We are flying into Madrid and winding up in Estepona. We would like to rent a car but don't want to drive in the big cities. We would like to see Toledo. Is it hard to drive in Toledo? If so, where would be the best town to rent one and how do we get there from Madrid?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Get the car in Madrid as you leave, getting out is easy.
Toledo driving isn't that bad, but you're not going to drive into the historic center.
The only rental places I've noticed are out on the eastern fringes and it's going to be a logistic mess to get to them if you come into the city by public transportation. You'll probably wind up parking either just east of the Tagus or to the north of the old town.
The drive down to Estepona will be effortless. The only kicker will be getting into Seville if that's on the list. I've done it a bunch of times, but never very well. Getting back out is simple.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you. Where is the best place to rent the car in Madrid for the easiest way out?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
It doesn't matter. Pick the place closest to where you're staying.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you very much!
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hi,
I did a lot of "research" looking for the best price and locations to pick-up and drop off a car rental. autoeurope came up with the best prices. There is a no charge cancellation policy with them if you cancel in advance. So I booked a car, then I phoned them and got a really helpful person. I said where I was staying in BCN and where I was staying in Santiago, where we will drop, and he got everything I wanted and ALL the charges up front. I hate surprises. My booking would have had a few surprises.
Be aware of the toll roads. They are pricey. Locals aren't driving on them much, so they are empty. And the secondary roads have heavy use. Toll roads are quick and expensive, secondary is slow and but no charge.
I buy an atlas in advance and take the pages I need. Modern people buy an app and get European service for their phones....A good Atlas is $18 and can be read anytime any where.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks for the good advice Wayne. I am just nervous about driving out of either Madrid or Toledo. Just wondering if it's best to take the train from Madrid to toledo and rent the car there.
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
I would save the car rental for later. Take the train from Madrid into Toledo. You can walk every where in toledo and/or take the bus. It is very difficult to drive in the old part of the city (Toledo), in fact most cars aren’t allowed on some streets. When you go back to Madrid pick up your rental then, or take a train to Cordoba, enjoy the city, then take the bus to Malaga (great trip, ride was about 2 hours) then pick up your rental car at the Malaga airport to go to Estepona. Depends on how many days you have. It is VERY easy to navigate around Spain. The trains are great (renfe.es - website hard to use as it is all in spanish) as are the buses: alas.es
Check out centaurorentacar.com