How to Get from Madrid Airport to City Centre

Como llegar del Aeropuerto de Madrid al Centro

Planning a trip to the stunning city of Madrid? Then, you’ve come to the right place!

With plenty of world-class galleries, amazing architecture, and amazing cuisine, this famous historical city has become a highly sought-after tourist destination. Living in Madrid, I’ve come to know many of the do’s and don’ts of the capital, starting with how to get from the Madrid Airport to the city centre.

I know how much figuring out how to get from place to place can be a little confusing. That’s where this guide can come in handy. In this post, I break down all the different modes of transportation that can take you from the airport to the city centre and back.

You’ll also find the average cost of each one, as well as approximately how much time the trip can take.

Fun fact about Madrid: it has more sunny days than almost every other city in Europe. Statistics show that the capital city enjoys an average of 250 cloudless days per year!

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning your trip to Madrid!

Best way to get from Madrid Airport to City Center Best way to get from Madrid Airport to City Center
Don’t have time to read the full article?
The easiest, safest, and best way to get from Madrid Airport to your hotel is to book this Madrid Airport private transfer.

Madrid-Barajas Airport: A Brief Overview

When travelling to Madrid from anywhere in the world, you’re going to land at Madrid’s one and only international airport. Being one of the 10 largest cities in the European Union (EU), the Madrid-Barajas Airport is always jam-packed with travellers arriving in from all over the world.

The official name of Madrid Airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. Yet, most people simply refer to it as the Madrid-Barajas Airport because Barajas is the district where the airport is located.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Madrid, here you can find hotels at the best price in the city.

How to Get from Madrid Airport to the City Centre (and Vice Versa!)

If you’re wondering how to get from the airport to Downtown Madrid, often referred to as the ‘city centre,’ this guide will provide everything you need to know.

Luckily, Madrid is a bustling cosmopolitan city with plenty of easy-to-access modes of transportation. Take a look.

madrid international airport

How to get from Madrid Airport to the center with a private transfer – The Best Option

Personally, I think this is one of the best options to get to and from Madrid Airport quickly, comfortably, and safely.

And it’s the option I always use when I go from the airport to my home.

My recommendation is that you book in advance for your transfer from Madrid Barajas Airport to city center, in order to make it cheaper.

🚙 I recommend using Civitatis, which has a private transfer service at a very good price:  You can check it out here.

1. Via Private Transfer

The easiest, and the best way to get from the airport to Downtown Madrid is by car. This can be either your own car, a rental, or a private transfer.

From personal experience, I think private transportation is one of the best options to get to and from Madrid Airport. It’s quick, comfortable, and safe.

Renting a Car

Car rentals are my preferred method of getting from the airport to my home and vice versa because it’s more efficient than most other transportation options.

Yet, it’s also the most expensive, which is something to keep in mind when setting up your budget.

I recommend that you book your transfer from Madrid Barajas Airport to the city centre in advance. This way, you’ll be able to take advantage of any discounts or price cuts.

With this airport transfer, you’ll be able to reach Madrid city centre from the airport in about 30 minutes.

transport from madrid airport

Using Your Personal Vehicle

I often go by car to Terminal 4 at Barajas Airport, then I leave it with the trustworthy and reliable team of Lavacolla, who provide a low-cost parking service for the airport.

Simply book the service by phone or on their app, adding the license plate and model of your car, and how many days you want to leave it.

Once you arrive at Madrid Airport, they will be waiting to pick up your car. It’s that easy!

Then, when you return from the trip, all you have to do is call them when you land to inform them of your arrival. They’ll then have it ready for you when you arrive at the airport.

You can calculate how much this service costs from their website as well.

Getting Around Via Taxi

You can take a taxi from Madrid airport to the city centre! The distance from Madrid Airport to the city centre is about 30 minutes if there’s no traffic.

This means that, with this option, the Madrid airport to the city centre taxi price will be between 30 and 40 euros, depending on the traffic and the area of Madrid in which you are staying.

Madrid Airport to center by taxi

You can take a taxi from Madrid airport to city centre!

With this option, the Madrid airport to city center taxi price will be between 30 and 40 euros, depending on the traffic and the area of Madrid in which you are staying.

The distance from Madrid Airport to city centre is about 30 minutes if there’s no traffic.

2. By Public Transport

Madrid is the first must-stop on any trip or road trip in Spain. Luckily, public transport is a convenient and affordable way to get from Madrid Airport to Downtown Madrid.

Via Metro

One of the most popular options to go from Madrid Airport to the centre is by metro line 8. It’s also the cheapest way to get from Madrid Airport to the city centre, making it the perfect option for those travelling to Madrid on a budget.

However, taking the train from Madrid airport to the city centre isn’t the most comfortable option as you’ll need to change trains a few times.

Metro line 8, which is the pink one, connects all the terminals of the airport (T1, T2, T3, and T4) with the Nuevos Ministerios station in the centre of Madrid. The trip takes about 15 minutes.

madrid airport transfers

The two metro stations that connect the Madrid-Barajas Airport with the city are:

  • The station at terminals 1, 2, 3 
  • The station for terminal 4
madrid metro tickets

The subway will drop you off at the Nuevos Ministerios station, located in the centre of Madrid. Then, to get to the tourist areas of Madrid, such as Puerta del Sol, you’ll have to make two transfers.

The same applies if you want to get from Madrid Airport to Gran Via by metro.

You may also like: 8 Things to Do in Madrid for Free.

Via Bus

You can also go from Barajas Airport to the city centre on the Airport Express bus (Express 203 Line).

Taking a bus from Madrid airport to the city centre can be a bit more uncomfortable since it may take a little longer than going by subway because some roads can be congested with traffic along the way. If there’s no traffic, the trip to Madrid will likely take around 40 minutes.

The good news is that the bus runs every 15–20 minutes and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A single ticket will cost you about 5 euros and includes luggage transport. It’s paid for inside the bus.

Airport Express Shuttle

You can take the Airport Express bus from the following stops at Madrid Airport:

  • Terminal 4. Floor 0. Arrivals
  • Terminal 1. Floor 0. Arrivals
  • Terminal 1. Floor 1. Departures
  • Terminal 2. Floor 0. Arrivals
  • Terminal 2. Floor 2. Departures

3. Additional Options for Getting To and From Madrid Airport

Depending on where you’re coming from or going to, the options above may not be the best way to get to and from the airport.

How to go from Atocha train station to the airport and vice versa

If you arrive in Madrid by AVE train from another city in Spain and want to get to the airport, you may be wondering how to get from Atocha train station to the airport.

The good news is that it’s actually pretty easy once you know how. Check it out.

By Train

The Cercanias train connects Terminal 4 with Atocha station and Príncipe Pío station.

First, if you are in terminals T1, T2, or T3, you’ll have to get to T4 by the free bus that connects all the terminals of the airport.

Then, take line C1 of Cercanias, and in 30 minutes you’ll have arrived at Atocha train station.

The single Cercanias ticket from Madrid Airport costs 2.60 euros and it’s free for passengers who have an AVE ticket.

The single Cercanias ticket from Madrid Airport costs 2.60 euros and it’s free for passengers who have an AVE ticket.

By Bus

Taking the bus means you have to take the Airport Express shuttle, also called the 203 line. You should arrive at Atocha station in about 50 minutes.

Barajas airport

By Taxi

If you prefer to take a taxi, expect to pay around 33 euros. It’s certainly the most expensive option, but it’s worth it if you’re short on time or just want to sit back, relax, and do some sightseeing along the way.

Additional Information about Madrid-Barajas Airport

As you can see, there are many options to get to and from the main international airport of Madrid to the centre.

Now that you know all available options, you can choose the one that best suits your budget, time, and personal preference.

Here’s a bit more information that can come in handy when planning your trip.

  • IATA code: MAD
  • Address: Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid
  • Phone: +34 913211000
  • Website: aena.es/en/madrid-barajas-airport/index.html
Best way to get from Madrid Airport to City Center Best way to get from Madrid Airport to City Center
Don’t have time to read the full article?
The easiest, safest, and best way to get from Madrid Airport to your hotel is to book this Madrid Airport private transfer.

FAQs On How to Get From Madrid Airport to City Center

For a snapshot of how to get from Madrid to the city centre, here are a few frequently asked questions that I believe will make your trip from the airport to the city centre go much more smoothly.

How Far Is Madrid Airport from the City Center?

The distance between the airport and Downtown Madrid is about 19 km. Regardless, the exact time it takes from one location to the other depends on several factors, mainly the method of transportation you use.

For example, it can take about 40–50 minutes by bus, train, or the metro. Yet, if it’s rush hour and the streets are crowded, it can take slightly longer.

On the other hand, using private transportation can take a lot less.

How Much Is a Taxi from Madrid Airport to the City Centre?

While it’s fairly easy to find a taxi at the airport to take you to the city centre, it can be slightly costly. Depending on traffic and where you’re headed, a taxi can cost you between 30 and 40 euros.

If you’ve booked an airport transfer with a specific transfer company, you should be able to locate your driver holding a sign with your name after going through the arrival gate.

However, if you didn’t book a transfer from Madrid airport to the city centre, you can find taxis outside the arrival halls of the various Terminals on the ground floor.

For example, at Terminal 1, you can find taxis just outside the arrival hall on the ground floor. The same also goes for Terminals 2, 3 and 4.

How Much Does the Subway Cost from the Airport to Downtown Madrid?

All passengers travelling from the Madrid Airport to the centre, and vice versa, have to pay a single ticket, plus an airport supplement of 3 euros.

The single one-way ticket costs anywhere between 4.50 and 6 euros, including the airport supplement. The total cost depends mainly on the area of Madrid where you’re headed.

Keep in mind that this subway ticket is valid only for the day of purchase.

Does Madrid Airport Have a Train Station?

Yes! There are two RENFE trains, Spain’s national railway company, that transport riders from the airport to the centre of the city. You can either take the C1 or the C10 train line. The train station is located at the T4, which you’ll find on the -1 level.

A train ticket will cost you a little less than 3 euros and the trip takes approximately 31 minutes.

It may not be the most comfortable or efficient way to get from Madrid airport to the city centre. Yet, it’s certainly one of the cheapest and it’ll take you to where you need to go!

Does Uber Work at Madrid Airport?

Yes, getting an Uber from Madrid Airport to the city centre is a great option. Simply put in your request for a ride and in seconds, you’ll find out where you’ll be meeting your driver.

Helpful Information When Planning Your Visit to Madrid

Check out these handy tips I’ve rounded up to help you when planning your visit.

Hotels

Madrid has over 800 hotels. More than half of them are either four- or five-star establishments. Some are what are known as ‘boutique’ hotels, others luxury.

Yet, there are also numerous affordable places to stay during your visit. Here are a few budget-friendly hotels to help you get started.

Tours and Trips

If you don’t have time to plan all the excursions, I recommend the following tours:

Museums

Madrid has some of the most magnificent museums in the EU. If you’re interested in visiting some of them, you can find great discounts if you book your tickets beforehand.

A Final Note

Knowing how to get from Madrid Airport to the City Centre is easy once you know what your options are.

For those on a limited budget, the Metro is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city. A single ticket costs 1.50 euros, but you can also buy a 10-trip ticket for just over 10 euros. If you plan on using it for more than one day, the 10-trip ticket is a great investment to make.

Yet, if you can get away with spending a bit on transportation, then I suggest you opt for private transportation. Whether you use your personal vehicle, a rental, or a taxi, you’ll be comfortable and you’ll get to your destination faster.

Happy travels!

Madrid Airport to city center

Sara Rodríguez

A passionate traveler with a mission: Help you plan your next trip easily and enjoy it to the fullest.

In this travel blog you will find everything you need to get inspired and organize your next adventure. Read more about my story here.

3 responses to “How to Get from Madrid Airport to City Centre”

  1. I took the subway to the city and walked the last bit- or, when my hotel was further away, I finished the trip with a cab. I found that the fastest and easiest. Just saying.

  2. Ryan Biddulph says:

    I would definitely take the Metro Sara although the 40 Euro taxi ride sounds about right too. Not all that bad considering it is a little trip outside of the main town center, to visit the airport.

  3. atobtrasnfer says:

    I am a yang traveller who loves discovering and visiting new places! I have visited more than 50 destinations worldwide! I usually travel with a big group of people. For services we use atob transfer, one of the most reliable airport taxi I have ever used.

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