How to Get from Madrid Airport to City Center in 2025

Madrid is the energetic Spanish capital and one of the most visited cities attracting local and international travelers. So if you are flying into the city and wander how to get from Madrid Airport to city center hassle-free, this detailed guide provides all the information you need. 

Madrid Barajas Airport, or Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in full, is the city’s leading international airport. It opened in 1931 and spans a 3,050-ha area, making it the second-largest airport in Europe by size after Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. 

Madrid Airport to city center distance is about 13 km from the historic Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. With well-connected public transport, there are a few options: train, bus, metro, taxis, and transfers. 

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Multi Card – what it is and how to buy 

If you want to get from Madrid Airport to city center by public transport, you’ll need to purchase the Multi Card, a multi-person, reloadable, contactless transport card you can use on the metro and bus with other types of tickets. 

The card costs 2.50 EUR, but if you purchase a Tourist Ticket, the card price is already included in the total amount. 

A Multi Card enables you to load single, 10-journey, Airport extra charge, and tourist tickets. It is important to remember that when using an airport metro, every passenger is charged 3 EUR extra for entering or exiting the airport. 

Once you load Airport Extra Charges and single tickets onto your car, you should use them on the day of purchase. They are valid until the end of service, not the end of the calendar day. 

If you’ll be using Madrid Metro often, I recommend purchasing tourist tickets valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days. There are two types of tourist tickets: Zona A covers the Municipality of Madrid, and Zona T covers the Community of Madrid. To transfer through the city, you can buy a Zona A ticket priced from 8.40 to 35.40 EUR based on your chosen days. 

There are quick sale machines to purchase Multi Card at airports, train stations, and metro stations. It has support in multiple languages and is straightforward to use. 

The machine takes both cash and cards. In the case of paying cash, it takes 5, 10, 20, and 50 EUR notes, as well as coins, but no lower than 5 cents. For more information, you can always check the Metro Madrid website. 

How to get from Madrid airport to city center

As one of Spain’s most frequented cities, the airport connects various parts of the city center through multiple public transport options, ensuring effortless travel.

In case your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, accessible transportation is available without the need for a pre-booked taxi or private transfer from Madrid airport. However, a taxi or private pickup might be preferable if you prioritize comfort.

It’s worth noting that direct transportation to Madrid city center, the main train, and bus stations are limited after midnight. Night buses operate every 35 minutes but terminate at the Palace of Cibeles instead of the central train station. 

You can use credit or debit cards to purchase bus and train tickets. However, if you must exchange money for Euros, several offices operate 24/7. Remember that airport exchange rates tend to be less favorable, so it’s advisable to exchange only the amount necessary and save the rest for later in the city center.

Madrid airport to city center by metro

Pink Line 8 connects Madrid Airport to the city and terminates at Nuevos Ministerios Station. Therefore, if your accommodation is in the center, you must change to Blue Line 10. 

The metro station is in Terminal T2 and is called Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3. The metro also stops at Aeropuerto T4, so if you land at any other terminals, you can use a free shuttle bus service to get to T2.

The metro runs from 6:05 am to 1:30 am, every 3 to 15 minutes, depending on the time and weekday. The journey from Madrid Airport to city using Line 8 takes 15-20 minutes. 

If your hotel in Madrid is far from the center, you would need to change to Brown Line 4 or Gray Line 6. 

The Madrid metro lines are all linked in Google Maps, so you can easily find out which lines you need when you enter your accommodation address. 

Madrid airport train to city

Another way to get from MAD airport to city center is via two train lines from Aeropuerto 4 station located at the underground level of T4. It reaches Atocha Train Station (1.5 km from the city center) in about 30 minutes. 

The RENFE commuter trains are comfortable, have fair luggage storage space, and make a few intermediate stops. Note that you can’t take the train if you arrive late at night or early in the morning. C1 train runs from 06:02 am to 00:01 am, and C10 between 05:46 am and 10:47 pm. They both operated within 15-20 minutes.  

Like the metro, you can take a free shuttle bus to T4 if you arrive at another terminal. The price of a Cercanias train for a single journey is 2.60 EUR and requires a separate ticket purchase. Multi Card doesn’t work here. You’d need to find RENFE train ticket machines at the airport. 

When purchased, keep the ticket because you’ll need it to exit the station. 

Madrid airport to city center bus

Bus Line 203, an express airport bus, operates from the airport to Atocha Train Station. The yellow buses that have Airport Express Aeropuerto sign run 24/7. 

They depart from bus stops at Arrivals level of T1 and T2 and from the T4 bus stop at ground level. They reach their train station in about 45 minutes, depending on the departure terminal and traffic on the road. 

During the day, it runs every 15-20 minutes and at night for 35 minutes. Even though it is a 24/7 bus, from 11:30 pm to 6 am, it terminates at Plaza de la Cibeles because the Atocha Train Station closes at 11:30 pm. 

During this time, the bus changes its name to N27 Exprés Aeropuerto. 

The bust ticket costs 5 EUR. You can pay inside the bus in cash (with small notes) or by contactless bank card. Multi Card is not valid for Airport Express buses. 

Madrid airport to city center taxi 

For those who arrive late at night or have a long flight and want to avoid all the bus/metro combinations, the Madrid airport taxi is an excellent choice as it’s affordable and even more convenient if you travel with a group of friends. 

Madrid airport to city center taxi price depends on where your accommodation is. On average, a taxi ride to the city center would cost you 25-35 EUR. 

Airport taxis are standing at the arrivals hall, but we used the Bolt taxi app, similar to Uber, to get us to our apartment in the La Latina neighborhood. There are specific parking lots where Uber and Bolt cars come to pick you up, so make sure you pay attention to what the app says. 

Tip: First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

Madrid airport transfer

Pre-booking Madrid airport transfers are the most convenient method for those who want to avoid all the hassle with public transport or taxis. With a pre-arranged private transfer service, a representative will meet you at the Arrivals Hall to chauffeur you directly to your Madrid hotel, regardless of the time. One such service I use in certain cities and countries is Welcome Pickups for reasonably priced services and professional drivers.

Renting a car at the airport

Honestly, car hire should not be an option to get from Madrid airport to the city if you are visiting the capital. That said, renting a car can be helpful if you plan day trips from Madrid or visit other cities in Spain. 

In that case, I recommend the car rental website DiscoverCars for a wide choice and a service to pick up your chosen car at the airport. 

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