Flame123

I will be returning a car to Madrid airport. I have never done this before and I know, for instance that in Rome, only recently have they put in gas stations WITHIN the airport. Anyone know whether in Madrid this is so, or do we have to fill up car before getting into the airport? Many thanks for prompt and detailed response!!

ribeirasacra

Yes here:
http://www.gasolinator.com/gasoliner...rid-g4839.html

Dukey1

http://www.europe-airports.com/spain...t.php?code=MAD

Note the item which says there are fuel stations near at least two of the terminals.

cova

that´s Terminal 1 or 2. If you are returning to the T4, you will have to fill up there and afterwards drive 5 minutes or so to the T4 terminal.

bye, Cova

Viajero2

I just returned from Madrid- Barajas Airport and do not recall seeing one-- the closest would be at Barajas town, a stone-throw from the airport. If too concerned, just drop off the car the night before when you can take your time in finding a gas station without the pressure of making a flight. Stay in Barajas. I recommend the Best Western Barajas Hotel. We dropped off the car the night before, called the Best Western who picked us up and dropped us off the next morning after an excellent breakfast.

Robert2533

There are a few service stations located along highway as you near the airport. Which one you use will depend on where you're driving in from. AENA, which operates the airports in Spain, shows the locations of the service stations within the airport. There is one at T2 and one at T4. Both are open 24 hours/day. Look for the Repsol sign.

http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/...ice%20stations

Flame123

Thanks for all the replies. You guys are terrific. We will be driving in from Granada and we ARE spending the night at an airport hotel and dropping off the car right before taking the hotel shuttle to the hotel. So I am still not sure about some things. Do I decide where I am dropping off the car? Does AVIS have drop off points at any of the terminals above you speak of? Or????

lincasanova

T4 will most likely be the furthest terminal. I am sure you can arrange to drop off at either one. Ask your hotel which is closest.. and then contact rental company to drop off there. You MAY be able to drop off right near your hotel .. you never know. See if they have a place you can do that if they don´t charge more. I have seen rental car offices near some of the hotels I have stayed at near the airport recently. But their office hours will be shorter than the airport´s, regardless.

Remember that many hotel shuttles do not "roam" the airports like one sees at major US airports. Many times you will need to call them as they are on demand only every half hour and then at times only go when they are called, it seems.

ribeirasacra

Where you drop your car off ...maybe ask Avis?

Dukey1

You should be able to identify all the possible Avis drop points by using the Avis website.

Robert2533

AVIS only shows the drop off is at the airport (Aeropuerto De Madrid). It doesn't mention which terminal, but terminal 1 is the main rental car pickup and drop off point. They may be a pickup and drop off location at T4, but I don't remember seeing one the last time through.

tedgale

Does anyone know if those petrol stations at Terminal 2 and 4 take cash and/or N American credit cards with chip?

One post above refers to these stations' being "open 24/7". IME this generally means (at least in France and Italy) that they are self-serve stations that operate exclusively with European bank cards.

We've found ourselves stranded on occasion, unable to pay with cash or CC in rural France on a Sunday.

Airport gas stations are not exempt from unusual payment arrangements. A particularly bad experience paying for gas at Linate airport in Milan has made me paranoid.

Can anyone advise what is the norm in Spain?

Robert2016

I few of the stations in Spain are self-serve, at others attendant takes care of things, but you can pay with your credit card at the self-serve (pump your own fuel) stations after filling up. There should be an attandant around somewhere to run your credit card.

tedgale

Thanks. That's helpful and reassuring.

ribeirasacra

not only do you need a Card with a Chip but you will need your PIN too.

Robert2016

If there is an attendant to run the card, then you do not need a PIN. You're signature will suffice.