Madrid-Barajas Airport is located 12 km from the center of Madrid, is one of the 5 busiest airports in Europe: there are flights of around 100 companies, including those operating low-cost flights. Barajas Airport is well connected to the capillary network of the Madrid Metro that goes to the airport, buses and if you want thanks to taxis. The easiest and fastest way to get to Madrid from Barajas airport is the metro, which leaves from all terminals, including T4, which is about 20 minutes from the others.
The metro line connecting Barajas airport with the center of Madrid is line 8 (pink) from the airport to the terminus Nuevos Ministerios with runs from 6 am to 2 am. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes.
The ticket to and from the airport is the “Billete Sencillo + Superclement Aeropuerto” that can be purchased directly from the machines at the airport. The single ticket for a subway ride costs € 1.50 + the airport surcharge (€ 3). The ticket from Barajas airport to the center of Madrid has a minimum cost of 4.50 euros.
The buses are those of Línea Exprés departing from Terminals 4, 1 and 2 which take about 40 minutes to get to Atocha station. The price is 5 euros and tickets can be purchased directly on the bus. For those who want to travel in comfort it is possibile to get a private taxi service as taxi-airports-transfer.com, not so expensive and very fast.
Four terminals of Barajas airport are connected 24 hours a day with the free bus service for non-passengers (no boarding pass is required) and with a bus for travelers with a boarding pass to move from one terminal to the other. Decorated windows, restaurants and ATMs make the airport the perfect place for a snack and a little shopping before the flight. Terminals 1, 2 and 4 have luggage storage. Thanks to the efficient means of transport, it is easy to get to the center of Madrid from the airport. You can take the subway, the bus, the train or a taxi.
If you are planning to frequently use public transportation during your visit to Madrid, you can decide to purchase the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass. This is a travel document that can be used on all public city transport and also includes some suburban areas.