Madrid airport transfers from Barajas
Your terminal matters when choosing a route from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The Metro serves the airport's terminal groups, while the railway station is at Terminal 4. Choose your arrival point in Madrid before buying a ticket: Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha and your hotel can require quite different onward journeys.
The airports
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
- about 12 km north-east, usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on your destination and transport
Every way from the airport to Madrid
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetroLine 8 | MAD | about 15 to 20 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios | Travelers staying near a useful Metro connection |
| TrainCercanías from Terminal 4 | MAD | allow about 30 to 45 minutes to central stations | Terminal 4 arrivals heading toward railway stations |
| BusAirport Express | MAD | about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic | Cibeles, Atocha and late arrivals |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi | MAD | about 25 to 45 minutes in ordinary traffic | Door-to-door journeys with luggage |
How each one works
Metro: Line 8
Follow Metro signs to the station serving your terminal group and take line 8 toward Nuevos Ministerios. Buy the appropriate airport journey at a machine, using or obtaining a Multi card as required. Change lines for most old center addresses.
Train: Cercanías from Terminal 4
At Terminal 4, follow signs to the railway station and check the departure board for your destination. Buy a Cercanías ticket from the station machines. From other terminals, factor in the airport shuttle journey before comparing this with the Metro.
Bus: Airport Express
Follow signs to the Airport Express stop at Terminal 1, 2 or 4. The route serves Cibeles and continues to Atocha during daytime operation. Check accepted payment methods before boarding and confirm the destination shown, especially at night.
Taxi: Official airport taxi
Join the official taxi queue outside arrivals and show the driver your accommodation's full address. Journeys between the airport and the area inside the M-30 have a fixed fare. Confirm that your destination qualifies before setting off; card payment is available.
Arriving late or leaving early
The Airport Express operates overnight, with Cibeles as its central terminus during night service. Check the official timetable for your arrival. If the remaining journey involves a long walk with luggage, use an official taxi from the airport or Cibeles.
Before you land
- Check your arrival terminal before choosing the train, since the airport railway station is at Terminal 4.
- Compare the whole journey to your accommodation, including changes and walking, rather than only the ride from the airport.
- For an early departure, check when your airline opens bag drop and whether your chosen public transport starts early enough.
Madrid airport transfers from Barajas
Which Madrid airport does this guide cover?
It covers Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, code MAD. Confirm your terminal on your booking or airline information, since this affects access to the train and airport bus stops.
Does the airport Metro go directly to Sol?
No. Line 8 runs to Nuevos Ministerios, where you need an onward connection for Sol. Check the Metro journey planner for the best changes and any service disruption.
Can I take a train from every terminal?
The airport railway station is at Terminal 4. From another terminal, use the airport shuttle first or compare the Metro and Airport Express, which may give you a simpler journey.
What is the easiest option after midnight?
An official taxi gives a direct journey to your accommodation. The Airport Express is an alternative for Cibeles, but check how you will complete the journey from there.