It is possible parking outside the M-30 for free without spending large amounts of money in regulated car parks (e.g. blue zone). We have to bear in mind that in Madrid 60 minutes of blue zone in rush hour cost 1.75 EUROS and two hours cost 2.80 EUROS.
If your meeting lasts longer than expected and you do not have time to renew the ticket before its expiration, the outcome can be expensive. When the ticket expires, the parking enforcement officer will issue a fine, which can be paid within two hours at the same parking meter for 4 EUROS; later than that, it will mean paying a 90-EURO fine.
Leaving the car in car parks in downtown Madrid is not a bargain either. In Chamartín Centro Norte and Gómez Ulla-Vista Alegre, 24 hour-parking costs 10 EUROS; 15 EUROS in Argüelles, Chamartín Centro or Atocha; and 19 EUROS in Las Ventas, Estación de Atocha, Núñez de Balboa or Castellana.
The good news is that you do not have to spend a lot to get to Madrid by car. However, you should set off earlier, since it is not always possible to arrive and park right away. Once the vehicle is parked, go to a bus stop or metro station to arrive at your destination faster.
This way you will save money and worry less while gaining in quality of life, since you will virtually have parking space for free.
Next to the Manzanares River there are some parking spaces. Something similar happens on the opposite side of the river, in Paseo de Extremadura. The nearest metro station from these two free parking lots is a five-minute walk away. You can take Line 5 at Pirámides or Marqués de Vadillo Stations. You can also use any of the Renfe commuter rail services that stop at Pirámides Station. And, if you prefer the bus, there are bus stops at Paseo Imperial and Paseo de los Pontones (Lines 17, 18, 23, 35 and 50).
Another place where many drivers park for free is Ciudad Universitaria, which has the advantage of being in the vicinity of Moncloa Station and very close to Parque del Oeste and Chamberí. You can take Metro Lines 1 and 3, Cercanías (commuter rail service) Lines 5 and 7. And you have a bus stop at Avenida Filipinas with Lines C1, 1, 10, 82, 132, 133 or 48.
In the same Moncloa District you also have many possibilities to find free parking. Keep in mind that Moncloa is a neighbourhood of 18,000 inhabitants and where there is a lot of mobility. In several of the streets you can park for free. This is a very safe neighbourhood, where the Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) has its headquarters; there are also many military houses. The only problem is the distance: located on the outskirts of Madrid, getting to the centre of the city may take some time, so be patient. The Metro seems the best option (Lines 3 or 6) or, if you opt for a bus, take Lines 1, 44 or 46.
The vacant lot in Legazpi, on Ricardo Damas Street is a bit far from the center, but it is a good place to easily find a parking space. Despite the distance, Legazpi Metro Station will take you to the city centre in a few minutes (Lines 1 and 10). If you travel by bus, in Paseo del Molino you can take Lines 42 or 147.
Finally, we have Barrio del Pilar, where you can make use of the car park next to the Vicente Del Bosque Sports Centre. It features 100 parking spaces and good public transport connections (Metro Line 1 or bus Line 147).
In short, parking solutions at your fingertips.
