Are you planning a trip to Madrid and wondering how to get from the airport to the city center? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll cover all the information you need to know to leave the airport and start your adventure in Spain.
Thankfully, Madrid airport is really well connected to the center of the city, so you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the transport that will take you to your accommodation.
The Madrid Airport Train
The Airport train is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the city center. The airport train lines depart from Terminal 4 and in less than 30 minutes takes you to Atocha railway station in the centre of Madrid.
To take the train, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the vending machines. You will find all the details on the video above.
The Madrid Airport Metro
The Airport metro is another convenient option for reaching the city center. The airport metro line leaves from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. The airport metro line doesn’t reach the centre of Madrid, so chances are you will have to transfer to another transport before you get there.
To take the metro, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the vending machines or ticket office at the airport. Details on the video above, including a step-by-step description on how to buy the tickets.
The Airport buses
Madrid airport is covered both by local buses and the Airport Exprés, the official shuttle service running from all the airport terminals to the center of Madrid. As it was the case above, you will find all the details on the video.
Other options
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or want a more comfortable ride, a taxi is your best option. You will pay whatever is displayed on the taximeter. Ridesharing services such as Bolt, Cabify and Uber are also available at the airport.
What is the best option to leave Madrid airport?
Your choice will depend on many factors:
- the address you are heading to in Madrid.
- the amount of luggage you are carrying.
- the day of the week and the time of the day.
If you’d like to know what we think would be the first option for you, drop us a comment either here or at the video in our YouTube channel, and we will try to help with specific instructions.
Madrid airport is very well connected to the centre of the city, it is just a question of choosing the right transport for you.
GOING TO MADRID?
Do not miss our Madrid Travel Guide, with all the essentials you need to know to prepare the perfect trip to the capital of Spain.
Hi Tony, I am Regina from Indonesia. I will go to Madrid next month and still learning how to leave airport to hotel. Your youtube channel is very usefull. Thank you.
Great to hear that, Regina, have a great trip!
We kind of relied on your information on our trip to Madrid and Andalusia the other week. (It was as hot, by the way..) But a recommendation from our Hotel guy at plaza mayor how to go to the airport turned out to be quite useful. He suggested that we take the M2 to the final stop and an Uber for 5€ to the airport. Turned out great for us since we did not need to change Metro and save the 3€ airport surcharge.
Thanks, Manfred. Even better than line 2 to the final stop it would have been line 5 to Alameda de Osuna, quite close to the airport. But it all depends on the specific location of accommodation and the personal circumstances of those traveling together. Last time we took an Uber to the airport from the centre of Madrid we paid 22€.
Actually I screwed things up.
I was the M5 to Alameda de Osuna, not the M2. I found it to be an interesting “backdoor” to Madrid.
Anyway, Madrid is such a great city. I’ve been there a couple of times, but not since 1995. But now I made a trip with my daughters to Granada, Cordoba, Seville and Cadiz and made extensive use of the information you provided. I felt, that I missed something out by bypassing Jerez.
Anyway, it was a great pleasure.
With best regards
Manfred
Tony,
My wife and I are making great use of your website and videos as we prepare for our trip to Spain. We are hoping for your insider’s input on our plans for traveling between our hotels and Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations as we use high-speed rail between the cities. If you email me, I will give you brief details on which you might comment. We are new to Spain, but experienced big city transit users. Thank you!
Hi John, we reply to all questions either here on the site or on our YouTube channel. On this text we’ll be happy to answer your questions on how to leave Madrid airport.
I like the valuable information you provide on your articles.
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I’m fairly sure I will be informed many new stuff right right here!
Best of luck for the following!
Thanks a lot, Jefferey!