Car rental in Madrid - The remarkable capital of Spain

Yes - it is essential to present a credit card when collecting your vehicle. The specified credit card must be issued in the name of the main driver. It cannot be registered under anyone else's name, including any additional drivers. Failing to provide this may result in the cancellation of your booking. The credit card should have sufficient funds to cover the security deposit as indicated on your rental voucher. Debit cards are not permitted. Certain car categories, particularly luxury vehicles, may necessitate the provision of two or more credit cards. The amount of the security deposit can be located by clicking on the blue icon adjacent to the rental cost, or it can be found within the terms and conditions of your car rental voucher. In the payment section, you can also view the accepted credit cards. Usually, all major credit cards are accepted, including MasterCard and Visa. However, virtual credit cards and cash deposits are not permitted. Only physical credit cards are accepted.

The security deposit is retained on your credit card and will only be refunded once it is verified that the vehicle has been returned in the same condition as it was when it was taken. We recommend that you inspect the vehicle upon pick-up and document any issues on the pick-up form. It is advisable to take photographic and video evidence if necessary. When returning the vehicle, ensure that it is re-evaluated by a staff member. Usually, it takes 14 business days for the deposit to appear on your bank statement.

Our standard rate encompasses the minimum legally required insurance coverage for your vehicle while in Spain. This includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), and Limited Liability, with or without an excess. While it is compulsory to possess this base insurance, it does not account for every possible scenario or all components of the vehicle. In the event of an excess, the amount will be reserved on your credit card.

If you are seeking enhanced coverage, we suggest opting for our Full Damage Protection Coverage for an additional fee. This supplementary coverage offers all the protections included in the basic coverage, along with coverage for additional car components and under a wider range of circumstances. The fee varies depending on your vehicle type, rental location, and the length of your rental period. For more information regarding car rental coverage, please click on the blue information icon adjacent to your chosen supplier.

Please be aware that local suppliers will provide insurance at the location. These options are not mandatory, and generally, if you have already acquired our Full Protection Coverage, they will not be necessary. The insurance packages available include Life Insurance, Super CDW, Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects Insurance (PEI), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Travel Insurance, among various others. All of these options are optional, and Auto Europe does not endorse, profit from, or refund any insurances purchased directly from the local supplier, even if they are later considered unnecessary.

If you are traveling with a companion and require more than one driver for your low cost car hire in Madrid, all additional drivers must be present at the time of pickup. This is necessary because the additional driver is required to sign the rental agreement, and an extra fee will be charged. Some rental companies have already incorporated a complimentary additional driver in their packages. Furthermore, in selected locations and with specific partners, Auto Europe provides seasonal promotions with free additional driver.

Prior to finalizing a reservation, ensure that you review the Age restrictions set by different car rental agencies. Usually, drivers under the age of 26 should anticipate certain limitations and an associated fee. Additionally, it is important to recognize that each rental company establishes its own policies, and you are required to have held your driving license for a minimum of one year.

Capital cities by their very nature can be overly congested and chaotic; with Spain’s capital Madrid being no exception. Locals tend to drive unconventional and careless at times, which can be a challenge for those used to driving in more stringent cities. The city has been designed with three main outer ring roads, and a further three smaller internal ring roads. This means that getting from one side of the city to the other shouldn’t be too much trouble. For starters, you won’t need to pass through the city’s centre. You are permitted to drive at a maximum speed of 50 km/h in urban areas, unless individual signage indicates a lower limit. On narrow rural roads, the speed limit for cars is set at 90 km/h, while for mobile homes, it is 70 km/h. Cars may travel at 100 km/h on developed country roads that have a shoulder of at least 1.5 meters, whereas motorhomes are limited to 80 km/h. On motorways, the speed limit is 120 km/h for cars and 90 km/h for mobile homes. Speed cameras are frequently found on the streets of Spain, and violations are penalized immediately. The use of radar detection devices is strictly forbidden. Drivers must maintain a blood alcohol concentration of no more than 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers during their two-year probationary period, the limit is reduced to 0.3 per mille. There are no permissible limits for any drugs; even trace amounts can result in severe penalties. In the event of a breakdown or accident outside built-up areas, it is mandatory to wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. It is essential to carry the following documents in the car: your identification card or passport, driving license, rental car documents, and the rental agreement. Additionally, your rental vehicle should be equipped with two warning triangles, a high-visibility vest, and either a spare tire or a tire repair kit. Naturally, the seatbelt requirement applies to all passengers. Children who are up to 135 cm tall must be secured in an appropriate baby seat or child seat. Such seats may not be placed in the front passenger seat unless the rear seats are occupied by other children under 135 cm tall or if the vehicle lacks rear seating. Drivers are only allowed to make telephone calls using a hands-free system without a headset while driving. Operating navigation devices and mobile phones while driving is logically prohibited.

Driving through Madrid’s old town is extremely complex and tiresome - a labyrinth of tiny streets, one-way roads and dead ends greet you round every turning. If you plan to visit this part of town, we advise sticking to the main roads that cross the centre, for example the Gran Via. Main intersections, especially those leading to the airport and other important parts of the city can also become congested, especially during the summer months.

Finding parking in Madrid like with all major cities can be difficult and time consuming. On-street parking is available in certain parts of the city but make sure you pay attention to the road signs dictating times of operation. Blue dotted lines indicate a fee payable parking spot. Therefore a pay and display machine should be nearby. Green dotted lines are for residents or permit holders only. Parking here will land you with a fine or your vehicle being towed away.

Secure parking garages are available throughout the city and are often a viable option. Many car parks are open 24-hours per day, with some being perfectly located for access to main tourist attractions and local public transport. For example, the Atocha Station car park is only 10 minutes walking to Prado and 5 minutes to the Reina Sofia Museum. Although it does limit the amount of time you can park.

• Blue zones: Located in the heart of Madrid, operational Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 20:00, and on Saturday from 09:00 to 15:00. Please note that hours may differ in August. The maximum duration of 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: Among the top choices is Callao Smart Parking, conveniently located near the Callao metro station and offered at a reasonable price. Another option is Parking Cuesta de San Vicente, which is situated close to the Plaza de Espana metro station and just off the A-5.


• Free parking: Mostly found on the periphery of Madrid. In general, it is necessary to use public transportation to and from the parking area.

When navigating through the city center when hiring a car in Madrid, it is essential to be particularly mindful of the Limited Emission Zones (LEZ) and the Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ), which are designated environmental areas with restricted access. Since October 2018, the entire urban area of Madrid has been categorized into three environmental zones; it encompasses regulations regarding parking options and associated costs. The ZEZ Madrid/Central environmental zone has been established in the inner city district No. 1, which includes the six districts of Palacio, Embajadores, Cortes, Justicia, Universidad, and Sol. The boundaries of this low emission zone are indicated by a red double line spanning 10 kilometers or by large green and white signs along the incoming roads, along with logos on the roadway. Within this zone, entry, transit, and parking are stringently regulated based on the vehicle's environmental sticker. In addition to the ZEZ Madrid/Central environmental zone, there exist two temporary environmental zones that are activated solely when nitrogen oxide levels rise and specific general weather conditions are met. One of these is the LEZ Madrid/M-30, located within the M30 ring road, where, similar to the ZEZ Madrid/Central, special regulations regarding parking facilities and costs are also enforced. Conversely, the LEZ Madrid/City encompasses the entire urban area beyond the M-30 motorway ring road. Depending on the vehicle's environmental stickers, the measures implemented can range from speed reductions to driving prohibitions, contingent upon air pollution levels.

Spain has a considerable number of toll roads, primarily consisting of motorways and tunnels. Payment is processed at booths situated either at the entrance or the exit, and can be made using cash or credit cards. When approaching the toll booth, ensure you select the lane designated for your chosen payment method. For a comprehensive overview of toll costs, you may refer to the Via Michelin website.

Tolls can be paid for either in cash or a valid bank card. It is possible to avoid paying tolls as the country also has well-maintained and efficient free motorways. These are known as Autovias and in theory can take you anywhere in Spain.

Yes absolutely! If you would like to add more freedom to your travels, there is something we can definitely recommend: a campervan hire from Madrid. In our dedicated website section you will find modern models of any size, and if you call our professional reservations staff they will be happy to give you advice and help you find a good offer.