Travelling by car in Madrid: renting cars, carsharing or carpooling
Renting Cars
You can find all the major car rental companies in Madrid, such as Avis and Hertz. Unless you’re picking up the car right from the airport, my advice is to go to Atocha train station because all the companies have offices there, so you can go in, ask for the best deals and pick up the car right then and there. Of course you can also book online at all these places.
Here are the top 5 car rental companies in Madrid (based on popularity) and links to their Madrid webs:
Carsharing, Carpooling or Car Clubs (whichever way you call it)
In the last few years, a new way of travelling has appeared: carpooling is the 21st Century version of hitch-hiking. Online car-sharing platforms allow drivers and carless travellers to get in touch, travel together, share expenses and keep each other company during the ride. Drivers post where and when they are going and how much money you’ll need to pay. If it suits your travel plans, you just contact them! Easy as pie. So if you want to go to Alicante or even Lisbon, you’re bound to find someone who’s already heading that way and is offering an extra seat in their car. Many websites offer this service, but Bla Bla Car is the most common in Spain and it’s very easy to use. Also, if you’re a woman travelling alone, there’s the option to seek other women drivers.
Here is a quick guide on how to use it:
Step 1# go to blablacar.es (or any other if you wish!)
Step 2# Get a user.
- You only need your facebook account or email address and a cell phone number.
- They will send you an email and cellphone text message which you will use (both of them) to confirm your account
Step 3# Select your departure city and destination.
Step 4# Select your driver. A women’s section is available, if you aren’t comfortable enough.
Step 5# Pay for your trip through the website. The carpooling company will send a code which you’ll have to give the driver once you get to your destination.
If you can’t make it, they offer a cancellation policy:
- More than 24 hours cancellation, you get your money back
- Less than 24 hours cancellation, you get 50% of your money back
- You don’t show up, you get nothing!
Here are some links to different websites that work in Spain
Check out more posts on getting around Madrid here:
1. Getting around Madrid by train: inner-city commuter train (Cercanías) & high-speed train (AVE)