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Car hire in Madrid at the best prices

Have an unforgettable experience in Madrid, characterised by its quintessential boulevards. Try mouth-watering cuisine at the acclaimed Michelin starred DiverXO restaurant. The reputation of Madrid being an all-night town is well earned but be warned it tends to get lively around 11pm, so don’t head out too early. Madrid´s nightlife is focused around the areas of Lavapies, Malasana, Sol and Huertas. No visit is complete without a trip to Corral de la Morería, the city´s oldest flamenco tabloas located on Calle de la Morería. This elusive city has a lot to offer would-be travellers. Well-known for the world-class art collections of Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia. The manicured gardens of Parque del Retiro, located in the heart of the city and perfect for a stroll on a Sunday afternoon. A car hire in Madrid provides you with an amazing excuse to tour the city or take a longer drive to visit the majestic cities of Toledo and Valladolid.

Auto Europe as a broker offers the best rates on the market with over 60 years of industry experience. We have partnered with some big-name suppliers, Avis, Europcar, and Alamo. We operate in over in over 24,000 locations worldwide and offer you the complete flexibility of modifying or cancelling you’re booking 48 hours prior to pick-up. As the market leaders, we offer an unparalleled customer service experience. Whether you would like to book or discuss possible options, please contact our dedicated reservations team on + 44 123 3225 114. Available 7 days a week. To be sure that you're making the right choice, take a look at our Spain car hire reviews and Madrid car hire reviews pages to see what our many other customers wrote about their Auto Europe car rental in the capital and other towns and cities across Spain.

How is the traffic in Madrid?

As with many major European cities, or large cities in general, the traffic in Spain's capital can at times get quite chaotic and congested. The challenges of driving your car hire in Madrid could be a lack of parking spaces in the centre of the city, and the somewhat unconventional and free driving style of the locals. Madrid has three main ring roads, along with three smaller ring roads, that will take you to other parts of the city without driving through the middle of it. If you need to drive through the old town, get ready for a complex maze of tiny streets, and rather opt for the main roads crossing it, such as Gran Vía. One of the laws you might have not been aware of and valid in Spain obliges drivers who wear prescription glasses always to carry a spare pair while driving on Spanish roads. Our Spain driving guide will provide you with more useful information on this topic.

Where can I park my car hire in Madrid?

In spite of Madrid being relatively safe, as in all big cities, it’s advisable to park your car in a secured car park overnight. Parking garages are usually the best option, especially as most of them are open 24 hours a day and widely accessible throughout the city. On-street parking is available in designated areas of the city, but limited during the peak time, they are clearly marked as either blue or green zones. Another suggestion would be to park at Atocha Station, only a 5 minute walk from the Reina Sofia museum. Below are a few more in-depth tips to help you with your car rental in Madrid, just to make things a bit easier.

• Blue zones: Available within the centre of Madrid, Monday – Friday from 09:00 – 20:00 and on Saturday from 09:00-15:00. Times vary during August. The maximum stay is 2 hours.


• Green zones: Residents have a preference but as a visitor, you are able to park for a maximum of 2 hours.


• 24 Hour parking: Some of the best options available. Callao Smart Parking situated near Callao metro station and reasonably priced. The other would be Parking Cuesta de San Vicente located near the metro station of Plaza de Espana and just off the A-5.


• Free parking: Usually available on the outskirts of Madrid. In most cases, you would need to take public transport to/from the parking spot.

Madrid Airport

Officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, it is Spain´s main international airport with 4 passenger terminals and Europe´s second largest by total size. Due to high passenger numbers, exceeding 52,800 per year, it is fast becoming one of the world’s busiest airports. All major airlines operate scheduled flights to and from Madrid–Barajas Airport, located just 9 miles northwest of the city centre and easily accessible via road or train. The bustling airport has daily flights to major metropolitan cities such as London, Paris, New York and Rome. Also, Iberia operates frequent flights to several Latin American countries, best known as the European gateway to South America.

Madrid Airport (MAD)
Website: www.aena.es
Address: Av. de la Hispanidad s/n, 28042 Madrid
Telephone: +34 902 404 704 / +34 91 321 10 00

What to do in Madrid

Madrid a city that knows how to live! Full of artistic flair, elegant parks and gastronomy that will keep any foodie hooked. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing garden walk or you want to fully submerse yourself in the Spanish sense, look no further as we have some great suggestions to get you moving.

• Museo Nacional del Prado: One of the world´s most renowned art museums. Located in central Madrid and featuring some of Europe´s finest art collections dating back to the 12th century. Enjoy the vast collections of drawings, paintings, prints and sculptures. Open to the public from 07.45 to 19.45 and costing €15 for general entry tickets.


• Sobrino de Botin: The oldest restaurant in the world as named by Guinness book of world records, situated near Plaza de Puerta Cerrada. It first opened its doors in 1725, serving delicious traditional cuisine from the region of Madrid, such as suckling pig and roasted lamb. To guarantee you get a table, we suggest calling ahead to book as it does get busy during peak times.


• Plaza Mayor: The grand central square of Madrid, built in the Habsburg period, originally known as the Plaza del Arrabal. Surrounded by restaurants, bars and cafés. Visited frequently by tourist and locals alike.


• Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida: A charming national monument, the burial site of Francisco de Goya, one of Spain´s renowned master painters and houses some of his impressive frescoes that were recently restored. Goya was exceptionally gifted and was notorious for his creative yet innovative way of expressing himself through art, with free entry; you have no excuse but to visit this gorgeous place.


• Madrid Fly: Europe´s largest wind tunnel, the concept was thought up by Alberto Fuertes back in 2009, Spain´s parachuting champion. The tunnel has a wind chamber that is 17m high and 4.6m wide. The idea of the experience is to free fall; the tunnel is powered by four engines therefore generating a vertical stream, propelling you up to a level that allows you to remain on the stream. Of course without hurting yourself! Want to know more? Head over to Madrid Fly for more details.

Best day trips with my car rental in Madrid

We have short-listed some of our favourite hot spots to visit and the perfect reason to rent a car in Madrid. What are you waiting for? Explore the gorgeous regions around Madrid; you never know it could be the beginning of your Spanish road trip!

Toledo

This elegant walled medieval city is set on a hill-top above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha and surrounded by the river Tagus. Located just 46 miles southwest of Madrid and easily reached by car via the A-42 motorway. The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for being the City of Three Cultures, the influence of the Jews, Christians, and Muslims created a distinct architectural style. Home to the momentous Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada, understood to have been devoted to the Virgin Mary in her Assumption to the heavens. You could easily spend a few hours just fixated on the awe-inspiring architecture alone. Your trip would not be complete without visiting the other countless monuments, religious and cultural sites. If you’re a foodie, Toledo is famous for its marzipan. Interested? Go to Confiteria Santo Tome at Plaza de Zocodover 7. You will know you’re close as the sweet smell of almonds will play havoc on your senses.

Cuenca

A picturesque town, located 1 hour and 45 minutes from Madrid via the A-3 and A-40 motorways. Famously known for its Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) perfectly cantilevered over the Río Huécar gorge; it’s a sight not to be missed. Appreciate the stunning views of the town from the narrow Puente de San Pablo (Saint Paul Bridge), be cautious though! It’s not for the faint-hearted. It can be reached by foot but for some, the ascent could be challenging. For those that crave a more in-depth understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we suggest that you opt for a guided tour; it usually lasts between 2-3 hours, but worth it as you gain a true insight into this hidden gem.

Salamanca

Don’t confuse it with the neighbourhood of Salamanca in Madrid! This place is best known for the University of Salamanca. Spain´s first university and the 4th oldest in the world. Located just 2 and half hours from Madrid in the region of Castile and León and close to the border with Portugal. We like to refer to it as the city of architectural charm, eloquently kept but at the same time prides itself on its past. Why not visit the Plaza Mayor? Built in 1755 and one of Spain´s iconic examples of Churrigueresque Baroque design. Salamanca has a rich history; it was first discovered by a Celtic clan then conquered by the Romans. The influence of the Romans can still be felt throughout the city with the Puente Romano de Salamanca, a charming bridge stretching over the Tormes River.

Geographic Information & History

Madrid experiences some of the most drastic weather conditions in central Spain due to its high position on the inland plateau, to be specific its 646m above sea level. The best times to visit are in spring, early summer or autumn as the temperatures are pleasant and the skies are blue, very little sign of rain with 15 hours of daylight hours on average. Summer months are the hottest, with temperatures frequently reaching above 38°C, a record high of 40.6°C was recorded on 10th August 2012. Winters can be bitterly cold, with temperatures rarely reaching above double digits, and the nights can be very frosty, the coldest temperature of -10°C was recorded in January 2019. It’s unsurprising that the tourist crowds have mostly left by this time.

Madrid, first known by the name of Mayratt, dates its history back to 865. The Muslim ruler Mohammed I of Cordoba constructed a fortified citadel, one of many strategically located throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The Arab conquest lasted until Alfonso VI of Castile gained control of the city in 1083; this period saw the Christians, Jews and Muslims peacefully coexisting. The central position of Madrid was seen as a strategic location for many invading forces especially the Arabs; however their conquest ultimately ended in 1492 with the fall of Granada to the invading Christian forces. During the Christian re-conquest, many Islamic artefacts and monuments were replaced; most saw it as an effort to erase the city of its Arab influence. During the 16th and 17th century Madrid gained its reputation as being the city of a formidable empire, known as the golden age, at this time Madrid finally took on the prominent role as the capital.

The year of 1939 had the biggest impact on Madrid and the country as a whole. Spain would see major change under the command of General Francisco Franco Bahamonde. It was the start of authoritarian rule; the general was against the formation of the Spanish republic in 1931 which led to civil war. Commander Franco, was known to have committed crimes against the Spanish population, he notoriously commanded the construction of concentration camps, encouraged forced labour and executions were a frequent form of punishment for those who opposed his regime. He had overwhelming support from the Kingdom of Italy and Nazi Germany throughout his rule. All this finally came to an end with the death of Franco on 20th November 1975. This provided a glimmer of hope for the Spanish, as Juan Carlos took to the reigns to become King of Spain. The King was credited to have transitioned Spain into a parliamentary democracy.

How to get around Madrid

Madrid has an extensive network of public transport routes with 13 metro lines, 10 local train lines and over 200 bus routes. Not only is it fast, efficient, and safe, but it is also quite affordable. Taxis are plentiful and comparatively cheap. The metro runs from 6am to 1:30am, with the frequency varying between 3 and 5 minutes during the day. Try to avoid riding the metro during rush hours (7:30am-9am) as trains can get quite congested. With a lot of security cameras, the metro in Madrid tends to be safe. However, pay special attention to your belongings as there might be some pickpockets operating at tourist-packed stations.

Transport Card

Non-residents travelling on Madrid´s public transport system are required to purchase a Tarjeta Multi, this came into effect on the 1st January 2018; it acts as a rechargeable card much like the Oyster Card used on the London Transport system. It can be purchased from all metro stations and other authorised retailers. You have the ability to purchase 10 bus and metro rides for €12.20 or pay a single-journey costing €1.50.

Trains

Madrid Atocha Station is one of the busiest railway stations in Europe. It is the largest station in Madrid and has regional, long-distance and high-speed train services run by the national company RENFE. Since 2014, a new connection to Marseille has been opened. Madrid Atocha is connected with the Atocha RENFE underground station.

Can I hire a campervan in Madrid?

If you would like to add more freedom to your travels, there is something we can recommend. A campervan hire in Madrid is something you might consider for your next holiday. Motorhome rental will provide you with more travel possibilities and help you save on accommodation and food.

Useful links

Tourism Information

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