This guide compares all available airport transfers at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Public and private transfers from the airport to the city
Madrid Airport (MAD), also known as Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez “Madrid-Barajas”, is largest airport in Spain and is located about 12 km northeast of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Madrid by Public Train, Metro, Express Bus, Taxi, Welcome Pickups (Private Transfer) or Car Sharing.
Transfer comparison from MAD airport to downtown
Overview of all transfer options from Madrid Airport to the City Center
| Transport | Travel time | Cost |  |
Metro | 15‑20 Min. | 7,50 € | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Public Train | 20‑45 Min. | 2,60 € | Details |
 |
Express Bus | 20‑45 Min. | 2,00 € | Details |
 |
Taxi | 30 Min. | 35 € | Details |
 |
Welcome Pickups |
30 Min. | 40 € | Details |
 |
Carsharing | 30 Min. | Individ. | Details |
Notices:
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
15-20 minutesCost:
5,00 € (+ 2,50 € Metro Card) ppDescription:
Metro line ‘8’ from Madrid Barajas Airport (stops at “Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3” and “Aeropuerto T4”) to the center of Madrid (stops “Mar de Cristal”, “Colombia” and “Nuevos Ministerios”)
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
20-45 minutesCost:
2,60 € pp (4 zones)Description:
Public train lines ‘C1’ and ‘C10’ from Madrid Airport (stop “Aeropuerto T4”) to the center of Madrid (stations “Atocha”, “Chamartín”, “Nuevos Ministerios”, “Méndez Álvaro” and “Príncipe Pío”)
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
2,00 € ppDescription:
Express Bus ‘Exprés Aeropuerto’ from Madrid Airport (bus stop at Terminal 1-2 and Terminal 4) to the center of Madrid (stops „O’Donnel”, „Cibeles” and „Atocha” train station)
Official local taxis
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
35 €Description:
Taxi from Madrid Airport (Taxi stands at all terminals) to central Madrid or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
40 €Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Madrid Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Madrid or directly to your accommodation
Find local providers ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
Depending on selected carDescription:
Share Now, Emove, Wible, Zity or Wishilife from Madrid Airport (car sharing parking T1 & T4) to the center or directly to your accommodationRoute from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to central Madrid
Madrid Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Madrid:
Things to know about Madrid:
1. Madrid was founded around the 860 A.C.
2. Madrid is one of the sunniest cities in Europe (over 300 days of sunshine per year)
3. Madrid is home of 3 major football teams: Átletico Madrid, Getafe and of course Real Madrid