Car Rental in Madrid, Spain
How to Book a Car in Madrid with Drivelity: Only 5 Simple Steps
You need to fulfil 5 simple steps to book a car in Madrid, Spain:
- Select the city: Madrid (pick-up, drop-off locations) and rental dates in the search field;
- Press Filters and select the vehicle type, car brand, gear box, deposit/no deposit, payment method, etc.
- Choose the best deal from the listing;
- Click View and fill in the details including additional services (if needed);
- Pay an advance 15-20% of the rental cost and confirm your booking.
The voucher will be sent to your email after successful prepayment. It confirms the rental and includes the final price in EUR and terms. Pay the rest of amount when you pick up the car.
Cheap or Luxury Car Rental in Madrid Without Credit Card
Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is famous for its world-class museums, historic landmarks, lively plazas and exceptional cuisine. While the city’s public transportation system is excellent, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility for exploring not only Madrid but also the surrounding regions. Whether you’re planning a business trip, family vacation or scenic road trip across Spain, car rental in Madrid can make your journey more comfortable and convenient.
Although Madrid metro, buses and trains efficiently serve the city center, many of the most beautiful destinations of Spain are easier to reach by car. Renting a vehicle allows you to travel at your own tempo, avoid crowded schedules and discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist routes.
Drivelity is an international booking platform which connects you with licensed local car rental companies in Madrid, Spain. We offer cheap or luxury car rental in Madrid, Spain at the best prices. Our service has a huge selection of vehicles in our fleet ranging from economy class cars to 4×4 SUVs, vans (7 seater), elite, premium, convertibles, sports and luxury cars. You can rent a car in Madrid, Spain with no credit card and low deposit for short term (daily, weekly) or long term.
Rent a Cheap or Luxury Car in Madrid City and Barajas Airport
You can choose pickup and return locations during booking a car in Madrid, Spain. For example, select car delivery to airport, train station, hotel, mall, etc. You need to specify exact delivery address of preferred location. For example, Madrid Barajas Airport Terminal 4 or Atocha Railway Station.
Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Madrid, Spain
- Economy Cars. Best for solo travelers or couples, fuel efficient and easy to park in busy areas like Madrid. They are ideal for short stays, city breaks and exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods as well as nearby attractions such as El Escorial, Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez.
- Standard cars. Comfortable mid-range option with more space and comfort than economy cars. Ideal for small families or longer trips around Madrid and nearby destinations such as Toledo, Segovia and the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
- SUVs. Suitable for families and travelers planning to explore the mountains, countryside and natural parks surrounding Madrid including the Sierra de Guadarrama, La Pedriza and the scenic villages of the Lozoya Valley.
- Convertibles. Popular choice for visitors who want to enjoy Madrid’s warm climate and scenic drives through the surrounding countryside, passing through picturesque towns such as Chinchón, San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Patones.
- Vans. Ideal for larger groups or families who require additional luggage space making them perfect for sightseeing tours, airport transfers and day trips across the Madrid region and central Spain.
- Luxury Cars. Top-level comfort, performance and style. Ideal for business travel, special occasions or premium travel experiences in Madrid, Spain.
Hire a Car in Madrid: Why Choose Drivelity?
- We work with the best verified local car rental companies in Madrid, Spain and provide a huge selection of vehicles for any request;
- Convenient search filter by types of cars (economy, standard, luxury, Vans, SUVs, convertibles), brand, model, engine size, gearbox (manual, automatic), etc.
- Payment methods accepted by Drivelity: cash, debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
- Unlimited mileage; additional options: second driver, child safety seat, etc.
- Insurance: Basic Coverage, Full Coverage;
- Car delivery to hotel, mall, airport, train station, etc.
- You avoid hidden fees. The final rental price is indicated in voucher;
- Low deposit. There are many offers with deposit under 450 €;
- No credit card is required. You don’t need to have a credit card to hire a car in Madrid, Spain;
- Free cancellation. Full refund if cancellation is made more than 24-48 hours before receiving the vehicle;
- 24/7 support. We monitor all the stages of car rental and assist if you have any questions.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Madrid, Spain?
Bank card is required to make an advance payment and reserve a vehicle. When collecting the vehicle and signing the rental agreement, you must present the original versions of the following documents (Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted):
- International Passport. Valid government-issued identification document for all drivers.
- Valid Driver’s License. Your national driver’s license held for the minimum period required by the rental company (typically 1–2 years).
- Booking Confirmation Voucher. Presented either in printed form or electronically. The voucher will be sent to the email address provided during booking immediately after the advance payment is completed.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 22 years old and have 1–2 years of driving experience. Drivers aged 26 and over with 2–3 years of driving experience typically have access to the widest selection of vehicles. You can find age and driving experience requirements in each car’s description.
Driving Rules in Spain
- Carry your driving license, passport/ID and insurance documents at all times. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your country of origin.
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Follow speed limits: typically 30–50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads and 120 km/h on highways (autopistas) unless otherwise signposted.
- Maintain a safe distance, stay in your lane and use indicators when changing lanes or turning.
- Obey all traffic signals; running a red light is strictly fined.
- At roundabouts, give way to vehicles already inside unless road signs indicate otherwise.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l blood alcohol (lower for new drivers and professionals) and penalties for exceeding it are strict.
- Traffic cameras are widely used to control speeding, seatbelt use, mobile phone use and other violations.
- Use a mobile phone only with a hands-free system while driving.
- All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- Children must use appropriate child restraint systems; children under 135 cm must be properly secured in approved seats.
- Move aside immediately for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.
- Parking is allowed only in designated areas; blue zones require payment and a visible ticket. Illegal parking may result in fines or towing.
- Aggressive driving, dangerous overtaking and improper use of road shoulders are penalized.
Best Places to Visit in Madrid by Rental Car
Here are some top sights to visit in Madrid, Spain:
- Royal Palace of Madrid – Magnificent royal residence showcasing lavish state rooms, grand staircases, priceless artworks and centuries of Spanish royal history.
- Plaza Mayor – Historic arcaded square renowned for its elegant architecture, lively atmosphere, outdoor cafes and rich cultural heritage dating back to the 17th century.
- Puerta del Sol – Bustling central square famous for the iconic Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, Kilometer Zero marker and vibrant city life.
- Prado Museum – World-famous art museum housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and other European masters in an impressive neoclassical building.
- Retiro Park – Expansive green oasis featuring scenic gardens, picturesque boating lake, stunning Crystal Palace and peaceful walking paths.
- Gran Vía – Iconic boulevard of Madrid celebrated for its striking architecture, luxury shopping, historic theaters, rooftop terraces and vibrant nightlife.
- Plaza de Cibeles – Elegant landmark square known for its magnificent fountain, impressive civic buildings and one of the most recognizable city views of Madrid.
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – Legendary home of Real Madrid featuring a state-of-the-art design, interactive museum and unforgettable experiences for football fans.
- Mercado de San Miguel – Historic gourmet market offering traditional Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, artisan delicacies and an authentic culinary experience.
- Temple of Debod – Ancient Egyptian temple set within tranquil park admired for its fascinating history and spectacular sunset views over the city.
You can also travel by rental car to Aranjuez, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Segovia, Barcelona, Girona, Malaga, Sevilla, Granada, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, Murcia, etc.
Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Madrid, Spain
- Learn the traffic rules. Familiarize yourself with Spanish driving regulations beforehand to avoid fines. Always keep your driver’s license and vehicle documents with you in case the traffic police request them.
- Inspect the car. Check the vehicle thoroughly inside and out when you pick it up. Take photos or videos and make sure any scratches or damage are recorded in the handover report.
- Be mindful of the heat. High temperatures can cause mobile phones, tablets and food to overheat or spoil. Avoid leaving electronics or perishables inside the car.
- Monitor fuel level. Keep track on your fuel level especially on rural roads in Spain where gas stations can be scarce. If you’re driving in mountainous regions it’s safer to rent a car with a larger fuel tank.
- Choose the right insurance. Make sure your rental includes sufficient coverage especially for collision and theft.
- Pick the right vehicle. Consider the size and type of car for your itinerary especially if you plan long highway drives.
FAQ
Can I rent a car in Madrid, Spain without credit card?
It depends on local rental company’s policy. You can find rental options that allow payment in cash or with debit card on our website.
Why are prices on Drivelity website lower than on other aggregators?
Drivelity car booking service works with local rental companies which offer low car rental prices.
What is a minimum age and driving experience to rent a car in Madrid, Spain?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 22 years old and have 1–2 years of driving experience. Drivers aged 26 and over with 2–3 years of driving experience typically have access to the widest selection of vehicles. You will find age and driving experience requirements in each car’s description.
Do you offer child seat when booking through Drivelity?
Yes, we offer different types of seats for children (for additional fee): child safety seat (up to 1 year old), child safety seat, child booster seat.
What options do you offer when renting a car in Madrid?
You will find the following options among the car rental offers in Madrid available through the Drivelity comparison platform (for additional fee):
- the second driver in contract;
- unlimited mileage;
- child safety seat (up to 1 year old), child safety seat, child booster seat;
- city delivery;
- free cancellation (up to 24–48 hours before vehicle pickup).
What are the car rental prices in Madrid?
The approximal car rental prices in Madrid, Spain are:
- 40-80€ per day (economy cars)
- 50-100€ per day (standard cars)
- 50-120€ per day (SUVs)
- 120-190€ per day (vans)
- 140-590€ per day (convertibles and luxury cars)
Is basic insurance included in car rental price?
Yes. Basic Coverage or sometimes Full Coverage are included.
Is delivery to Madrid Airport, Railway Station and pickup at hotel available?
Yes. Some car rental companies in Madrid, Spain, may offer car delivery to Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Atocha Railway Station, Chamartin Train Station and vehicle pickup at your hotel.
Is it available to travel abroad by rental car?
Yes. Some car rental companies allow to travel by rental car to Andorra, France, Portugal and other EU countries.
Do I have to return the car with full tank?
The rental car must be returned with the same fuel level when it was handed over to you. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than required, you will be charged for the difference based on the company’s fuel rates.
Useful Information
Parking
Madrid offers wide range of parking options across the city center, residential neighborhoods and surrounding districts with on-street parking rates typically starting from around €2.00-€4.00 per hour, alongside numerous public parking garages and facilities suitable for rental cars.
Parking Types
- Free parking is available in some residential neighborhoods outside the central districts, although spaces are very limited in Centro, around Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor and other popular tourist areas;
- Paid parking is regulated under Madrid SER (Servicio de Estacionamiento Regulado) system. Blue zones are intended for short-stay parking while green zones primarily serve residents but allow non-residents to park for a limited time at higher rates. Parking is generally regulated during daytime on weekdays and Saturdays, with many areas offering free parking overnight, on Sundays and on public holidays, although operating hours and regulations vary depending on the district.
Parking regulations are indicated by road markings and signs: white lines designate free parking where permitted, blue lines indicate paid parking while orange zones are generally reserved for residents or subject to special restrictions.
Fueling
Madrid has an extensive network of fuel stations including Repsol, Cepsa, BP, Shell, Galp, Plenoil, Ballenoil and Petroprix, with petrol and diesel prices typically ranging from €1.45 to €1.75 per litre. Stations are conveniently located throughout the city, in the surrounding metropolitan area and along the major motorways connecting Madrid with the rest of Spain.
The main fuel types are gasoline, diesel and LPG (autogas). Fuel quality is consistently high, with green pumps usually indicating gasoline (95 and 98 octane) and black pumps indicating diesel. LPG stations are clearly marked with “LPG” or “Autogas” signs.
Most fuel stations operate from early morning until late evening, while 24/7 service is widely available on ring roads, major motorways and at larger urban locations. Prices at motorway service stations may be slightly higher than those at stations within the city or in surrounding municipalities while low-cost fuel chains often offer some of the most competitive prices in the Madrid region.
Toll Roads
Madrid has modern and extensive road network making it easy to explore both the city and the surrounding region by car. Most major motorways around Madrid are toll-free, although some routes elsewhere in Spain may include toll sections. Drivers should also budget for expenses such as fuel, parking and any applicable toll charges.
Before booking a car in Madrid, choose your preferred pickup location. Available options can be viewed on our website by clicking the “Pickup” field. Depending on the supplier, vehicles can be collected at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Atocha Railway Station, Chamartin Train Station, from city location or delivered directly to your hotel. Pickup options, meeting points and any delivery fees vary by supplier. Be sure to review the pickup details in your booking confirmation.