How to get from Madrid airport to the city centre

Would you like to know how to get from Madrid airport to the city centre? That being the case, you have come to the right place to discover all the means of transport that you can use. Find the perfect option for you by reading our post. 

Overview Of Transportation Options

Madrid International Airport in Spain (MAD) is located northwest of the city, more specifically, in the Barajas district. As a tourist, your priority is Get to the historic center in the fastest, most comfortable and safest way possible. Fortunately, the capital has a complete public and private transportation network. The range of possibilities is so extensive that anyone can find a medium tailored to their preferences and budget.

Public Transportation

Subway

• Lines: 8 New Ministries (pink line)
• Duration: 20-30 min
• Time: 6:05 – 1:30
• Terminals: T1-T2-T3 y T4
• Advantages: Economic. Direct connection with New Ministries.
• Disadvantages: Little space for luggage. Requires transfer to go to the historic center.

Commuter Train

If you are wondering how to get from Madrid airport to the Chamartín or Atocha train station, taking the Commuter Train (Cercanías) is a good option. 

• Lines: C-1 y C-10
• Duration: 13-30 min
• Time: 6:02 – 23:31 
• Terminals: T4
• Advantages: Connection with Chamartín and Atocha. Faster than the subway.
• Disadvantages: Only available in T4

EMT Airport Express Bus

• Lines: 203 and N27 (early morning)
• Duration: 30-45 min
• Time: 203 (06:00-23:30) / N27 (23:55-06:00).
• Terminals: T1-T2-T3 y T4 
• Advantages: Strategic stops. It works early in the morning.
• Disadvantages: Traffic jams can delay you.

City Buses (Emt Regular Lines)

• Lines: 101 (Canillejas interchange) and 200 (Avenida de América)
• Duration: 45-60 min
• Time: 5:10 – 23:30
• Terminals: T1-T2-T3
• Advantages: Cheapest option
• Disadvantages: Slowness. Planning the route is more complicated. 

Private Transportation Options

Taxi

• Duration: 20-30 min
• Time: 24 hours
• Terminals: T1-T2-T3 y T4
• Advantages: Regulated rates. No prior reservation required.
• Disadvantages: High price. Fleet of standard vehicles.

Ride-Sharing Services (Uber, Cabify, Bolt)

• Duration: 20-30 min
• Time: 24 hours
• Terminals: T1-T2-T3 y T4
• Advantages: Door to door
• Disadvantages: Dynamic pricing. No privacy.

Private Transfer Services

Those who, when wondering how to get from Madrid airport to the city centre, are looking for premium solutions will find them in the private transfer. This option compensates for its high price with a tailored service that prioritizes comfort and customization. Did you know that all our private tours in Madrid have this option?

• Duration: 20-30 min
• Time: According to reservation
• Terminals: T1-T2-T3 y T4 
• Advantages: Privacy and VIP service 
• Disadvantages: High price 

Car Hire in Madrid Airport

There are several car rental companies at Madrid airport. Some of them are Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Enterprise. You will find them in terminals T1 and T4. 

• Duration: Variable
• Time: According to company
• Terminals: T1 y T4
• Advantages: Flexibility 
• Disadvantages: Parking in the center of Madrid is expensive and complicated.

Cost Comparison Chart

Tips For Choosing the Best Option

• If your budget is tight, the cheapest means of transport are, in this order, the urban bus, the suburban train, the metro and the express bus. Although the taxi is the most expensive means of transportation, it is economical if you travel in a group.
• If you arrive at dawn, The bus (cheap and slow) or the taxi (expensive and fast) are the ideal solution.
• If you carry heavy or bulky suitcases, Taxi or private transfer will be the most convenient option.
• Where is your accommodation? If you are staying near Nuevos Ministerios, take the metro (Line 8). If you are near train stations such as Atocha or Chamartín, opt for the suburban train. For accommodation close to Cibeles, choose the express bus (203).
• If you need a hotel near Madrid airport, You have a lot of alternatives. Some of the closest are HelloSky Air Rooms (inside), Meliá Barajas (1.24 miles) and Air Rooms Madrid Airport by Premium Traveler (1.49 miles).
• The hotels in Madrid with free airport transportation are one of the most comfortable options. Such is the case of Nuevo Boston, NH Madrid Barajas and Hilton Madrid Airport. However, all of them are located away from the city center (6-7 miles). 

FAQs

How Many Airports are in Madrid, Spain?

Madrid has five airports, but not all are equally relevant. Thus, the MAD is the one that connects the capital of Spain with more than 200 international and national destinations. The others are: Torrejón (for military and civil use), Cuatro Vientos (pilot training and sports aviation), Getafe (mainly military) and Ciudad Universitaria (private flights for educational purposes).

How Far is Madrid Airport to the City Centre?

The Madrid-Barajas international airport is located 14.04 miles from the city center, understood as Puerta del Sol. The time it takes to travel this distance ranges between 13 and 60 minutes, depending on the means of transportation chosen.

Is it Safe to Take The Subway At Night?

The metro in Madrid is safe both day and night. In fact, users rated its safety with a rating of 7.67/10 in a survey carried out in 2022. This satisfaction is the result of the 2022-2026 plan, which invests 265 million euros to reinforce security. Of course, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as keeping an eye on your luggage or being aware of your surroundings.

Do They Accept Card Payments on All Means of Transportation?

Yes, public transportation already accepts this type of payment. EMT buses allow you to pay with a contactless bank card or mobile device by simply bringing them to the validator (‘tap & go’ system). On the metro, you can buy tickets directly from your mobile phone by installing the Tubo Madrid app. In the case of commuter trains, cards and phones can be used directly to pay at the turnstiles.