As you prepare for your trip to Madrid, one of the most pressing questions on every traveler’s mind is how to get from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to the city center. With four terminals and a plethora of transportation options, it can be overwhelming to choose the best way to reach your destination. In this article, we’ll break down each mode of transportation, including the metro, bus, taxi, and train, providing you with a clear understanding of how to navigate Madrid’s airports.
Getting to Know the Airports
The Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is one of Spain’s busiest international airports, consisting of four terminals. The first three are located in close proximity to each other, while Terminal T4, or the international terminal, is slightly detached from the others. To make traveling between terminals easier, the airport offers a free shuttle bus service that takes approximately 20 minutes.
Flights and Terminals
When it comes to flights originating and destined for Italy, there are two main terminals to keep in mind: T1 and T2. These terminals receive the majority of international flights, making them your best bet if you’re heading to or from Italy.
How Far is the City Center from the Airport?
The Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is just 12 kilometers away from the city center, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation you choose.
By Metro
Using the metro is undoubtedly the fastest way to reach the city center from the airport. Line 8, marked by the color red, operates from 6 am until 1:30 am, with trains passing every 5 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes between midnight and 2 am.
Here are some key details about using the metro:
- Line and stops: Line 8 (red line) – stops “Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3” or “Aeropuerto T4” – Nuevos Ministerios
- Average ticket price: €4.75
- Travel time: 15 minutes
By Bus
If you prefer the bus, you can rely on the Airport Express line. The buses operate 24/7 without interruption, every day of the year, and are particularly useful for those who need to depart at night.
Here are some key details about using the bus:
- Line and stops: Airport Express – stops at airport (all four terminals), intersection between O’Donnell Street and Doctor Esquerdo, Plaza de Cibeles, Atocha Station
- Average ticket price: €3.50
- Travel time: 40 minutes
By Taxi
A taxi is certainly a convenient way to get from the airport to the city center, but it’s quite expensive. The fare for a trip into the city typically costs between €30/35, with extra fees for oversized luggage.
Here are some key details about using a taxi:
- Average cost: around €35
- Travel time: 30 minutes
By Train (Cercanias)
The Cercanias is an urban train service that connects Madrid’s metropolitan area to the main municipalities of the autonomous community of Madrid. The service operates from 6 am until midnight, with trains passing every 15 minutes at the beginning and end of the day.
Here are some key details about using the Cercanias:
- Average cost: €4.50
- Travel time: 11 minutes to Chamartín Station
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
The Madrid Tourist Travel Pass
If you plan to use public transportation frequently during your visit to Madrid, consider buying the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass. This travel ticket can be used on all city transportation and includes some suburban zones.
Here are some key details about the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass:
- Cost: €8 for 1 day to €33.40 for 7 days
- Where to buy: online, at the Madrid Metro Information Center (all open from 7 am to 10 pm), right outside the airport metro station at Terminal 2, or at the Tourist Information Center in Plaza Mayor.
- Accessibility and discounts: Children under 11 years old are entitled to a 50% discount, children under 5 years travel for free
Conclusion
Getting from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport to the city center is easier than you think. Whether you choose the metro, bus, taxi, or train, each mode of transportation has its own benefits and drawbacks. With a little planning and research, you can navigate Madrid’s airports like a pro and make the most of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far is the city center from the airport?
The Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is only 12 kilometers away from the city center. - What is the best way to get from the airport to the city center?
Using the metro is undoubtedly the fastest way to reach the city center from the airport, with a travel time of around 15 minutes. - How do I buy a ticket for the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass?
You can buy the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass online, at the Madrid Metro Information Center (all open from 7 am to 10 pm), right outside the airport metro station at Terminal 2, or at the Tourist Information Center in Plaza Mayor. - What is the cost of the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass?
The cost of the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass varies depending on the duration of your stay, ranging from €8 for 1 day to €33.40 for 7 days. - Can children travel for free with the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass?
Yes, children under 5 years old travel for free, while children under 11 years old are entitled to a 50% discount. - How do I activate my Madrid Tourist Travel Pass?
You should activate your pass at first use and check the expiration date on the back of the ticket. - What is the average cost of a taxi ride from the airport to the city center?
The fare for a trip into the city typically costs between €30/35, with extra fees for oversized luggage. - How long does it take to get to the city center by train (Cercanias)?
Trains pass every 15 minutes at the beginning and end of the day, while trains pass every 6 minutes on average during daytime hours.
