From the airport to the city centre Madrid

By metro. Metro line 8 (pink) from Nuevos Ministerios arrives at the airport, serving all terminals (T1-T2-T3 and T4). It takes you into the center of Madrid in 30 to 40 minutes. Frequency is approximately every 5 to 15 minutes (depending on the time of day). Timetables are the same as for the other metro lines (6 a.m. to 1.30 a.m.). Tickets cost between €4.50 and €6 (depending on the number of stations travelled), but if you plan to take the metro again, it's best to buy the rechargeable Metrobus 10 viajes card at €6.10 (+ €3 per airport journey). Note that the price has been reduced by 30% in 2023!

By "Exprés Aeropuerto"bus . This service runs 24 hours a day, connecting the airport to Atocha station (6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) and the airport to Cibeles station (11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.). A stop is scheduled at each terminal. Tickets cost €5. This is the best solution for those staying in the southern or eastern parts of the capital. The journey takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and a bus leaves every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night.

En cercanias. Line C1 of this urban rail network links the airport's Terminal 4 to Atocha station, in around 25 minutes every day from 6am to around 0.15am. Tickets cost €2.60.

By cab. This is surely the most convenient, but also the most expensive way to get to the airport. Please note that there is a fixed fare of €30.

Arrival by train Madrid

The high-speed train (AVE) works very well and is quite comfortable. Some wagons are even equipped with television. However, it is not uncommon to see half-empty trains running, as they are still much more expensive than buses. There are two main stations. Chamartin, north of the capital, welcomes all trains to and from the northwest of Spain and France. Atocha, in the south, welcomes trains to and from the south of Spain and Portugal. From this station, you can go anywhere in Spain, including Catalonia and Andalusia. Regional departures as well and commuter trains. Both stations are connected by metro and suburban train (cercanías), you can use a normal metro ticket, as you stay in the central area. It's faster than the subway.

Public transport Madrid

Metro. With 12 metro lines and 3 streetcar lines, Madrid's metro system is the second largest in Europe after London. It's the best way to get around the city. It's best to buy the Metrobus 10 viajes rechargeable card for €6.10 (see the Metrobus 10 viajes + Aeropuerto for €12.10 on arrival), valid on the metro and bus, as several different people can use the same rechargeable card.

Bus. Madrid's urban bus company EMT has a good network, although the main problem is traffic. For short distances, it's best to walk or take a cab. For longer distances, the metro is the best solution. Same tickets as for the metro.

Tramways. In Madrid, you'll find three tramway lines called Métro Léger (metro ligero), which belong to the Madrid metro network. These lines are mostly located outside the city, in residential areas (e.g.: Boadilla, Las Tablas...). Same tickets as for the metro.

Bike, scooters & co Madrid

While not the most renowned city for taking care of its cyclists, Madrid is making efforts to cater for enthusiasts, particularly since the introduction of BiciMAD, Madrid's Velibs. From €2 for the first hour's rental.

With a driver Madrid

There are many cabs, easily identifiable by their color: all white with a red stripe on the front doors. The initial fare is €2.50 from Monday to Friday, between 6am and 9pm. At night, on weekdays and weekends, the initial price is €3.15. A journey in the city center costs around €7.

By car Madrid

If you are staying in Madrid, avoid renting a car; it will only be cumbersome and will cost you a fortune in parking! To visit the city, it is best to walk, take the metro or take a taxi, which is economical for short distances. Day and night traffic is very heavy in Madrid. Parking is becoming increasingly difficult, and even though cars seem to be left anywhere, the municipal police are watching and the impoundment is in full swing. If you are passing through Madrid and visiting the rest of Spain, getting in and out of Madrid is quite an adventure. Leave your car quickly and prefer walking and the metro.

Accessibility Madrid

Efforts have been made in recent years to make it easier for people with disabilities at some metro stations, but in general it remains difficult for a person with a disability to live in Madrid. The taxi company Radio Teléfono Taxi has vehicles adapted for disabled people: +34 915 478 200.

Tourist traps Madrid

If there are several of you, avoid buying single metro tickets. A 10-ticket card (Metrobus 10 viajes) at €6.10, which can be shared, is much more cost-effective.