Many tourists rent cars
in Madrid, all the more so since Madrid is a ideal jumping off point for
exploring the entire peninsula via automobile.
The major car rental agencies
have offices at the Barajas airport, and cars can be picked up just across
from the international terminal. Many of the car rental companies impose
an extra
fee, however, for pickup and return at the airport. In addition, if you are
staying in Madrid before travelling out, parking and driving in Madrid is
an ordeal such that we would recommend relying on taxis and mass transit
until you head out of town.
The major car hire agencies
also have pick up locations in central Madrid. In general, aside from the
airport pick up fee, the rates are essentially the same
as at
the airport, but some car sizes such as minivans are sometimes available
only at the airport, if at all.
We prefer to use a service
that delivers the rental car to our door in Madrid. We have saved money,
time and hassle with a gentleman named Pablo Fernandez of Car-Gest Auto Rental.
While
a minimum
rental of three days is required for his service, the rates have proved in
our experience to be much lower than the airport car hire agencies, saving
us hundreds of dollars per rental. In addition, Pablo will deliver the car
to
your home
or hotel, explain the operation of the car in full, and provide a good quality
map.
For the rentals we made, rates included liability insurance and collision
damage coverage above a reasonable deductible. Our rentals have all included
unlimited mileage,
and
on-road-service
was available
in the event of mechanical problems.
Longer
term auto rentals are also available - we learned of Pablo from friends
who rented their car continuously
from
Pablo for
the
entire
multi-year
period
they
were in Spain.
Pablo speaks fluent
English as well as Spanish. He does not, unfortunately, have email or a website,
but he can be reached by phone at +34 609 515 430 and via
fax at +34 917 990 005. We receive no money for recommending Pablo´s
car hire service, but tell him Spain-Info.com sent you anyway - we would
expect him to give you extra good
service
on our account.
|