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Wheelchair accessible van hire in Madrid: how it works and what to expect
Yes, wheelchair accessible van hire in Madrid is possible: you can hire a van with a ramp and drive it yourself. There are not many, so it pays to know what to ask for and to ask early. Here is everything you need to decide.
Updated 26 October 2026 · AbleVan · 4 min read
In short: Ramp vans can be hired in Madrid, but supply is small, so book weeks or months ahead. A standard car licence is enough. The rental company can usually deliver the van to Barajas Airport for a supplement. Before you pay, make sure the van fits your chair.
What kind of van will I get?
Ramp vans in Madrid range from compact models with room for one wheelchair and two or three passengers to larger vans with more seats and more luggage space. In all of them the wheelchair user travels seated in their own chair, secured by restraints, so nobody has to transfer into a car seat.
Many are manual. If you need an automatic, say so from the start: it narrows the options.
Do I need a special licence?
No. A standard car licence (category B) covers vans of up to 3,500 kg and nine seats, which includes the usual ramp vans. Check the minimum age and years of driving the rental company asks for, as each one sets its own.
What affects the price?
The size of the van, the season, how many days you need it and whether it is delivered to the airport. Before you compare offers, check what each one includes: insurance and excess, the deposit, the mileage limit and the delivery supplement. A cheap daily rate with a large deposit and limited kilometres can end up costing more.
Can I pick it up at Barajas Airport?
Often, yes. Most rental companies with adapted vans are not based at the airport, but many will bring the van to the terminal for a supplement. Agree the exact meeting point and leave time for them to show you how the ramp and restraints work. If you also need help getting through the airport, book Aena's free assistance at least 48 hours before your flight. More on this in our Madrid-Barajas guide.
How do I know the van fits my chair?
This is where most problems come from. Check three things. Are the door and the inside tall enough for the user when seated? Can the ramp carry the chair and user together? And what system holds the chair in place? Here is the full checklist.
The easy way to hire an accessible van in Madrid
If you would rather not phone rental companies one by one, tell us your dates, where you land and a few details about your chair. We check which vans in Madrid fit, confirm the full price with everything included and send you one clear offer, usually within one working day. Nothing is booked until you say yes.
Need a van with a ramp? Tell us about your trip and your chair, and we look for a van that suits it before we send you an offer. Free, no commitment, reply within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a wheelchair accessible van in Madrid?
Yes. Several rental companies in and around Madrid have vans with a ramp that you drive yourself. There are few of them, so book as early as you can, especially in spring and summer.
Do I need a special driving licence for a ramp van in Spain?
No. A standard category B car licence covers vans up to 3,500 kg and nine seats, which includes the usual wheelchair accessible vans.
Can the van be delivered to Madrid-Barajas Airport?
Usually yes, for a supplement. Agree the meeting point in advance and allow time for a handover explaining the ramp and restraints.
Sources
- Aena, Madrid-Barajas assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
- Allied Mobility, wheelchair accessible vehicle user guide
About AbleVan
AbleVan helps visitors to Spain who use a wheelchair hire a van with a ramp. We do not own vehicles: we find one from a Spanish rental company, check that it suits the traveller's chair and arrange the booking. This guide is written by the AbleVan team from official sources, listed above, and is reviewed when the rules change.