Wondering how to get from Madrid Airport to the city center?
The good news is that the airport is very well connected to the city and other transport hubs (bus and train stations). So there are actually several airport transfers that will get you to Madrid’s city center.
Moreover, the cost is relatively cheap compared to other European cities. Your decision depends on your final destination and much comfortable you want to travel.
You may also want to check a full tutorial with all the Madrid Airport practical information.
And if you need more information to travel back to the airport, have a look at how to get from the city center to the airport.
Here’s a step by step guide to arriving at Madrid Airport.
Key Madrid Airport transfer options
There are several options to exit the airport.
- Metro. The subway is the most popular means of transport.
- Advantage: There are two stations, one in Terminal 2 (T2) and another in Terminal 4 (T4).
- Drawback: Changing lines once you exit Line 8 (Pink Line) can be a hassle if you carry lots of luggage – some stations may not have elevators or escalators.
- Approximate cost: between 4.50€ and 6€.
- Train. It’s a very good and sometimes faster alternative to the subway, especially when traveling to Atocha or Chamartín. You can also get off the train at other city center stations, such as Recoletos or Nuevos Ministerios. The airport train station is located in Terminal 4 (T4). Approximate cost: between free and 2.60€ (5.20€ return)
- Bus. While it’s not always the fastest option, there are several bus routes serving the airport. Approximate cost: 1.50€ or 5€.
- Taxi. Definitely the most expensive and the riskiest public transportation option I can imagine. Approximate cost: 33€.
- Private transfer. Obviously, the most comfortable and fastest option. Approximate cost: depends on the people in your party.
With some many public transport alternatives, there’s no best solution. Your choice will depend on what terminal your flight arrives to and where in the city your accommodation is.
My advice on traveling from Madrid Airport to the city center
Here’s my personal advice depending on the airport terminal you’re arriving to and your final destination.
- From T1, T2 and T3 to any address in the city center use the Metro. (Exception: take a private transfer if you’re carrying lots of luggage.)
- From T4 to any address in the city center use the Metro or the Cercanías train. (Exception: take a private transfer if you’re carrying lots of luggage.)
If you want to go from the Madrid Airport to another transport hub, here are my suggestions.
- From T1, T2 and T3 to
- Atocha train station use the Línea Exprés Aeropuerto.
- Estación Sur bus station use the Metro.
- From T4 to
- Atocha train station use the Cercanías train.
- Estación Sur bus station use the Cercanías train.
- From T1, T2, T3 and T4 to
- Chamartín train station use the Cercanías train.
- Avenida de América bus station use the EMT bus route 200.
Depending on the public transportation you take, you’ll need a different ticket.
If you intend to make an intensive use of public transport, have a look at the Madrid Travel Tourist Pass. This transport pass entitles you to get free unlimited rides.
How to travel by Metro from Madrid Airport to the city center
The easiest and cheapest way to travel from Madrid Airport to the city center is by Metro.
The airport is connected to the Metro system via Line 8 (Pink Line), which has two main stations:
- Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 for Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (Level 1).
- Aeropuerto T4 for Terminal 4 (Level -1).
To reach the city, take Line 8 (Pink Line) from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios, where you can transfer to other Metro lines. From here:
- Line 6 (Grey Line) connects to many parts of the city.
- Line 10 (Dark Blue Line) takes you to Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso Martín, Tribunal, Plaza de España and Chamartín.
Madrid Metro Line 8 (Pink Line), which connects Madrid Airport to the city, operates daily from 06:05 to 01:33. Trains on this line run approximately every 4 to 6 minutes during peak hours and every 10 to 20 minutes during off-peak hours, ensuring a regular and efficient service.
The ride to Nuevos Ministerios station takes 15 minutes from Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 Station and 20 minutes from Aeropuerto T4 Station.
Tickets & prices
Before using the subway, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. You can do so at the ticket machines located next to the ticket gates.
If you need step-by-step instructions on how to use the Metro to reach and leave Madrid Airport, including details on Metro lines, ticket options, and connections to major train stations, check my full tutorial on Madrid Airport Metro.
How to go from Terminal 1 (T1) to Terminal 2 (T2) Metro station
It’s less than 10 minutes walking.
You’ll exit the baggage claim area through Arrivals hall 1 or 2. As soon as you go through the sliding doors, look for the Metro signs.
You need to go upstairs, to Level 1. You can use the elevators, but the easiest way is to use the moving walkways located next to each of the Arrivals halls.
As soon as you reach Level 1, keep walking straight across the different check-in counters.
Then, take three consecutive moving walkaways.
Once you exit the last moving walkaway, a sign indicates to turn left.
Use the moving walkaways to get to a big glass-window hall. From there you can access the Metro station, T3 and the car park.
To get to the Metro station, just follow the signs. The access is located on the left hand side and you need to go downstairs, to Level -1.
How to go from Terminal 2 (T2) Arrivals hall to Terminal 2 (T2) Metro station
It’s less than 5 minutes walking.
You’ll exit the baggage claim area through Arrivals hall 6. As soon as you go through the sliding doors, look for the Metro signs.
You need to go upstairs, to the Level 1. You can use the elevators, but the easiest way is to use the moving walkways located next to Arrivals hall 5.
As soon as you exit the walkways, a sign indicates to turn right. Use the moving walkaways to get to a big glass-window hall. From there you can access the Metro station, T3 and the car park.
To get to the Metro station follow the signs. The access is located on the left hand side and you need to go downstairs, to Level -1.
How to go from Terminal 4 (T4) Arrivals hall to Terminal 4 (T4) Metro station
It’s less than 5 minutes walking.
As soon as you exit the baggage claim area through the sliding doors, you’ll see a Metro sign indicating you to take the moving walkways to go to downstairs, to Level -1.
There are signs both at the ceiling and on the floor. Just follow them.
The last moving walkway leads you to a big hall where both the Metro and train stations are located. The entrance to the Metro station is the first one on your left.
How to travel by bus from Madrid Airport to the city center
Traveling by bus from Madrid Airport to the city center is both convenient and cheap.
The airport is very well connected by road and you can use 3 public transport bus routes to travel from Madrid Airport to the city center. Each one takes you to a different destination and has a different fare.
Airport Express bus Line 203 (Exprés Aeropuerto)
The Línea Exprés Aeropuerto uses offers a direct trip between the airport (terminals T1, T2 and T4), Calle O’Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha train station.
The Airport Express bus operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and has two schedules:
- Daytime (06:00 to 23:30): It goes to Atocha, stopping at Calle O’Donnell and Plaza de Cibeles with a frequency of 15-20 minutes.
- Nighttime (23:30 to 06:00): It goes only to Plaza de Cibeles. It doesn’t stop at Calle O’Donnell, nor goes to Atocha. If you want to go to Atocha, catch a connecting EMT night bus – also known as búhos (owls).
The trip to Atocha should take no more than 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions from Terminal T4.
The bus tickets costs 5€, payable in cash (maximum change available is 20€) directly to the driver or by bank card/mobile device.
This is a special bus ticket that is not included in the:
- 10-trip ticket (Metrobús 10 Viajes)
- Tourist Travel Card (Título Turístico)
EMT city bus Line 200
Of the 2 EMT bus lines exiting the terminals, the one you’re more likely to use is Line 200. It runs from terminals T1, T2 and T4 of Madrid-Barajas airport to the Avenida de América transport hub, which offers connections to various Metro lines (Line 4 Brown, Line 6 Grey, Line 7 Orange and Line 9 Purple) and city buses.
The operating hours are Monday to Sunday from 05:10 to 23:30, and the buses run every 10-20 minutes.
The journey to Avenida de América takes around 20 minutes from T1, 25 minutes from T2, and 30 minutes from T4.
This is the cheapest option as the fare is only 1.50€, payable in cash directly to the driver or by bank card/mobile device.
This ticket is included in your Multi Card, if you have previously loaded a 10-Journey Ticket (Metrobús 10 Viajes) or a Tourist Ticket (Título Turístico).
This line provides a quick and extremely cheap connection to the city’s transport network but doesn’t operate during nighttime hours.
EMT city bus Line 101
The other line is route 101. It drops you off at Canillejas (Line 5 Light Green), where a transport hub offers connections to the Metro, and city and intercity bus routes.
The operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 06:00 to 23:25 and Sunday from 07:00 to 23:25 departing from Barajas Plaza Mayor (the Barajas district main square). The buses run every 15-20 minutes.
This is also a very cheap option as the fare is only 1.50€, payable in cash directly to the driver or by bank card/mobile device.
This line is ideal if you’re heading to or from the northeastern parts of Madrid and nearby districts. However, you cannot catch it from T4, only from T1 and T2.
This ticket is included in your Multi Card, if you have previously loaded a 10-Journey Ticket (Metrobús 10 Viajes) or a Tourist Ticket (Título Turístico).
How to get to the Airport bus stops
Inside the airport, there are bus stops at
- Terminal 1 (T1). Level 0. Arrivals.
- Terminal 2 (T2). Level 0. Arrivals.
- Terminal 4 (T4). Level 0. Arrivals.
If you’re unsure, just follow the signs for “Autobuses EMT” inside the terminal.
The stops are generally located next to the taxi stop, and are easily recognizable. Look for a metal pole with a big blue sign including a plane and all the information.
How to travel by train from Madrid Airport to the city center
Madrid Airport is also well-connected to the city center by train, more specifically the commuter train called Cercanías.
To get by train from Madrid Airport to the city center there’s only one station called Aeropuerto T4. It’s located in Terminal 4 (T4), Level -1.
The Cercanías commuter trains provide a fast and affordable way to travel from Aeropuerto T4 (Terminal 4) to key locations in Madrid:
- Take the Cercanías C-1 Line (Light Blue Line). This train line connects Madrid Airport with Chamartín. The journey from Aeropuerto T4 to Chamartín takes approximately 15 minutes.
- At Chamartín, you need to change lines. Four lines share a stretch of their route, stopping at Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, and Atocha, each one extending then to areas beyond the city center:
- Cercanías C-2 Line (Dark Green Line) running from Chamartín to Guadalajara.
- Cercanías C-7 Line (Red Line) running from Príncipe Pío to Alcalá de Henares.
- Cercanías C-8 Line (Grey Line):
- Cercanías C-8a Line (Grey Line) running from Santa María de la Alameda-Peguerinos to Guadalajara.
- Cercanías C-8b Line (Grey Line) running from Cercedilla to Guadalajara.
- Cercanías C-10 Line (Light Green Line) running from Chamartín to Villalba de Guadarrama.
Trains operate from around 06:00 to 23:30, with departures every 25 minutes.
I suggest you to download the Renfe App (for iOS or Android) to access a complete schedule of all trains.
Tickets & prices
Before using the Cercanías train, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. You can do so at the ticket machines located next to the ticket gates.
Have a look at my quick purchase guide of Cercanías tickets for a complete explanation on the different types of tickets and how to buy them.
Don’t forget to keep your train ticket with you at all times during the trip because you’ll need it to go through the exit barriers at your destination.
Insider tip: If you’re going to take a high-speed train from Chamartín or Atocha stations, take advantage of the Combinado Cercanías ticket, which includes a free ticket for you between the airport and the train stations.
How to go from Terminals 1, 2 or 3 (T1, T2 or T3) Arrivals hall to Terminal 4 (T4) train station
If you need to get to T4 train station from any other terminal (T1, T2 or T3), you need to catch a shuttle bus connecting the terminals. This bus is free and operates 24/7.
To go to the shuttle bus stop, all you have to do is exit the terminal following the bus and taxi signs.
- Going from T1 to T4. Use the moving walkways to get to the Departures hall. Exit the terminal through the sliding doors and walk to your right. The bus stop is a few steps away.
- Going from T2 to T4. Go upstairs, to the Departures hall, using the moving walkways. Exit the terminal through the sliding doors and walk towards the shuttle bus stop. Don’t catch the shuttle at the Arrivals hall or you’ll end up going to T1 first before arriving to T4.
If you need more information, check all the internal connections between the airport terminals.
How to travel by taxi from Madrid Airport to the city center
Getting from Madrid Airport to the city center by taxi is the fastest and most comfortable public transport option, but it’s also the most expensive.
The trip between the airport and Madrid takes about half an hour but it depends very much on the traffic conditions and your accommodation location. Terminal 4 (T4) is further away compared to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2 and T3) so your trip will be 10 minutes longer approximately.
Taxis are available 24/7.
Taxi fares from Madrid Airport to the city center
Please note that there are 2 very specific fares:
- Trips from the airport to any destination located inside Calle 30 (also known as M-30, Madrid’s inner ring road) have a flat fare of 33€. No extra charge can be added to this fare, even if you have booked a taxi on the phone or through an app.
- If the flat fare doesn’t apply, you’ll be charged 22€ for the first 9 km. After that the meter will keep on going until you reach your final destination. In addition to this, you could be changed extra night or bank holiday fees.
All taxis must have a fares chart displayed on the rear windows. No taxi driver is allowed to charge you for your luggage, as long as it fits in the boot or on the roof rack.
How to get to the Airport taxi stops
Every terminal has a large taxi stop and it is clearly indicated by signs located inside the terminal. All you have to do once you’re in the Arrivals hall is follow the signs:
- Terminal 1 (T1). Level 0. Arrivals.
- Terminal 2 (T2). Level 0. Arrivals.
- Terminal 4 (T4). Level 0. Arrivals.
Look for white taxis with a red stripe and the Madrid City Council coat of arms on their doors.
The taxi stops are usually managed by the airport staff. Please stand in line and wait until you are designated a taxi.
In addition to this, have a look at my insider’s guide to use Madrid taxis in the most efficient way.
How to travel by private transfer from Madrid Airport to the city center
In my opinion, the best way to get from Madrid Airport to the city center is booking a private transfer.
At Madrid Airport (MAD), when you emerge from the Arrivals area, exit to the Arrivals hall through the sliding doors and your liaison staff member will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. He will help you with your luggage and lead you to the vehicle, most commonly a spacious, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Your private driver will take you directly to your accommodation, where he will help you with your luggage to the hotel reception or apartment entrance.
While driving from the airport to your hotel, your driver will be polite and helpful, will drive carefully and observe traffic regulations, will not smoke, and will offer you complimentary refreshments (welcome after a long flight!).
Let me make this clear: this is not a common airport shuttle. You’re booking your own private vehicle – it’s just for you (and your travel companions, if you have any).
Surprisingly, even though these fares are not much more than for a Madrid taxi for some rides, and only moderately more for others, a private transfer is 1000% more comfortable, reliable, safe and pleasant than a Madrid taxi. As such, a private transfer constitutes extremely good value for money.
All in all, I always recommend to book your private transfer from Madrid Airport to the city center because:
- You’re picked up directly at the Arrivals hall, where the driver will wait with a sign displaying your name.
- Drivers help with your luggage, making it easier to manage if you have multiple bags.
- You won’t have to carry heavy suitcases through metro stations or bus stops.
- No need to wait in line for taxis or navigate public transportation after a long flight.
- Even if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, your driver will be there, avoiding issues with public transport schedules.
- Unlike buses or metro, private transfers provide direct, door-to-door service, avoiding unnecessary stops.
- Drivers often speak multiple languages, making communication easier.
- Vehicles are spacious and air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride.
- Private transfers offer a pre-agreed price, avoiding unexpected costs due to traffic, additional luggage fees, or taxi surcharges.
- Unlike some taxis, there’s no risk of overcharging or scams.
- Unlike ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify and Bolt), prices don’t fluctuate with demand.
This article is part of a complete tutorial on how to fly to Madrid where you can read all the information you need to organize your flights.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. How to find very cheap international flights
2. Looking for cheap air flights to Spain?
3. Getting to Madrid by plane
4. Madrid Airport guide: Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas
5. Guide on Madrid Airport transfers
6. How to get from Madrid Airport to the city center
7. How to get to Madrid Airport from the city center
8. Madrid Airport hotels
