
Madison was lovely; having a car made exploring easy. The state capitol was impressive, though the Wisconsin State Museum felt a bit underwhelming. Needed this coastal getaway!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.03.2025