Car rental at Madrid : Discover all our stations

Situated right in the center of Spain, Madrid is known as a capital of culture. With world-famous art collections and a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, it is a living museum. But at night the city really comes alive, starting with drinks on sprawling terraces, followed by late-night restaurants and busy bars. Soccer fans will not want to miss the action at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, home to Real Madrid.

With your Europcar rental car you can explore the central Spanish countryside, including San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the stunning walled town of Buitrago del Lozoya, located on a peninsula in the River Lozoya.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to car rental in Madrid. Europcar has stations at major transport points including Madrid Airport (terminals 1 & 4), the Chamartín railroad station, and several other locations in the suburbs. 

You can navigate the center with ease in a compact car such as the Fiat 500 or Seat Leon. If you are traveling with a larger group or just need a bit more space, the Jeep Renegade or Volkswagen Tiguan are part of our guaranteed selection.

Need even more space, or transporting heavier loads? Europcar Madrid specializes in van hire too. Check out our full selection of van rental options today.

Whether you need a vehicle for a day, a week or longer, Europcar Madrid offers the most flexible rentals on the market.

On main roads in and around Madrid, the speed limit is 50 km/h, while on country roads it is 90 km/h and freeways 120 km/h. In residential areas and near schools, the limit is reduced to 20 km/h.

On-street parking in Madrid can be tricky, and it is advisable to avoid the center and park on the outskirts. Paid parking is enforced in spaces with blue markings or signposts, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, and on Saturdays 9am to 3pm. Throughout August, paid parking is Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm. In these spaces, the maximum stay is two hours, but multi-story parking garages offer longer stays.

Be careful when parking, as any vehicles parked in the wrong area or exceeding the time limit may be towed away or clamped.

There are several toll roads in Spain, and you can pay with cash, credit/debit cards or via an electronic system called Telepeaje or Via T. You can buy the small transmitters from banks or gas stations to fix to your windshield.

There is plenty to experience in the center of Madrid, whether you are a lover of culture, food, music, nightlife, or all four. Visit the 17th-century Parque del Buen Retiro, to enjoy a drink in the sun at one of the parkside cafés, or row a boat on the lake. Bask in the history of the Plaza Mayor, the largest open space in the city, with vibrant street life and bars. From world-class jazz bars to Michelin-starred dining, there are endless options to fill your evenings. If you enjoy flamenco, make sure you visit Villa Rosa, which has been entertaining crowds since 1914.

Madrid may not have the coastline that Barcelona boasts, but there are certainly some great options for touring the area. Segovia is a veritable melting pot of culture, with Celts, Romans, Muslims and Christians all occupying the city during its history. Marvel at its famous two-tier aqueduct dating back to the first or second century. Segovia is just over an hour (55 miles) from Madrid. 

Forty-five miles to the south of the capital lies Toledo, an ancient hillside city full of Jewish, Christian and Muslim architecture and cobbled streets. It is also the birthplace of El Greco.

On from Madrid, why not discover Valencia and its fine coast? The 220-mile trip takes around three hours by car. 

For an insight into the quintessentially Spanish tradition of bullfighting, visit the most prestigious bullring in the world, the Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas. While this longstanding pastime may divide opinion, the architecture of the colossal building is sure to enthrall everyone who visits. The auditorium seats 25,000 people over four floors, and hosts concerts as well as bullfights. The Museo Taurino is also worth a visit for its displays of torero costumes, photos, and memorabilia. The ring and museum are 15 minutes by car from the city center.

Art is a huge part of the soul of Madrid. Works by Picasso, Dalí and Miró adorn the walls of major museums, including the Museo del Prado, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. The tapas bars are outstanding, but Madrid also pushes the boundaries of Spanish cuisine, and there are some extraordinary restaurants here, reflecting every region of Spain. The nightlife is like no other, with an energizing mix of elegant cocktail bars and hedonistic clubs to choose from.

We are proud to be European leaders in car rental. To find out more about the Europcar car hire experience, be sure to visit our car rental page!