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The Spanish capital city is one of Europe’s most famous and vibrant cities. Iconic museums, the home of Europe’s most successful domestic football team, incredible nightlife and a fascinating culinary scene, Madrid really does have it all.
Madrid Barajas Airport is the second-largest in Europe by physical size, and also one of the busiest, so it’s an ideal place to hire a car from. The airport is just 15km from the city itself, and well-connected to the rest of Spain via motorways and other major roads, thanks to its geographical location in the centre of the country.
Numerous car hire companies operate from Madrid Barajas Airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and many more.
While hiring from Madrid Barajas Airport can be convenient, there are also several places in the city centre where you can hire a car.
Many companies are based in the offices around Atocha Station and Plaza de España. While you may find a cheaper deal by hiring in the city, it’s also much more convenient to hire directly from the airport – you can simply pick up your car and travel wherever you like, rather than landing after a long flight and then having to sort out transport to the city centre, and then navigate your way through the city streets afterwards.
Like any major world capital, driving in Madrid can be a challenging experience. Here are some tips to adhere to when driving in the Spanish capital:
Only park in designated parking areas in Madrid – there are heavy fines for those parked illegally.
While there are almost as many car hire agencies as there are cars these days, hiring from the right one is important. Major suppliers such as Avis, Hertz and Sixt are so well-known and well-used because of the good reputations they have built up over the years.
In addition, these larger companies often have more cars at their disposal, from small and compact cars suited to solo travellers or couples to larger multi-seater vehicles and minibuses, perfect for larger groups. Many cars in these fleets are also available in manual, automatic and electric models, so that you can choose your preference and feel comfortable when driving in Madrid.
You should also check online reviews before booking car hire, and see which company aligns most with your values and expectations for the best experience of car hire experience in Madrid.
Madrid is known for having one of the best public transport networks in Europe, so if you do not wish to hire a car, don’t let this put you off visiting the Spanish capital.
The Madrid Metro is one of the most modern in Europe. With 15 lines and operating from 06:30 until 01:00 every day, it’s a convenient and cheap way to get around the city.
The Metro Ligero – meaning ‘light rail’ – is the name of Madrid’s tram system, and it is another convenient way to travel through the city. Tickets purchased on the tram are also valid on buses and the metro system, making it a cost-effective way of travel in Madrid.
Madrid’s bus network – over 2,000 buses and 200 routes – is a cost-effective and convenient way to travel in the city without the need for hiring a car. The buses are cheap, and there are thousands of stops in the city, ensuring that you can get to your destination easily by bus.
Hiring a car in Madrid means that you’re not restricted to where and when you can travel in Spain.
Visiting Barcelona is always a good road trip, and driving through the rural Spanish countryside to the Catalan coast is a pleasure. Barcelona is reachable in around six and a half hours, which makes for a fun road trip for those who don’t mind driving longer distances.
Toledo is much closer (only around an hour away), and with its UNESCO-protected city status, it makes for a great trip for history enthusiasts.
Valencia is perfect for a day trip for sun-seekers, being right on the coast and also known for year-round good weather. It can be reached in around three and a half hours from Madrid.
Our customers rated Madrid Barajas airport with an average of 9.0 based on 32 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.
