Complete guide to getting from Madrid Barajas Airport to city center: metro, train, bus, taxi, transfer, car rental.

Heading to Madrid city center from Barajas Airport (MAD)? Here’s everything you need to know: metro, Cercanías trains, buses, taxis, private transfers, and car rentals.

Getting from Madrid Airport to the City Center

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is located about 12-13 km northeast of Madrid city center, roughly 17-18 km by road. You can take public transport (metro, Cercanías train, or buses) for an affordable trip, taxis for a direct ride, a private transfer for maximum comfort, or rent a car if you prefer independence. Madrid: Spain’s Sleepless Capital Madrid is a city that wakes up when the sun goes down. Tapas bars fill with locals late into the night, and plazas stay lively until the early morning hours. In the daytime, explore the city’s mix of royal grandeur and modern energy.

Must-see highlights include:

Museo del Prado, one of the world’s greatest art museums Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of Spain’s royal family Puerta del Sol, the beating heart of Madrid and the symbolic “Kilometer Zero” El Retiro Park, a lush green escape perfect for a stroll or rowboat ride Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a pilgrimage site for Real Madrid fans Atocha Station Palm Garden, a serene tropical corner inside the city’s busiest station Gran Vía, Madrid’s famous shopping and theater street

Madrid perfectly blends history, nightlife, and a relaxed café culture, making it an unforgettable first stop.

Cost: from €37 Waiting time: 5 min Travel time: ~20-25 min

Ideal Clients: Families, groups, travelers with lots of luggage

For a door-to-door solution, pre-book a Kiwitaxi transfer. Your driver meets you at arrivals with a nameplate, helps with luggage, and provides extras like child seats if needed. Pricing is transparent and fixed, making it a stress-free option after a long flight.

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Cost: €4.50-5.00 (includes €3 airport supplement) Waiting time: 5-10 min Travel time: 15-20 min to Nuevos Ministerios Ideal Clients: Budget travelers, solo visitors

Line 8 of the Madrid Metro connects all airport terminals (T1-T4) to Nuevos Ministerios station. From there, you can transfer to lines 6 or 10 to reach other parts of the city. Metro runs from 06:00 to ~01:30, with trains every 5-10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at machines (cash or card), and it’s best to carry small change.

Cost: €2.60 Waiting time: ~15-30 min Travel time: ~27 min to Atocha Ideal Clients: Travelers headed to Atocha, Chamartín, or beyond

Cercanías commuter train line C1 (and C10) runs from T4 to major city stations like Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, and Atocha. Trains are comfortable and have space for luggage, but service does not run overnight.

Cost: €5 Waiting time: ~15-20 min Travel time: ~30-40 min Ideal Clients: Budget travelers, night arrivals

The bright yellow Exprés Aeropuerto (Line 203) bus runs 24/7 between the airport (all terminals) and Atocha Station (daytime) or Cibeles Square (nighttime). At night, it departs every 35 minutes, making it the only public transport option after 02:00. Tickets are bought from the driver (cash or card).

Price: from €15-25/day Rental period: from 1 day Requirements: Driver’s license, passport/ID, credit card

Car rental desks are available at all terminals. A deposit (€500-700) is usually required. Young drivers under 25 typically pay an additional €8-20/day. Remember that parking in central Madrid can be difficult, especially in historic districts, and local “Madrid Central” emission rules may restrict car access to certain areas.

Ready to Explore Madrid?

From Madrid Airport, you can: Take the Metro for a fast and affordable trip (~20 min, €4.50-5.00) Ride the Cercanías train for a smooth connection to major stations (~27 min, €2.60) Catch the Express Bus for a 24/7, luggage-friendly option (~30-40 min, €5)

Book a Kiwitaxi private transfer for maximum comfort and peace of mind (~20-25 min, €37+)

Rent a car if you want the freedom to explore beyond Madrid

No matter which option you choose, Madrid will greet you with open arms, lively plazas, and endless energy.