How to park for free in Madrid
Big cities like Madrid are a hustle and bustle of cars. In addition to the intense traffic, there is also the problem of the scarcity of parking spaces in the city and if we are looking for is free parking, the difficulty is multiplied.
With the launch of Madrid Central, The access is more limited and parking has become a headache for drivers. In addition, the blue and green zones have limited parking time. If we intend, for example, to go to work, we need to leave the car for the hours that our working day lasts. Although there are a number of long-stay car parks and park-and-ride facilities, The truth is that parking in the centre of Madrid is not easy and it is certainly not free.
Aware of this problem, we set out to find out where we could park our cars without paying. And what did we discover? That within the M-30 ring road there are not many free parking areas, but some of the city's districts have streets where there are no parking meters.
Do you want to discover those areas where park your car for free and with no time limit? Go ahead...
Where to find free parking in Madrid
One thing you should bear in mind if you're travelling by car is that parking in the centre of Madrid is almost impossible, except in public or private pay car parks. To park your car properly and avoid the dreaded fines, you will have to go to the surrounding neighbourhoods. Here are the few free parking areas.
Zones of the Manzanares River
On the banks of the Manzanares you can find some free parking spaces. You only have to cross the river, on the other side of the M-30. You can also leave your car for free at Paseo de Extremadura.. A good option if you want to go to Casa de Campo or Madrid Río. There are also metro stations if you need to go to the city centre.
Chamartín area
In this northern area of Madrid and very close to the train station you can find less orthodox areas to park your car, such as open spaces or embankments. Next to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, in Crevillente Street, There is a private street, closed to the public, where you can park your car without paying, but be careful! Neighbours may call your attention to you.
Usera neighbourhood
This district of Madrid has several streets where you can leave your car in the car parked without paying a single euro.
Barrio del Pilar
Next to the Vicente del Bosque sports centre There are about 100 parking spaces for cars, without parking meters.
University City area
In this area there are also free parking spaces. They are very close to the Parque del Oeste and Plaza de Moncloa. The interchange is right there if you are going to move around the centre of Madrid. Also near the building of the General Directorate of the Civil Guard, Parking is also easy.
Calle de Alcalá
What is inside the M-30 ring road is regulated by Madrid's SER zone, but if you cross it, you can find free parking. This is Calle de Alcalá, which continues past the Ventas bridge. Although it may be a bit far from the centre, this area is very well connected by public transport.
Méndez Álvaro
Very near Atocha station and from the Repsol building there is an asphalted area which to this day is not regulated by the SER.
Legazpi area
In Ricardo Damas Street there is a free zone with the metro next to it.
Free parking near Madrid Airport
If you have to go to Barajas airport by car, you will already know that there is a long-stay car park, What can you do if you need to leave your car for several days and want to save some money? Well, there are a few tricks. For example, you can always leave your car in the neighbourhoods surrounding the airport and then get there by public transport.
Regulated parking in Madrid
What times are free to park
From Monday to Friday the area known as SER operates from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. And on Saturdays only until 15.00. Outside these hours, including On Sundays and public holidays, you can park your car free of charge.
Also throughout the month of August this regulated parking zone is exempted from payment after 15.00 hours. If you want more information about the SER areas in Madrid click on this link.
Vehicles exempted from payment in SER zones
The SER zone in Madrid is payable and has several tariffs, depending on whether it is a blue zone, green zone, long-stay or health area. But there are exceptions. These are vehicles that do not have to obtain a ticket and can park free of charge.
- Two and three-wheeled vehicles.
- Vehicles transporting persons with reduced mobility, always with authorisation.
- Taxis on duty.
- Ambulances and health care vehicles, whether SAMUR, Social Security or Red Cross.
- Public service vehicles for hire with driver.
- Diplomatic vehicles accredited in Spain.
- Vehicles of public employees of the State, Provinces, Municipalities and Autonomous Communities, while they are performing their duties and always with the authorisation of the Madrid City Council.
- Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
You can see that parking for free in Madrid is possible. It is not easy because there are few parking spaces, but it is not impossible.
