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As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a fascinating place to visit. With world-known museums such as Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza, amazing nightlife, vibrant culinary scene, and plenty of sights, this city won't make you indifferent.
Second-largest in Europe by physical size as well as one of the busiest, Madrid Barajas Airport is located 15km from the city centre. Hiring a car would be an awesome way to discover the wonders of Madrid and beyond. The airport is located on the interconnection of highways, so getting to the city is very quick and straightforward. Also, as Madrid is right in the centre of Spain, hiring a car gives you the freedom to move around exploring the many superb destinations of this country.
As for the car hire companies in Madrid Barajas Airport, there are plenty to choose from. There are well-known brands like Avis, Sixt, Hertz-Firefly, Europcar-InterRent and you have a variety of vehicles and options. The offices are located in T1 and T4. In T1 the offices are found on Floor 0, in T4 it's Floor -1.
You can also hire a car in Madrid city centre, here you find both international and local brands. The majority of offices are located in the area of Atocha station and around Plaza de España. While you can potentially find a more affordable option, it all comes down to comfort and speed. If you hire at the airport, you drive straight away and don't have to deal with a public transport commute to the location in the city.
As in any capital of Europe, driving in Madrid can get pretty intense at times. First things first, always use navigation for making your way around the city. Not only will it make your time finding the right route easier, but it will also alert you if there's a traffic jam (and in the case of Madrid it happens quite often). Avoid driving at rush hours and always adhere to the speed limits.
In general, Madrid roads are very comfortable and in great condition. Even in the tourist areas, there's lots of space for cars. Parking can be a quest though, so be prepared to spend some time finding a vacant space. Street parking is only allowed on blue (up to 4 hours) and green (up to 2 hours) painted lines. You also have many car parks around the city.
Hiring a car in the Madrid Barajas Airport with the international brands like Sixt or Hertz-Firefly gives you the flexibility to return the vehicle to other locations around the country. Big companies have a bigger fleet of cars, many additional choices and competitive prices. It is very important to do your research beforehand and find the solution that works for you to avoid the unnecessary extra costs when you arrive. Also, keep an eye on special promotions car hire companies have, this can also save you some money.
Make sure to book a car in advance so that you have a smooth pick-up in Madrid. Also, know the insurance policies of the company you're going with and check reviews online to avoid unpleasant experiences.
The setting in the heart of Spain makes Madrid a fantastic base for exploration of the country by car. You have highways in all directions and driving between the destinations is a pleasure. Start with a classic day trip from Madrid, a royal UNESCO-protected city of Toledo with an imposing castle on a hill and one of the most picturesque old towns in Spain. The drive is a must for first-time visitors of the Spanish capital and takes only an hour.
Another amazing journey is going north stopping at Ávila with epic mediaeval walls, Segovia boasting a gigantic Roman aqueduct and getting some fresh air at the marvellous Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park full of pine forests, lakes and rocky formations. And you'll be accompanied by bucolic hilly scenery throughout the trip.
If you're in for a longer drive, sunny Valencia with beaches and pulsating city life is just 3 and a half hours away.
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.
