How to get to Madrid from the airport: Transport options and car hire

Madrid

Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is one of the busiest in Europe and the main gateway to Spain’s capital city. With thousands of domestic and international flights every day, it’s no surprise that many travellers wonder how to reach the city centre once they land.

In this guide, we outline all the available transport options from the airport to different parts of Madrid—including the metro, train, buses, taxis, and of course, car hire, which offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the city and beyond.

Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Located just 12 kilometres from the centre of Madrid, the airport consists of four terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4), all well-connected via public transport and road access. The signage throughout the airport is clear and easy to follow, and travellers can make use of numerous services, including car hire offices, taxi ranks, metro stations, buses, and suburban (Cercanias) trains.

Depending on your chosen mode of transport, reaching the city centre can take anywhere between 20 and 60 minutes. Below, we break down each option to help you find the one that best suits your journey.

Car hire at Madrid Airport

Hiring a car at Madrid Airport is a fantastic option if you want to travel at your own pace, visit other cities, or avoid public transport. It is especially helpful when carrying lots of luggage or travelling in a group. It's also ideal if your final destination isn't in central Madrid, but in the outskirts or nearby towns.

Benefits of car hire

• Total flexibility with routes and schedules
• Perfect for families, groups, or business trips
• Extra comfort when travelling with luggage or equipment
• Direct access to motorways and expressways from the airport

Where to pick up your hire car at the airport

All terminals at Madrid Airport feature rental desks from different suppliers. However, booking in advance through DoYouSpainallows you to compare prices, select the right vehicle category, and save time on arrival.

Road Connections

From the airport, you can easily reach central Madrid via the M-40, M-11, A-2 or Avenida de America, depending on your destination. Journey time typically ranges between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Parking in Madrid

Madrid offers public car parks, regulated parking zones (blue and green zones), and private garages. You can also use mobile apps to find real-time parking availability. If your hotel has on-site parking, that’s usually the most convenient option.

Metro from the airport to the city centre

Madrid’s Metro is an affordable and efficient way to get from the airport to the city centre. Line 8 (pink) connects terminals T2 and T4 with Nuevos Ministerios station, located in the heart of the city’s financial district.

Useful information

• Duration: Approx. 15–20 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios
• Price: A single ticket from the airport costs between €4.50 and €5, including the airport supplement
• Operating hours: Around 6:05 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

From Nuevos Ministerios, you can transfer to other Metro lines or local commuter trains (Cercanias) to reach your final destination

Cercanías Train (Renfe)

Madrid’s Cercanias (Renfe) commuter train network is another handy option, especially if you're heading beyond the city centre or need quicker connections.

• The station is located in Terminal 4 (T4) on the C1Cercanias line
• Direct connections to Chamartin, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha and Principe Pio stations
• Journey time to Atocha: Around 25 minutes
• Price: From €2.60

This option is ideal if you arrive at T4 and your destination is near one of the main train stations.

Public buses & airport express

The Airport Express Bus (line 203) offers a direct, hassle-free connection between Madrid Airport and the city centre—with no transfers required.

Characteristics:

• Operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year
• Main stops: O'Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles, and Atocha Station (the latter available during daytime hours only)
• Departs from all airport terminals
• Fare: €5 per journey
• Journey time: 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic

Additionally, there are standard bus services (lines 200, 101, and the night route N27 Express) connecting the airport to various areas of Madrid. These tend to be less direct and slower.

Taxi & ride-hailing (VTC) options

If you'd rather opt for door-to-door comfort, official taxis and VTC services (similar to Uber or Cabify) are popular and widely available.

Taxi

• Taxi ranks at all terminals
• Operates 24/7

VTC

• Can be booked through mobile apps
• Similar or slightly lower prices than taxis during off-peak hours
• Choose from different vehicle categories

Ideal if you're in a rush, arriving late at night, or travelling with children.

Tip: If you’re carrying bulky luggage, travelling with children, or planning to explore beyond Madrid—consider hiring a car. It gives you complete freedom from the moment you land.

What’s the best way to reach Madrid from the airport?



It all depends on your needs, budget, and final destination. Public transport is economical and convenient, but may involve transfers and time restrictions. Taxis and VTCs are comfortable but more expensive. Car hire, on the other hand, gives you full total freedom—especially if you plan to discover places beyond central Madrid.

With DoYouSpain, you can book your hire car in advance at the best rate by comparing top suppliers. Have questions? Call us at +34 964 830 995, visit your Customer Area online, or speak to our Virtual Assistant. Book early to make sure your perfect car is ready when you touch down.