Madrid-Barajas is one of Europe's most important airports and has excellent connections to the city center. This guide will help you choose the best transportation option according to your needs, budget and luggage.
General Information
Distance: Madrid-Barajas Airport is located approximately 28 km from Madrid city center.
Terminals: Barajas has 4 terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) connected by free shuttle bus and link train.
Transport Options
Here are all available options to get from the airport to Madrid city center, ordered by popularity and convenience:
Official Taxi
Most PopularThe most comfortable and fast option. Fixed price of €30 from airport to M-30 (Madrid center). Available 24/7.
- Direct door-to-door
- Fixed price guaranteed
- Comfortable with luggage
- Available 24 hours
- More expensive
- Rush hour traffic
- Queues in high season
Metro (Line 8)
Most EconomicalThe most economical option. Connects T2 and T4 with the center. Requires airport supplement (€3). Operates 6:00-1:30.
- Very economical
- Frequency 4-7 minutes
- Avoids traffic
- Connects to entire network
- Long travel time
- Inconvenient with heavy luggage
- Only from T2 and T4
- No overnight service
Suburban Train (C1)
RecommendedExcellent value for money. Connects T4 with Atocha, Chamartín and Sol. Comfortable and fast, ideal for experienced travelers.
- Very economical
- Fast and comfortable
- Stops at key stations
- Every 30 minutes
- Only from T4
- Limited schedule 6:00-23:30
- Can be crowded rush hour
Express Bus (203)
24 HoursOnly 24h public transport. Connects all terminals with Atocha. Ideal for night or early morning flights.
- 24-hour service
- Stops at all terminals
- Economical
- Space for luggage
- Slower than other options
- Low frequency at night
- Traffic dependent
Detailed Information
Metro Line 8
Madrid Metro Line 8 connects the airport with the city center. It stops at terminals T2 and T4. If you arrive at T1 or T3, you must take the free shuttle bus to T2.
- Schedule: 6:00 - 1:30
- Frequency: 4-7 minutes
- Price: €1.50 + €3.00 (airport supplement)
- Main destinations: Nuevos Ministerios, Sol, Ópera
Suburban Train C1
The C1 suburban line is an excellent option that connects T4 airport with Madrid's main train stations. It's fast, comfortable and very economical.
- Schedule: 6:02 - 23:32
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Price: €2.60
- Main stops: Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, Sol, Atocha
Express Bus 203
The Airport Express bus is the only public transport option that operates 24 hours. It connects all terminals with Madrid city center.
- Schedule: 24 hours
- Frequency: 15-35 minutes (depending on time)
- Price: €5.00
- Destination: Atocha Station
- Stops: T1, T2, T4, Cibeles, Atocha
Official Taxi
Madrid's official taxis are white with a red diagonal stripe. They have a fixed rate from the airport to Madrid city center.
- Fixed price: €30.00 (airport to M-30)
- Supplements: +€5.50 (22:00-7:00), +€6.70 (weekends/holidays)
- Time: 25-45 minutes
- Availability: 24/7
Comparison Table
| Transport | Price | Time | Schedule | Terminals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €30-40 | 25-45 min | 24/7 | All |
| Train C1 | €2.60 | 25-35 min | 6:02-23:32 | T4 |
| Bus 203 | €5.00 | 40-60 min | 24/7 | All |
| Metro L8 | €4.50 | 45-60 min | 6:00-1:30 | T2, T4 |
Useful Tips
- With heavy luggage: Taxi or Bus 203 are the best options.
- Tight budget: Train C1 offers the best value for money.
- Night flights: Only taxi and Bus 203 are available 24h.
- Terminal T4: You have all options available.
- Terminal T1/T3: Use the free shuttle to reach T2 (metro) or T4 (train).
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