What the rule says, in short
| Zone | General rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Distrito Centro (very-low-emission zone) | Access reserved for residents, authorised vehicles and some zero-emission or ECO vehicles, with limits | Avoid entering by car; public car parks have their own conditions |
| Plaza Elíptica (protection zone) | Restrictions depending on the vehicle's sticker | Check the sticker before driving through |
| Rest of the city | Vehicles without a sticker are limited; cameras check plates | A recent car generally has a sticker |
| Rental car | The rental company must supply a car with a sticker | Ask for the sticker at the desk |
Foreign or rental car
A car registered outside Spain does not always appear in the Spanish file: there is a free procedure to register your vehicle with the DGT and obtain the matching sticker. For a Spanish rental car, the rental company is responsible for the sticker, but a fine can be passed on to you with fees: ask about the terms. See car rental at the airport and car rental from a station.
Without a car: how to manage
Madrid is easy to visit without a car: metro, bus, taxi and commuter trains cover the centre and the airport (transport). From the airport, a private transfer removes any ZBE question: the driver knows the rules and drops you near the hotel. See also from the airport to the centre.
Going further
If you rent anyway, favour a rental for excursions outside Madrid, picking the car up outside the zone.
