How to go to Madrid center from the airport
November 10, 2023
Welcome to Madrid, the city that never sleeps! Have you just landed at Barajas Airport and are eager to dive into the vibrant energy of the Spanish capital? Perfect! But wait a moment, how do you get from the airport to the heart of the action? Don't worry, my friend, I'm here to guide you through the maze of public transportation options, so you can start your Madrid adventure smoothly and without headaches.
Bus: Express Route to the Center of Madrid 24 hours
Do you want to arrive quickly and without complications? The Express bus is your best friend. From Terminals 1, 2, and 4, this bus will take you directly to the center of Madrid in the blink of an eye. Just follow the "Express" signs, and you'll be ready to set sail. What makes this journey even better? Its frequency. Every 15 minutes, a new one departs! So, if your flight was faster than expected, don't worry, another bus is just around the corner. It operates 24 hours a day and costs €5. You can pay in cash or with contactless card directly on the bus.
Bus to Avenida America
The most economical option is to use bus 200; it drops you off at Avenida América, and from there, you can connect to the rest of the city. The ticket cost is the same as a regular travel ticket, €1.5. The only downside is that the last bus departs around 11:00 PM, so if you have a late-night flight, this method may not be suitable.
Metro to the Center of Madrid from the Airport
Madrid is famous for its extensive metro network, and what better way to start your visit than by diving into it from the get-go? From Terminals 1, 2, and 4, take Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, and from there, choose your own adventure! Connect to other lines and explore the city like an authentic Madrilenian. The metro operates until 1:30 AM every day. To use it, you have to buy a card from the machines right next to the metro entrance, costing €2. Each journey then costs €1.5-€2, plus a €3 airport supplement. So, in total, traveling to the center using the metro is approximately €6.5. However, the €2 card will serve you throughout your stay in Madrid.
Train: A Swift Railway Journey
If you prefer comfort and speed, the C-1 train is your golden ticket. From Terminals 2 and 4, this train will take you to Chamartín train station, where you can easily connect to the metro or suburban train to reach the center.
