The Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport (MAD) is located only 12 kilometers north east of the bustling capital of Spain. Thus it is one of the most accessible major airports in Europe.
You have only one day to see the Royal Palace, visit Retiro Park, and have tapas in La Latina, and you can come in at 6 AM in the morning or 12 AM at night. You may carry a backpack in your hand or bring three children and five suitcases, and I will happily guide you to the right choice.
Metro Line 8
Madrid Metro serves the airport in two stations Aeropuerto T2 (Terminals 1, 2, 3) and Aeropuerto T4 (Terminal 4). The line 8 leads directly to the Nuevos Ministerios where you can change to other lines that are on the must-see areas in Madrid.
The entrance to the metro will be identified by red signs with the diamonds within the arrivals hall. During high seasons, trains take place regularly every 5-7 minutes, and every 15 minutes late at night.
It takes 12-15 minutes to ride to Nuevos Ministerios. Another 8-10 minutes may be necessary in case of the need to transfer in the process of reaching Sol, Gran Via, or Opera. Total trip time: 20-25 minutes between airport and the centre of Madrid.
Best For
Tourists that stay in areas which are interconnected by metro such as Chamberi, Salamanca, or Chueca. Individuals and couples with light baggage and wish to save money, but not the speed.
Renfe Cercanias Train (C1 & C10)
Terminal 4 is the only terminal that the Cercanias commuter train serves. To get to T4 in case you come to Terminals 1, 2, or 3, you must first visit the free shuttle bus (adds 10-15 minutes). Find indications of the Estacion de Tren or Railway station in the arrivals hall.
I suggest this alternative to the majority of the travelers since it will put you in the centre stations of Madrid and one will not have any transfers. The C1 line operates at 15-30 minutes intervals based on the time of the day. The time to get to major stations is 20-30 minutes.
- Chamartin: 11 minutes
- Nuevos Ministerios: 15 minutes
- Atocha: 25 minutes
- Sol-Gran Via: 27 minutes
Best For
Tourists who do not want to waste a lot of money in Madrid. Any person who resides around the Atocha, Sol or Lavapies neighborhoods. People with heavy to medium weight luggage who require a comfortable transportation.
Airport Express Bus
The Airport Express buses are operated by buses that are bright blue and they operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year- the most reliable bus in Madrid which operates late in the night. During the day, buses also run at an interval of 15-20 minutes at Terminals 1, 2, and 4 and at 35 minutes at night (1 AM – 6 AM).
The bus makes planned stops at O’Donnell, the Plaza de Cibeles (it is next to the City Hall) and Atocha station until it stops again at Plaza de Cibeles. You can come in and drop at any of the terminals and come out at the closest stop to your hotel.
Depending on the road network, it takes 30-40 minutes. This can be extended to 50 minutes during the morning rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM) and evening rush hour (6-8 PM). It will take approximately 30 minutes to get to the late-night rides when the roads are empty.
Best For
Arrivals at late time (any flight after 11 PM or before 6 AM). Tourists who spend the night in the area of Gran Via, Cibeles, or Retiro. Initial users who are interested in simplicity but not speed.
Taxi
There are taxi ranks which are well identified outside every terminal with official Madrid cabs waiting to serve. Search white cars that have a red diagonal mark and a green light on top of the roof which has the word libre.
Normal traffic to the center of Madrid takes 20-30 minutes. Before 7 AM in the morning or after 10 PM in the night can be completed within 20 minutes only. This can be prolonged to 40 minutes during afternoon traffic (3-8 PM).
Private Transfers
Same as taxis and rideshare, 20-30 minutes in average traffic. Transfers made privately do not get special routes.
Best For
Luxury customers: comfortable and convenient customers. International visitors with first time in the country. Families that have small kids who require child seats. Business travelers who are time- starved.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest choice of a transport means is the Cercanias train which takes 25 minutes to arrive at Atocha station. Cabs can be as fast as the speed of light traffic, however, during rush hours, theyivity can take up to 40+ minutes.
Metropolitan Madrid services are seen to stop at 1:30 AM and start at 6 AM throughout the weekdays. On Fridays and Saturdays it operates until 2 AM. Use the 24 hours Airport express bus as a late arrival.
I would either suggest the Airport Express Bus (24/7) or taxi (door-to-door). Both will remove the confusion and will drop you in the middle of Madrid.
Terminal 4 is the only station that has Cercanias. In case you arrive at T1, T2, or T3, use the free shuttle bus to arrive at T4 (will take 10-15 minutes).
