On the eastern side of Spain’s capital Madrid, the city of Alcala De Henares is renowned as being the world’s first planned university city with the University of Alcalá occupying 13th century buildings in the centre. It’s also known as the birthplace of Cervantes, the author of the celebrated novel of 17th century chivalry and adventure, Don Quixote.

As well as being within easy reach of Madrid, Alcala De Henares is an attractive and historic city with plenty to interest travelers. As well as its university, Alcala also has a thriving industrial economy across key industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals and data.

It’s also well-connected sitting close to the main Autovia A2 highway between Madrid and Barcelona as well as the E90 European route linking Portugal in the west and Turkey in the east. This makes it an ideal base off if you want to explore the capital or plan a road trip across northern and central Spain to historic cities like Barcelona and Zaragoza.

Whether you are planning a trip to  Alcala De Henares for business or leisure, our friendly Avis team is there to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

You’ll find our Avis counter in Alcala De Henares at the Hotel Alcalá Plaza which is well located within easy reach of the motorway network on the eastern edge of the city - a key business and recreational district.

To reach our location by car from Madrid, just take exit 34 on the A2 motorway. If you are heading to our location from the direction of Barcelona and Zaragoza, leave the highway at exit 36 on the A2.

If you’ve flown into Madrid-Barajas Airport either jump into a taxi for the 20km drive or use public transport taking the metro to Alcala De Henares Avenida de América and catching the 221 bus to Le Dehesa shopping centre which is the nearest stop to the Hotel Alcalá Plaza.

From our rental office in Alcala De Henares at the Hotel Alcalá Plaza it’s just a 7min drive along Vía Complutense straight to the heart of the city.

While appealing as a base to explore Madrid, the beautiful city of Alcala De Henares has a charm of its own. This is a city of historic architecture and expansive squares where you can sit back and enjoy the thriving café culture and regional gastronomy.

Head for the birthplace of Miguel Cervantes, author of Don Quixote and get a sense of the life of the writer who penned the famous classic. This story for all ages is commemorated by life size bronze statues of Don Quixote and his wise companion Sancho Panza welcoming guests at the entrance.

After this literary feast, take a dive into the city’s educational past with a stroll through the University of Alcala with its buildings dating back to the 13th century. The University hosts a Cervantes prize for literature presented annually by the King of Spain.

Alcala’s ornate, Gothic style Cathedral dates back to 1497 and was declared a national monument in 1904 but many of its treasures were lost during the Spanish Civil War. You can step back further in time at the Alcala Archaeological Museum which includes artefacts dating from the first settlers and Roman era.

After so much culture, you might want to take a break in one of the city’s famous Tapas bars around the Calle Mayor or if you are lucky enough to visit in the summer, soak up the culture of region at one of the many lively festivals that light up the main square, Plaza Cervantes.

Being so close to Madrid, Alcala De Henares is an ideal base to explore the capital but its unrivalled access to the Spanish motorway network also puts the wider regions of central and northeastern Spain within easy reach. If you want to leave your car in Alcala De Henares and spend a day in Madrid, there are regular trains to Madrid’s Chamartín-Clara Campoamor Railway Station on the northern side of the capital.

Zaragoza

Just under 3 hour’s drive north of Alcala De Henares 283km along the A2 toll road, the majestic city of Zaragoza awaits. Capital of the Aragon region, Zaragoza is a vibrant cultural melting pot with a rich history. The city boasts two magnificent cathedrals and the Aljafería, an 11th-century Moorish palace. Islamic and Gothic landmarks are spread across the city. Along the bank of the Ebro River, the domed Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica is a pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary. A road trip to Zaragoza also gives you a chance to try the cuisine of Aragon, renowned for warming dishes like Ternasco, lamb braised over a wood fire or Ajoarriero, a fish dish with garlic, tomatoes, peppers and eggs.

Barcelona

Drive east from Zaragoza along the AP 2 (Autopista de peaje) toll road as far as the Mediterranean and within 3 hrs you’ll have reached Barcelona. Not for nothing is the capital of Catalonia one of the world’s favourite cities. Perhaps it’s the quality of the light, the intensely vibrant colours and culture, the galleries and wealth of history matched with the beauty of the beaches of which there are around 100 within easy reach by hire car but there is no doubt that Barcelona is a bucket list destination.

While public transport in and around Alcala De Henares is good, the centre of the city is walkable and there are frequent train and bus services to Madrid, if you want to enjoy the flexibility of independent travel, a hire car is a great way to explore this part of Spain.

Our Avis team members in Alcala De Henares are experts in the local region and ready to help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you arrive. If you are feeling inspired check out our guide to great Spain road trips.

Central and Northern Spain offers a great road network of national highways and cross-continental motorways and Alcala De Henares is a great base for your trip to the region. You’ll find many routes are designated Autopistas peajes (AP) or toll roads, so it’s worth reviewing your journey and updating your sat nav to your preferences before you set off. Check the options for the fastest route or avoid tolls or take the most scenic option.

If you have not driven in this part of Spain before, be aware that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road as in the rest of mainland Europe and it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the road rules for Spain.