Madrid Airport, officially called Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is the main airport of the city of Madrid and one of the busiest airports in Europe. It is located approximately 13 km (north-east) from the city centre and its IATA code is MAD. It was opened in 1928, initially as a small military airfield.

Madrid Airport is considered a large airport: it has four passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3 and T4), plus an executive terminal (T4S). In addition, it plays a vital role in the city's connectivity with the rest of the world, being the main entry point for international travellers arriving in the Spanish capital.

The Airport handles hundreds of flights daily, including domestic, European and international flights. It is therefore an essential gateway to the city and an important transport hub that connects Madrid with various parts of the world.

There are several transport options available for travellers to reach the city centre from the airport. Discover the option that best suits you or your group.

Train from Madrid Airport to/from the centre of Madrid

The Cercanías train on line C-1 is a direct transport option from Madrid-Barajas Airport (Terminal 4) to various stations in central Madrid, including Atocha and Chamartín. The time required to get from the airport's arrivals area to the train station usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

The travel time by train (Cercanías) from Madrid Airport to the city centre, on average, can take around 25 to 35 minutes. The average price of a single ticket is approximately €2.60 to €3.50. On average, Cercanías trains operate at 15 to 30-minute intervals.

Train Madrid Airport - Madrid City: Cercanías (line C-1) - Terminal 4

Opening hours: 6h00 - 00h00

Duration: 25-35 minutes (Airport - Madrid city centre)

Waiting time: 15-30 min

Price: EUR 2,60-3,50

Tickets: Automatic machines or customer service counters.

Tips: confirm train times; validate your ticket before boarding the train to avoid fines; check the alighting terminal.

Pros:

• Fast and efficient option;
• Accessibility;
• Frequency of trips.

Cons:

• Schedule limitations;
• During peak times, trains can be crowded;
• Small space;
• It can be uncomfortable for travellers or groups with a lot of luggage.

Metro from Madrid Airport to/from the centre of Madrid

To get from Madrid Airport to the city centre by metro, you can use Line 8 (Rosa), which offers a direct connection between the airport and the centre. When you disembark at the airport, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the airport metro station, which is located in terminals 2 and 4.

The duration of metro journey from Madrid Airport to the city centre takes, on average, around 30 to 40 minutes. The price of a single ticket is approximately 5 euros and at peak times the metro may run every 5 to 10 minutes.

Metro Madrid Airport - Madrid City: Line 8 (Pink)

Schedule: 06h00 - 01h30

Duration: 30-40 min (Airport - Madrid city centre)

Waiting time: 5-10 min

Price: EUR 5.00 (approximately)

Tickets: Automatic machines or customer service counters.

Tips: Purchase tickets in advance; validate your ticket before entering the metro to avoid fines.

Pros:

• Convenient and straightforward option;
• Fast and efficient;
• Relatively affordable ticket price.

Cons:

• Overcrowding at peak times;
• Occasional interruptions and delays;
• Not much space for luggage.

Public bus from Madrid Airport to/from Madrid city centre

The EMT express bus line "Exprés Aeropuerto" (line 203) is a direct option that connects Madrid Airport terminals 1, 2 and 4 with Madrid city centre, with no intermediate stops. The time required to get from the arrivals area to the departure point of the express bus can vary from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the terminal you disembark at.

The duration of journey by bus from Madrid Airport to the city centre, under normal conditions, usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The single ticket for the express bus "Exprés Aeropuerto" (line 203) costs approximately 5 euros. Generally, buses depart roughly every 15 to 20 minutes during the day.

Bus Madrid Airport - Madrid City: "Exprés Aeropuerto" (203 line)

Schedule: 6h00 - 23h30

Duration: 30-40 minutes (Airport - Madrid city centre)

Waiting time: 15-20 min

Price: EUR 5.00 (approximately)

Tickets: Vending machines; on board the buses (it is recommended to have the exact amount)

Tips: Check disembarkation terminal; estimate travel time; confirm bus timetables

Pros:

• Convenience (direct connection, no need for transfers);
• Accessibility;
• Frequency of trips.

Cons:

• Traffic especially at peak times;
• There may be unforeseen delays;
• Crowding (can make the journey less comfortable);
• Limited space between seats.

Madrid Airport Taxi to/from central hotels in Madrid

Taxis are located opposite the airport terminals. It can take 5 to 15 minutes to get from the arrivals area of Madrid Airport to the taxi rank.

The taxi journey from Madrid Airport to the city centre can take around 20 to 30 minutes. The average taxi fare from Madrid Airport to the city centre usually varies between 30 and 40 euros. Taxis are in continuous operation, ready to serve arriving passengers.

Taxi Madrid Airport - Madrid City Opening hours: 24h

Duration: 20-30 mins (Airport - Madrid city centre)

Waiting time: 0 - 5 min (depending on the queue for travellers taking taxis)

Price: EUR 30.00-40.00

Tickets: Driver, cash recommended.

Tips: choose official licensed taxis; ask for a receipt; plan your journey taking into account possible delays

Pros:

• Convenience and speed (direct transport);
• Availability;
• Spacious.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to other transport options;
• Taxi journey times can be affected by traffic, especially during peak times;
• Not suitable for large groups with lots of luggage.

Private Transfer from Madrid Airport to/from central hotels in Madrid

Booking a transfer from Madrid airport to the city centre is a quick and easy task. Travellers are usually met at the arrivals terminal by a designated driver, which speeds up the departure process. The private transfer service is known for its efficiency, providing a faster journey compared to other transport options.

The private transfers guarantee a personalised and exclusive service, being adapted to the passengers' individual needs.
 

Private Transfer Madrid Airport - Madrid City Opening hours: 24h

Duration: 20-25 min (Airport - Madrid city centre)

Dwell time: 0

Price: EUR 26-62 (per vehicle)

Tickets: Online

Tips: It is recommended to book the private transfer in advance to ensure availability; make sure you clearly communicate to the transfer driver the details of your arrival/departure and the number of passengers (including children).

Pros:

• The private transfer service guarantees passengers exceptional comfort;
• It combines speed and efficiency;
• The vehicles used are modern and spacious, equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi;
• The service offers a personalised and exclusive experience, providing travellers with peace of mind;
• Flexible timetables are another advantage, making them suitable for large groups and passengers with a lot of luggage.

Cons:

• It is important to consider the possibility of delays due to unforeseen traffic or other external factors;
• If you are travelling alone, it is important to be aware that this may not be the most economical option (generally, the larger the group, the more affordable the service becomes).

You can also commute from the airport to the train station, or from the train station to your accommodation.

If you want to go around Madrid, you can also choose a transfer from/to Toledo. And if you are interested in going further south from Madrid, you can book a transfer from/to Seville or Malaga.

The city of Madrid offers a wide selection of transport options for travellers wishing to get from the Airport to the city centre. Regardless of the means of transport chosen, there is an option available to suit all preferences and budgets, ensuring that all visitors can start their Madrid experience conveniently and efficiently.

Select the option that best suits you or your group and welcome to the capital of Spain.

If you want to see other attractions or have other experiences when you visit Madrid, explore the tours, activities and Flamenco shows selected for you.

If you're travelling to other parts of the country, find out how to get from Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Bilbao airports to the city centre.