We're traveling in Spain (first time) in early April. We want to visit the sights in & around Madrid, but it sounds like having and driving a rental car there is a pain. Would it be better to stay in a nearby city (like Segovia)? Other option is to save Madrid for last and drop the car off early, but this sounds like a hectic place to end our Spain vacation. Any input is appreciated!

Spain is amazing! The small towns are everything you'd expect them to be, and sometimes a bit more touristy than you'd wish them to be. That said, don't miss the opportunity to see Madrid! It is one of the lovliest big cities, European or otherwise, that I have experienced. Whether to stay there or on the outskirts depends on how you like to travel. One word of caution -- look out for pickpockets in Madrid. Nothing extraordinary, just regular vigilance should do.

Whether arriving or departing from a big city, it might be best to not have a car while there. If arriving, give yourself a few days in the city, and rent the car starting on your touring day when you are ready to leave the city. I prefer the reverse: drop off the car a few days before returning home and visit the big city without worrying about the car. After a stay in a foreign country, the big city appears much less hectic than at first glance.

Good question. I too am condsidering such a trip. <BR>Where does one pick up/return the rental car? For example if ending the road trip in Madrid do you return it at the airport or in town? Is there a charge for returning the car to a different place?<BR>

I rented and returned a car to the Atocha train station. I must admit I was a bit unerved driving in the city. I am sure you could also drop at the airport if you arrange it with the car company.

crusty,<BR>There's no charge for returning your rental car to a different location in Madrid.<BR><BR>If you're coming in from the south, for example, from Toledo, the most logical place to return it would be Atocha rail station. <BR>When we come into the city from the north, we return our car to Barajas airport, taking the M40 around the horrendous city traffic (although traffic on the M40 can be dicey too at rush hour but still preferable to venturing into the city).

I would never have a car in Madrid. We usually start and end our trips in Madrid, so the car is picked up and dropped off there. If coming in from the north, I prefer to drop it off at the Chamartin station, from other directions, I usually drop it off in Atocha. It saves the time and expense of getting into the city from the airport, although traffic can be bad. BTW, I've found that Atocha is usually open later than Chamartin for car dropoffs.

I agree...no car in Madrid...weather is great for walking and they have a wonderful metro system. Do be mindful of others on the metro...I was a victim of a pickpocket...fortunately it was at the end of the trip and all they got were a few metro tickets

Madrid is a wonderful city, but not a place you'd want to have a car. If you pick up your car at the airport, go directly to Segovia or Toledo, both of which are deserving of overnight stays. If you are mainly interested in central Spain, do the &quot;ring around Madrid&quot; and see Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, Avila. Then drop your car off at the airport and take a bus or cab into Madrid for the last couple of nights. Or do the opposite--see Madrid first, then pick up a car and travel to the other towns, dropping the car at the airport prior to your departure. (If you want some budget hotel recommendations in Segovia and/or Toledo, email me. [email protected]