There are 4 transportation options from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid city centre, bus, taxi, Metro and train. The most convenient option is taking a Madrid airport taxi at a cost of 30€. A cheaper option is to take the train. Tickets for the train cost 2.6€ one way, and the journey is approximately 27 minutes. Another well priced option is the metro. Tickets are 3€ one-way, and the journey only takes 22 minutes. The final transportation option is the bus. This takes a little longer than the other options, but is only 5€ per ticket.
Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Madrid at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.- Nothing Found
Getting from Madrid Airport to City Centre
March 2, 2022
Comparison of the options
Madrid Airport to the City Centre by taxi
Taking a taxi from Madrid-Barajas Airport is by far the most convenient way to get from airport to your hotel or the city center. There are taxi ranks outside of the 4 terminals in Madrid airport. Taxis in Madrid are white with a red diagonal stripe. It is fairly common for taxi drivers to overcharge travellers, and you will probably face communication issues. To avoid this we recommend pre-booking your Madrid airport taxi.
Taxi fare from Madrid Airport to the city centre
A taxi from Madrid airport to city centre is charged on a flat fee of 30€ (day & night). However, If your destination is outside the city ring, you will pay what is written on the taximeter. Make sure that the taximeter is reset when you get into the taxi.
*If you book your Madrid airport transfer in advance you might get a better fixed price.
Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM MAD - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE
€30
€30
20 min
FROM MAD - TO CITY CENTRE
€30
€30
20 min
FROM MAD - TO MAIN BUS STATION
€35
€35
18 min
FROM MAD - TO CHAMARTIN TRAIN STATION
€35
€35
15 min
FROM MAD - TO Toledo
€108
€130
1h 05 min
FROM MAD - TO Segovia
€120
€140
1h 40 min
FROM MAD - TO Aranjuez
€70
€90
48 min
FROM MAD - TO Atocha Train Station
€35
€35
20 min
Photos (5)
+1Taxis at Barajas airport
Cost
30€
Trip Duration
25 minutes
*Rates may vary unless you prebook your taxi.
Convenience
Value for Money
Safety
Taxis run 24/7 from Madrid Airport
Where do I get it from?
Taxis can be found outside of all 4 terminals at Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Convenience
Taxis run 24/7, so no matter what time you arrive to the airport you can grab a taxi. They are also the fastest option, so if you are in a rush, a taxi is the best option.
Editor’s Note
Taxis are by far the fastest and most convenient option. However, taxis fares can be quite costly. If you want to escape the busy airport and get to your destination as quickly as possible, then take a taxi. If you have a little more time, opt for a different mode of transportation.
Useful Tips
How to get from Madrid Airport to the city centre by Metro
If you are staying for few a days and you don’t have more than one luggage, then metro might be your best transportation option. Madrid-Barajas Airport is directly connected by a subway to the central station in Madrid. Unfortunately, the Metro doesn’t operate after 01:30.
How much is the Metro from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the city center?
A one-way ticket costs 3€. There are ticket machines in every subway station, both in the airport and in the city stations.
Photos (4)
Metro at Barajas airport
Cost
3€
Trip Duration
22 minutes
There is an average waiting time of 5 minutes.
Convenience
Value
Safety
The Metro runs from 6:00 until 1:30
Where do I get it from?
The Metro station is located inside the Madrid-Barajas airport with two different stations at Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. So, if you arriving in Terminal 1 or 3 you can catch the free bus and head either to Terminal 2 or Terminal 4.
Convenience
Located directly in the Airport, the subway is extremely easy to access. The main line that reaches Madrid-Barajas Airport is line 8. Metro line 8 is also connected with Metro lines 6,10, 9, 4, so you can actually reach the majority of Metro stations in Madrid.
Editor’s Note
The Metro line is direct and very cheap. This is a great option if you don't have a lot of luggage, or if you have a tight budget.
Useful Tips
How to get from Madrid Airport to the city centre by train
The national railway company of Spain operates routes from and to Madrid airport with line C-1. The train has 5 stops, the Chamartín station, Nuevos Ministerios station, Atocha central railway station, Méndez Álvaro station and Príncipe Pío station. It is not advised to choose the train as your transportation option, especially if you arriving from terminals 1, 2 or 3.
How much is the train from Madrid Airport to the city centre?
Local train (RENFE) costs 2.6€ for a one-way ticket.
Photos (4)
Renfe Train
Cost
2.6€
Trip Duration
27 minutes
Waiting time is 5 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.
Convenience
Value
Safety
Trains run from 6:00 until 23:33
Where do I get it from?
The train arrives at terminal 4, so if you are arriving at terminal 1,2 or 3 you have to take the internal bus and head to terminal 4 on the -1 floor.
Convenience
If arriving to terminal 1 or 2 it is an extremely long process to reach the train station in Madrid-Barajas Airport. From these terminals you need to take an airport shuttle which is time consuming and stressful.
Editor’s Note
Travelling by train is far from ideal. It's not very comfortable, and it isn't the safest option in regards to your belongings. However, you get amazing views of the city of Madrid and its surroundings as you enter to the centre.
Useful Tips
How to get from Madrid Airport to the city centre by bus
There is a 24/7 express bus from Madrid-Barajas airport to Madrid city center. The bus is yellow and it has 3 stops in Barajas airport, terminals T4, T2, T1.
During daytime the bus stops at O’Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha railway stations, at nighttime the bus only stops at O’Donnell and Plaza de Cibeles.
How much is the bus from Madrid Airport to the city center?
Tickets cost 5€ per person and can be purchased on the bus. Buses only accept cash.
Photos (4)
Airport Express bus
Cost
5€
Trip Duration
50 minutes
There is a 15 minute waiting time between buses.
Convenience
Value
Safety
The express bus runs 24/7
Where do I get it from?
The express bus can be found outside terminal 1, 2 and 4. If you are arriving at terminal T3, there is a free airport shuttle connecting all terminals. You should catch this shuttle, or walk to terminal T2
Convenience
The express bus runs 24/7 which means that no matter what time you land, you can jump on a bus to Madrid centre. However, if you land in terminal 3, you must take the internal shuttle to another terminal. As the bus only makes 3 stops in the centre, it can be difficult to get to your exact desired location.
Editor’s Note
If you aren't in a hurry to get to your destination then this could be a great transportation option. The buses run all day every day, and provide some great views of the city. The only downfall is that it takes double the time of all the other options.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Madrid. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read morePrices
DAYTIME
€35NIGHTTIME
€35 Same price as a regular taxi from the line
PRICES FOR
Sedan Car
4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Madrid airport from the city centre?
Madrid-Barajas Airport is 18 km away from Madrid city centre. The fastest mode of transport will get you there in 20 minutes.
How much is a cab from Madrid airport to city centre?
Taxis at Madrid-Barajas Airport are charged by a flat rate fee. The cost of the journey to the city centre will be 30€. However, f you are traveling outside of the central ring, the rest of the journey will be charged with a taximeter.
Where is the centre of Madrid?
The centre of Madrid is a neighbourhood called Sol, next to the Teatro Calderon and the central bus station, Carretas – Puerta del Sol.
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