To meet growing demand for flexible vehicle hire and provide greater convenience, Hertz has expanded its European network with more than 80 new downtown branches this year. These locations are concentrated in major city centers and key rail hubs across the continent, including Madrid, Athens, Oslo and Stockholm.
“Travel habits are changing as more people make spontaneous trips and combine different modes of transport,” said Michel Taride, group president, Hertz International. “We’re responding by growing our presence across Europe, giving customers more choice and easier access to vehicles where they need them. Our Puerta de Atocha branch in Madrid is a great example: passengers can rent a car the moment they step off the train, right in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.”
Located inside the Atocha complex—Madrid’s largest railway station and one of the busiest transport hubs in the Spanish capital—the Hertz Puerta de Atocha branch lets travelers continue their journey by road within minutes of arrival. The location offers a wide range of vehicles, from compact economy hatchbacks to premium models such as the Jaguar F-Type Coupe from the Hertz Dream Collection, ensuring options to suit short city trips and longer road journeys alike.
The expansion reflects a broader shift in mobility, with car hire operators adapting to serve customers who value flexibility and seamless connections between trains, buses and rental cars. By situating outlets in central transport nodes and urban cores, Hertz aims to reduce friction for travelers—enabling quick pick-ups and drop-offs, simplifying itineraries and supporting both planned and spontaneous travel.
These downtown branches also support local and regional travel needs, giving residents convenient access to temporary vehicles for errands, weekend getaways or business trips without the need to travel to airport locations. The central locations typically offer extended opening hours and streamlined rental procedures to speed up the process for busy travelers and commuters.
By increasing its footprint in major European cities and station complexes, Hertz is positioning itself to serve a wider variety of customer journeys. Whether renting for a short city stay, a cross-country road trip or an unexpected change of plans, customers can now find more Hertz outlets in the places they naturally pass through, making vehicle hire a simpler, more integrated part of modern travel.