Can you park in a Green Zone?

Cars with the C, ECO and Zero Emissions environmental labels get a reduction in the rates of the Regulated Parking Service.

There are many cities across Spain that have a Regulated Parking Service. In Madrid it is called SER, and it means that the user must pay a series of fees, depending on the type of vehicle and zone, in order to park. Specifically, in Madrid there are two classifications: the Green Zone and the Blue Zone.

These two zones have a different pricing structure, as well as a different maximum parking time and payment method. The only aspect they share is the schedule. On weekdays you can park from 9:00 to 21:00, on Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00, and Sundays and public holidays there is no service.

Can you park in a Green Zone?

Many drivers hesitate about where to park their vehicle when visiting Madrid. On top of this parking question comes the condition of the type of vehicle, since to park in Madrid Central, the vehicle must have the corresponding environmental label.

The Green Zone in Madrid is a parking zone especially designed for residents. This means that all residents holding an authorisation from the City Council may park their vehicle with no time limit. Furthermore, in areas bordering another neighbourhood, they may park on both sides of the street.

If the driver is a non-resident, they may park the vehicle but must bear in mind the maximum time of two hours, and they will also pay a more expensive rate. It is important to note that after those two hours, the vehicle may not park again in the same zone until one hour has passed.

What is the rate for the Green Zone in Madrid?

The Madrid Green Zone is the zone of the Regulated Parking Service with the highest cost for non-resident drivers. On the Madrid City Council website, you can see all the rates, surcharges and even exceptions. It is important to note that within the Green Zone itself there is a specific area for low-emission vehicles.

In the Green Zone, vehicles must pay €0.15 for 5 minutes, €0.90 for 30 minutes, €2.05 for one hour, €3.10 for an hour and a half, and €4.10 for a maximum of two hours. If the vehicle is in the low-emission zone, these rates increase by between €0.10 and €0.60 depending on the parking time.

Blue Zone: how is it different?

Unlike the Green Zone, any user may park their vehicle for a maximum of four hours. The pricing also shows the differences. While in the Green Zone the price for five minutes is €0.15, here it is €0.05. In this case, if the driver intends to park for two hours, they could save up to €1.35.

How are SER fees paid?

Any user may pay the fees at the parking meters. Payment can be made in cash, by bank card or even through mobile apps such as e-park, EysaMobile or Telpark.

It is important to mention that, depending on the type of vehicle, rates may be reduced or increased for vehicles without an environmental label. If the vehicle has the C environmental label, the driver will receive a 10% discount; if it is ECO, the discount rises to 50%. If the vehicle is a Zero Emissions vehicle, parking will be completely free.