Tips · Spain
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to the City
Madrid-Barajas (MAD) to the city by Metro Line 8, Airport Express Bus, Cercanías C1 (from T4) or flat-rate taxi: times, fares and which suits your hotel.
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Four ways from Barajas into the city
From Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) there are four ways into the city: Metro Line 8, the Airport Express Bus, the Cercanías C1 commuter train and a flat-rate taxi. Below we go through each one using the times and fares in our Madrid guide.
Which one suits you depends on where you're staying, when you arrive and which terminal you land at. Metro Line 8 runs from the Barajas terminals, while the C1 leaves from Terminal 4. Check the airport and terminal on your ticket first.
Metro Line 8: change at Nuevos Ministerios
Metro Line 8 runs from the Barajas terminals to Nuevos Ministerios, where you can easily transfer to other lines across the city.
It takes about 25-40 minutes to the center including the transfer. An airport supplement is added to the regular fare, so expect about €4 including the supplement. Fares can change, so check official sources.
Madrid's metro is extensive and clean, reaching almost every sight. It runs until about 1:30 am.
Airport Express Bus: runs 24 hours
The Airport Express Bus runs 24 hours to Cibeles and Atocha. At night it goes to Cibeles only.
The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs about €5. You can pay the driver by card.
If you land after the metro has closed, this bus still runs. At night it doesn't go on to Atocha, so work out how you'll get from Cibeles to your hotel before you set off.
Cercanías C1 (from T4) and the flat-rate taxi
The Cercanías C1 is a commuter train from Terminal 4 to Atocha and Chamartín stations. It takes about 25-30 minutes and costs about €3, and it's handy for hotels near Atocha or onward rail connections.
Taxis charge a fixed fare between the airport and anywhere inside the M-30 ring road: about €33 flat, taking about 20-40 minutes. Madrid taxis are relatively affordable compared with other European capitals.
Choosing by where you're staying
Based on our guide, here is how the options line up with where you're staying and where you're heading next.
Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Prado are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other, so a central base lets you explore on foot from day one. For a quieter stay, Salamanca is close to Retiro Park.
- Hotels near Atocha: the C1 (from Terminal 4) goes to Atocha. The Airport Express Bus also goes to Atocha, but only to Cibeles at night
- Continuing by train: the C1 goes to both Atocha and Chamartín stations
- Sol / Plaza Mayor: the very center, walkable to everything and a transport hub with many metro lines
- Anywhere inside the M-30 ring road: the flat-rate taxi applies (about €33 flat)
At a glance
All times and fares below are approximate. Check official sources again before you travel.
- Metro Line 8: Barajas terminals → Nuevos Ministerios, about 25-40 min to the center incl. transfer, about €4 incl. airport supplement (check official)
- Airport Express Bus: 24 hours, Cibeles and Atocha (Cibeles only at night), about 40 min, about €5, pay the driver by card
- Cercanías C1: Terminal 4 → Atocha and Chamartín, about 25-30 min, about €3
- Flat-rate taxi: airport ↔ anywhere inside the M-30 ring road, about 20-40 min, about €33 flat
Arrival-day checklist
Sort out a transport card and how you'll pay before you leave the airport, and your first day will be much easier.
- Tarjeta Multi card: buy it at station machines and load single or 10-trip tickets. The 10-trip ticket works on both the metro and city buses
- Tourist Travel Pass: unlimited public transport for 1 to 7 days, worthwhile if you plan to ride a lot
- Payment: cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is common
- Pickpockets: watch your belongings in crowded places such as Sol and the metro
- Arriving late: the metro runs until about 1:30 am; the Airport Express Bus runs 24 hours (Cibeles only at night)
- Check entry requirements with official sources before you travel
Plan your Madrid trip
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FAQ
How do I get into Madrid if I land late at night?
The Airport Express Bus runs 24 hours, but at night it goes to Cibeles only. The metro runs until about 1:30 am.
Where do I catch the Cercanías C1?
The C1 leaves from Terminal 4 and goes to Atocha and Chamartín stations. Metro Line 8 runs from the Barajas terminals to Nuevos Ministerios.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the city?
About €33 flat between the airport and anywhere inside the M-30 ring road. The ride takes about 20-40 minutes.
How much is Metro Line 8 from the airport?
An airport supplement is added to the regular fare, for about €4 in total. Check the current fare with official sources.
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Airport rail platform (Hong Kong Airport Station) · MNXANL / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coins and banknotes from many countries · Caleidoscopic / CC BY-SA 4.0