Madrid by Air

Madrid-Barajas airport is strategically located in the center of Spain, 12 km from the center of Madrid. No other European capital has an international airport so close to its urban center, making things more convenient for travelers, saving them time and money.

To modernize and prepare Madrid-Barajas airport for the future air transport demand, important infrastructure and services projects have been put in work (Plan Barajas), both at the New Terminal Area, and on the airfield, with two new runways and other relevant infrastructures. With its expansion, Madrid-Barajas will become one of the most important European hub airports, especially as a connection platform between Latin America and Europe.

Numerous car rental companies have facilities at the airport and can provide renters with maps and directions. Like many airports, Barajas includes a mall for last-minute shopping for clothes and gifts, 24-hour currency exchange and a drugstore (farmacía), post office (correos), luggage lockers, a RENFE office for buying or changing train tickets (daily 8am-9pm), cafeterias (that are nothing special), bars, hotel reservations assistance and a tourist information office with maps and thing to do brochures.

Madrid Travel Guide

Utilizing Metro Madrid

From the Airport:

The metro takes you from one of two airport stops via Line 8 into the center in about thirty minutes (daily 6am-2am; 1€). You'll make a change at Nuevos Minsterios station to another line that will rush you into the center of the city. The route by road to central Madrid is more variable, depending on rush-hour traffic, and can take anything from twenty minutes to an hour. Outside the terminal, there is a shuttle bus every ten to fifteen minutes (5AM - just before 2AM -- 3€) to an underground terminal in the central Plaza Colón, with pedestrian entrance from the c/Goya or Metro Serrano. It is unlikely your plane will arrive outside these times. Taking a taxi after 1AM is advisable. Taxis are always available outside, too, and cost around 35€ to the center, unless you get stuck in traffic.

Going to the Airport:

If you use the Metro and you need to reach the airport, you have two stops:

- The first station is for Terminal T1, T2 and T3 -- these are for most flight within Spain and the EU
- There is another stop for Terminal T4, which is where most international flights will land Be careful NOT to exit at Barajas -- wait for the 2nd exit, appropriately named Aeropuerto T4.

You can see a layout of the airport and Metro stops here: Madrid Travel Guide

The airport website keeps you informed about the changes throughout construction.

Madrid By air

Madrid By train

Madrid By bus

Madrid By car