Madison car rentals from $34/day

On average a rental car in Madison costs $62 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Madison found in the last 2 weeks is $45.

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($35/day), Alamo ($37/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($38/day).

The average gas price in Madison is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

Intermediate (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Madison.

Car rental companies onsite at Truax Field airport include Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Alamo, Avis and National.

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Truax Field airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Alamo, Avis, and National.

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

An Intermediate car rental in Madison costs $78 per day, on average.

A Special car rental in Madison costs $61 per day, on average.

A Compact car rental in Madison costs $78 per day, on average.

In Madison, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz 6514 Odana Road (5 miles from city center).

On average a rental car in Madison costs $431 per week ($62 per day).

On average a rental car in Madison costs $1,846 per month ($62 per day).

Most car rental providers in Madison offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Madison, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 9 car rental agencies in Madison.

Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Madison so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

Acquire a compact car for a rental in Madison if you’re only staying within the Madison isthmus. These can easily squeeze into the limited parking spaces within the center. They are also convenient for driving on narrow streets in Madison. An economy rental is more suitable if you don’t have much going on in the center. Visitors in town with family or a group will benefit more from an SUV, spacious to accommodate several people. During winter, a four-wheel drive equipped with winter tires is more appropriate for the snowy terrain. It is also advantageous for exploring quirky attractions outside or within the city.

With a Madison car rental, you can easily get to Wisconsin Dells, about an hour north of Madison. It is a popular destination for its water parks, attractions, and natural beauty. Located about 1h 30min southeast of Madison, Lake Geneva is a popular destination for its lakeside activities, charming downtown area, and historic mansions.

Speed limits in Madison vary, and speed limits around residential areas are set at 20 mph. The limit on major streets within the city is now 25 mph. Outside city limits, car rentals in Madison should adhere to the speed limit of 55 mph. Expressways and interstates in Madison bear a speed limit of 65 mph. The police pull over speeding drivers and issue speeding tickets since the city lacks speeding cameras. Adjust your speed reasonably and prudently by slowing down during harsh conditions like winter when roads are slippery due to ice.

Certain lanes on some roads (East Washington Avenue, University Avenue, Park Street, and Whitney Way) are designated for buses only during certain hours. These lanes are typically marked with signs or pavement markings, and you should avoid using them during the designated times. Certain areas of downtown Madison, such as State Street, are designated pedestrian zones where cars are not allowed.  

Finding parking at Madison center is difficult due to the limited number of parking spaces. A permit, such as a University of Wisconsin campus permit, is essential for parking in some lots in the center. Downtown Madison has plenty of parking spaces and metered parking. For instance, Blair Lot, Overture Center Garage, and South Livingston Street Garage offer the cheapest downtown parking options with around a $1 hourly rate. Downtown metered parking costs about $2 per hour. Alternatively, you can find parking outside the city limits and use the Metro Transit System to get to the city. Evergreen Lot and Wingra Lot are some parking options outside the city center charging roughly $1.20 per hour.