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Getting from Madrid Airport to City Center

Justine Mellor

October 31, 2024

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.

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.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€33	20min	24/7
Metro	€10	20min	06:05–01:33
Train	€5.2	27min	06:00–23:30
Bus	€10	45min	24/7
Welcome Airport Transfer	€40	20min	24/7

How to get from Madrid Airport to the city center by taxi

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.

Photos (5)

Taxis at Barajas Airport

Cost

€33

Trip Duration

20 Min

Airport taxis are always available, although you may be subject to waiting times during peak season.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis run 24/7 from MAD Airport.

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.

Editor’s Note

There is no nighttime surcharge for taxis in Madrid, so you'll pay the same fare regardless of the time of day.

Useful Tips

Taxis in Madrid can fit up to 4 people with 3 pieces of luggage.

For more than 4 passengers or more than 3 pieces of luggage, you have to book a minivan.

Double-check the fixed fare with the driver before starting your ride.

If you are heading outside of the city ring, make sure that the taximeter is reset before setting off.

Never accept rides from unlicensed drivers offering their services in the main terminal.

Not all taxis at Madrid Airport accept credit card payments. To avoid any issues, carry enough cash in the local currency (€), including small change.

If you think you have been scammed or overcharged, write down the taxi driver’s name, ID number and the number of your taxi. You can then contact the taxi company or the foreign tourist police to file a complaint.

Getting from Madrid Airport to the city center by metro

If 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.

Photos (4)

Metro at Madrid Barajas Airport

Cost

€5