Airport Shuttle Services from Madrid Airport
Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) provides multiple efficient transportation options to get you from the airport into the city. There are multiple bus lines that service the route. The bus lines are the designated 'Airport Shuttle Express' as well as the lines 200 and 101 EMT buses. The airport shuttle is a little more costly than regular buses at 5€ per person (usual buses are around 1.50€ pp) but is much more efficient than normal bus lines as it makes fewer stops along its course.
Airport Express Shuttle to Plaza de Cibeles
This bus is the best way to get to the city centre from Madrid airport. The bus operates 24 hours a day which is very convenient for those travelling late or early. It makes stops between terminals 1, 2 and 4 at the airport and makes three city stops: on the corner of O’Donnell and Doctor Esquerdo (metro O’Donnell), on Plaza de Cibeles (the square from which all night buses depart) and next to Atocha train station (only between 6am and 11:30pm). The cost is 5€ pp and the journey will take around 50 minutes.
EMT Bus Line 200 to Avenida de America
The bus line that connects the major transport hub at Avenida de America to the airport. The bus leaves from terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the airport to Avenida de America. The cost is less than the Airport Express at a mere 1.50€, however the journey time is longer and there are less intercity stops. If you wish to take an intercity train this is the best option as the Avenida de America is a good place to take many of these trains. The bus also doesn't run overnight like the express.
EMT Bus Line 101 to Canillejas Transport Hub
Much like the Line 200, the EMT Bus Line 101 rides from the airport to another major transport hub, the Canillejas hub.
The bus runs from Barajas: From Monday to Saturday, from 06:00am to 11:25pm. Sunday and public holidays, from 07:30am to 11:25pm and leaves between every 13 - 16 minutes from the airport, stopping at terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Madrid-Barajas.
Convenience and Avaialbility
The shuttle services from the airport are affordable and operate for long hours, even 24 hours for the express shuttle. Costing no more than 5€ they are a good option for those who are travelling on a budget. The only downside is that they can take a long time to get to the city and most of them do not stop at all airport terminals.
The airport express shuttle is 24-hour operation.
Buses only accept cash and it is best to have exact change.
Luggage racks are available on the airport express
Madrid Airport Shuttle Ticket Information
There are multiple ways to buy tickets for the bus. For standard, one-way tickets, you can purchase a ride on the bus with cash only. If you are staying in Madrid for a while and will be using many bus services, then there are tourist passes or multi-book ticketing options available. These are purchased from tobacconists or from the ticketing counters or machines in the lobby of any metro station. The tickets are valid for 10 trips within the city zone A on EMT buses or Metro line 1, €12.20. or for any line €18.30.
The multi-book ticketing option excludes the tickets purchased for the express airport bus.
A standard EMT bus fare is 1.50€
You can only buy tickets for the airport express on the bus, with cash.
Where to catch your Madrid Airport Shuttle
The bus stops are in most terminals arrivals or departures or both. The major express bus goes between terminals 1, 2 and 4 which are the major hubs for international flights. The 200 Line is the only line that stops at all terminals before heading to the city. The signage should read “BUSES” and is easy to follow.
Madrid Airport Shuttle to Hotel
Although the shuttle options from Madrid Airport are affordable and relatively safe and comfortable, they are the most time-consuming option for transport. With waiting times and traffic, you can end up spending an hour getting to the city, if not more. This can add a lot of extra time to your journey. Additionally, the lack of door-to-door service means that you may need to spend more time and money getting a different transport option to your hotel.
