The distance between Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and the city center is approximately 18 km, and driving takes 20-25 minutes. Five transportation options are available from Madrid Airport to the city center: taxi, Madrid Airport transfer, metro, train, and bus. The fastest and most convenient choices are a Madrid Airport taxi or private transfer, as these services are door-to-door.
If you’d prefer to save some money and use Madrid’s public transport system, there are a few solid options to choose from. The fastest option is the pink metro line (Line 8), which gets you to the center in 20 minutes. Alternatively, the cheapest option is the suburban train. Finally, you can use the airport express bus, which takes 45 minutes to reach Atocha Station and is especially useful if you’re arriving at night.
5 options to go from Madrid Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €40 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Perfect for families and business travelers after a seamless arrival experience. | ||||||
Taxi | €33 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| There is no nighttime surcharge for taxis in Madrid, so you'll pay the same fare regardless of the time of day. | ||||||
Metro | €10 | 20min | 06:05–01:33 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you plan on using Madrid public transport throughout your stay, we recommend buying a tourist ticket to get the most out of it. | ||||||
Train | €5.2 | 27min | 06:00–23:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you land at Terminal 4, taking the commuter train is a good choice. However, if you land at T1, 2, or 3, we recommend getting the metro for a faster transfer. | ||||||
Bus | €10 | 45min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you want to use public transport and you're landing at night, the airport express bus is the only choice. | ||||||
Taking a taxi from Madrid Airport to the city is one of the quickest and most convenient travel methods. Official airport taxis are white with a red stripe and available 24/7 from the airport taxi ranks.
You can exit Arrivals and join the taxi waiting line right outside. The ride to central Madrid takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Madrid Airport to the city center?
A taxi from Madrid Airport to the city center is charged a fixed rate of €33. This includes rides to any destination within the M-30 Zone at any time of day, as well as public holidays. Remember to ensure the taximeter is set to Tariff 4 for the trip.
If your destination is outside the city ring, your fare will be calculated using a taximeter based on the distance travelled.
Where do I get a taxi from?
There are two taxi ranks outside each terminal at Madrid Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4). Regardless of the terminal, you’ll find a rank outside the exits on both the arrivals and departures levels.
Upon exiting, you’ll see white taxis with red stripes lined up in the ranks ahead of you.
Convenience
Getting an official taxi at Madrid Airport is a reliable choice as the trip is quick and direct. On top of that, fares are fixed, and you’ll find taxis lined up in the ranks at any hour of the day.
The only con is that the airport gets crowded during peak season (June-July). If you’re flying during these months, you’ll probably have to stand in line for a while.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreIf you’d rather use Madrid’s public transport, the metro is a good option. The pink line (Rosa Line 8) connects Madrid Airport to the city center via Nuevos Ministerios Station in just five stops. However, you may have to change at the station if your hotel is situated further in the center.
The best way to reach the heart of the city is to hop on Line 10 to “Tribunal Station” and then get on the Light Blue Line 1 to ‘Atocha Station.’ We suggest checking maps to find which line stops closest to your hotel or accommodation.
How much is the metro from Madrid Airport to the city center?
To travel on the metro in Madrid, you have to buy a Multi Public Transport Card for €2.50. You can then load any valid ticket type onto the re-usable card.
The route from the airport to the city falls under the Zone A category. So a one-way ticket from Madrid Airport to the city center costs €1.50. There is also a €3 surcharge for tickets to and from the airport.
All in all, you’ll pay €7 for the trip on the metro, including the one-time purchase of a transport card.
*Tickets can be purchased from the customer service offices at both airport stations or from the self-service machines at the airport or any station.
The Madrid Airport metro runs from 06:05 until 01:33.
Where do I get the train from?
There are metro stations at Madrid Airport. Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 Station is located in the center of Terminal 2 on Level 1. Likewise, Aeropuerto T4 Station is found in Terminal 4 on Level -1.
If you arrive at Terminal 1 or 3, you can catch the free Madrid Airport shuttle bus to the other terminals.
Convenience
Catching the subway from Madrid Airport is a quick and affordable option. Metro line 8 connects the airport to other subway lines, such as Lines 6, 9, and 10, so you can reach most of Madrid’s metro stations from the airport.
It’s worth noting that services can get very crowded during peak season. This often causes delays and raises safety concerns, so be prepared to wait, and don’t forget to keep an eye on your luggage.
Timetables
Madrid Airport Metro
Timetable
Madrid Metro Tickets
Fares and Passes
Useful Tips
Renfe, Spain’s national railway company, operates two trains from Madrid Airport to the city center: Line C-1 and Line C-10. Both services operate the same route from the airport to central Madrid so you can travel to the center by train.
The trip takes around 30 minutes and terminates at ‘Principe Pio Station,’ with stops at ‘Atocha Railway Station,’ ‘Madrid Chamartín,’ and ‘Nuevos Ministerios Station.’ This means you can easily connect to the metro system and reach many areas across Madrid.
How much is the train from Madrid Airport to the city center?
The cost of the train from Madrid Airport to Madrid depends on where you’re getting off. As fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through to reach your destination:
1/2 Zones – €1.70
3 Zones – €1.85
4 Zones – €2.60
5 Zones – €3.40
That said, a one-way ticket to the center costs €2.60, and a return ticket costs €5.20. You must start your journey within two hours of buying your ticket.
*You can purchase tickets from the Cercanías self-service machines at the airport.
The C1 line operates from 06:02 to 00:02, and the C10 train runs between 05:47 and 22:47.
Where do I get the metro from?
Madrid Airport Train Station is in Terminal 4 on Level -1. If you are arriving at Terminals 1, 2, or 3, you will have to catch the airport shuttle to T4.
Once you’re in the correct terminal, follow the signs with the Renfe logo down to the station.
Convenience
If you arrive at Terminal 4, taking the suburban commuter train to the center is practical. However, if you arrive at the other three terminals, hopping on the metro is much easier than waiting for the airport shuttle to take you to the train station.
Furthermore, local commuters use these trains daily, so you can expect crowded trains and longer delays if you’re traveling during rush hours (07:30-09:30 and 18:00 -20:00).
Timetables
RENFE Commuter Train Timetables
C1 and C10 Train Schedules
Useful Tips
The Madrid Airport Express Bus (Line 203) connects the airport to the city center 24 hours a day. The yellow buses have an ‘Airport Express Aeropuerto’ sign. They depart from Terminals 1, 2, and 4 and reach Atocha Train Station in the city center in around 45 minutes.
During the daytime, the bus stops at O’Donnell, Cibeles, and Atocha stations, whereas at night, it only stops at O’Donnell and Cibeles. This is because Atocha Train Station is only open until 23:30.
How much is the bus from Madrid Airport to the city center?
A single ticket for the Madrid Airport Bus to Atocha Station costs €5.
You can buy your ticket from the driver on the bus with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. You can also use your mobile phone for contactless payment.
The Madrid Airport Express bus runs 24/7.
Where do I get the bus from?
Express bus 203 stops at Terminals 1 and 2’s Departures and Arrivals levels, and the Terminal 4 bus stands on the ground level. To get there, follow the bus signs and exit the building.
If you arrive at T3, you must transfer to another terminal by foot or via the airport shuttle service.
Convenience
The airport express runs 24/7, meaning you can jump on a bus to Madrid city center no matter what time you land.
However, the bus only makes a few stops in the center, so you may have to change to another mode of transport or walk to your final destination. Plus, waiting times can extend significantly during peak season.
Timetables
Madrid Airport Bus
Express Bus 203 Timetables and Information
Useful Tips
The best way to get from Madrid Airport to the city center is by private transfer. You can book your transfer in advance, which allows you to skip the taxi waiting line and secure a reliable, 5-star service.
Private Madrid Airport transfers, such as Welcome Pickups’ personalized services, are specifically designed with travelers in mind and offer a comprehensive service to ensure a stress-free arrival:
With everything planned ahead of time, all you have to do is meet your friendly driver and enjoy the ride into central Madrid. Plus, your driver will even give you a mini tour of the city and share a few local tips and tricks so that you can make the most out of your stay.
How much is a private transfer from Madrid Airport to Madrid city center?
When you book a private airport transfer, you’ll receive a fixed quote in advance. This means you can avoid any hidden fees by booking and paying for your transfer before entering the airport.
Nevertheless, the fixed prices of a private transfer from Madrid Airport to Madrid are as follows:
– Sedan (up to 4): €40 during the day and €43 at night
– Minivan (up to 8): €65 daytime and €73 nighttime
– Minibus (up to 12): €120 during the day and €140 at night
You can book your ride using our website or app within minutes. Just enter your personal details, flight number, and pick-up time to get your quote. The quote you receive is fixed and not subject to change, so even if traffic is heavy, you won’t pay a cent extra.
Private airport transfers are available 24/7 from Madrid Airport.
Where do I get a transfer from?
When you book a private transfer in advance, your trained English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at Arrivals, holding a sign with your name. Following a friendly meet and greet, your driver will help you with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected, modern vehicle.
Convenience
For a similar price to official airport taxis, private transfers allow you to save time and ensure a top-quality, reliable service with a trained professional. And more importantly, they’re the best solution for avoiding the taxi waiting line during peak season! Besides, you get to enjoy the benefits of 24/7 customer support and extra services like skip-the-line tickets.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 4 passengers
€26Starting from 6.5 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€50Starting from 6.3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€112Starting from 9.3 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Madrid Airport from the city center?
Madrid-Barajas Airport is 18 km away from Madrid city center. The fastest mode of transport will get you there in 20 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Madrid Airport to city center?
Taxis from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the city center are charged at a flat rate of €33. However, if you are traveling outside the central ring, the journey will be charged with a taximeter based on the distance traveled.
How to get from Madrid Airport to Madrid?
There are five options for your Madrid Airport transfer: taxi, private transfer, train, metro, or bus. The most convenient methods are by Madrid Airport taxi or private transfer, as these services are door-to-door. If you plan on using Madrid’s public transportation system, there are a few choices. The quickest is the pink metro line (Line 8), taking 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Madrid Airport train to the city. It’s the cheapest option, costing just €2.60. Finally, you can use the airport express bus, which takes 45 minutes.
Does the metro go to Madrid Airport?
Yes, the pink line (Rosa Line 8) connects Madrid Airport to the city via Nuevos Ministerios Station. You can then change onto alternative lines to reach different areas within the center.
Justine Mellor
Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.
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