Madrid airport to city centre: all options
Madrid has four main ways from Barajas to the centre. Here is how to choose, without guessing prices that change: check current fares on the official links below.
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Metro line 8
Runs from T1–T3 and T4 to Nuevos Ministerios. An airport supplement is added to the single fare. Change lines for the centre.
Cercanías C1/C10
Commuter trains from T4 to Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha and Príncipe Pío (not Sol). Good if your hotel is near those stations.
Exprés Aeropuerto bus
Runs 24 hours to Cibeles and Atocha (Cibeles only at night). Convenient for late arrivals.
Taxi
A regulated flat fare applies between the airport and anywhere inside the M-30 ring, about 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
If you land late at night
The metro usually closes at around 1:30 am. After that, the main options are the Airport Express bus, which normally runs through the night but ends near Cibeles rather than Atocha after dark, an official taxi, or a ride-hailing app. Check the current EMT and Metro de Madrid information before you fly, and let your hotel or host know your arrival time.
Which terminal are you using?
T4 has its own metro and Cercanías stations. T1, T2 and T3 share a metro station near T2, and a free shuttle bus links the terminals. Check your terminal on your booking, as it changes how you get into the city.
See also: Arriving in Madrid late at night: late check-in and night transport tips.
FAQ
What is the fastest way from Madrid airport to Sol?
A taxi outside rush hour, or Metro line 8 / Cercanías with one change.
Does the Metro run all night?
No. The Metro closes around 1:30 am, but the Exprés Aeropuerto bus runs 24 hours.