Madrid is one of the easiest European cities to reach. The Spanish capital has one of the largest airports on the continent, receives direct flights from Brazil and has an excellent public transportation network connecting the airport to the city center.
Besides the international airport, Madrid also has high-speed train connections with several Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, Seville and Valencia.
In this guide, we show you the main ways to get to Madrid and how to move around the city during your trip.
💡 Money-saving travel tip
Before buying your ticket, compare different airlines and schedules. Small changes in travel dates can often result in significant savings.
You can also search for flight deals on Booking.com:
Flights from Brazil to Madrid
Madrid is one of the main entry points for Brazilians traveling to Europe. There are direct flights from Brazil, especially from São Paulo.
The main airlines operating flights between Brazil and Madrid are:
- Iberia: the main Spanish airline, offering direct flights between São Paulo and Madrid.
- LATAM: also offers options connecting Brazil and Spain.
- Air Europa: Spanish airline with international flights to Madrid.
- TAP: a popular option among Brazilians with a connection in Lisbon.
The direct flight time between São Paulo and Madrid is usually around 10 hours.
Madrid Airport (MAD)
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the main airport in Spain and is located approximately 12 km from the historic city center.
The airport has four terminals, shops, restaurants, free Wi-Fi and excellent signage in Spanish and English.
After arriving on an international flight from outside the Schengen Area, passengers go through immigration before collecting their luggage and heading to transportation options into the city.
💡 Travel tip
Madrid has one of the best-connected airports in Europe. You do not need to book a taxi or private transfer: public transportation works very well.
How to get from Madrid Airport to the city center
There are several options to leave Barajas Airport and reach the main areas of the city.
Option 1: Metro
The metro is one of the most practical and affordable ways to reach central Madrid.
- Time: approximately 40 minutes to the city center.
- Price: around €5 to €7 depending on the destination.
- Lines: Line 8 connects the airport with other metro lines.
Option 2: Cercanías Train
The suburban train is a great alternative for some areas of the city and can be faster depending on where your accommodation is located.
- Time: approximately 25 minutes.
- Price: usually cheaper than other options.
Option 3: Airport Express Bus
The airport express bus operates 24 hours a day and is a comfortable option for those arriving late at night or who prefer not to use the metro with luggage.
- Time: approximately 40 minutes to the city center.
- Price: around €5 per person.
- Operation: 24 hours.
Option 4: Taxi or private transfer
For travelers with lots of luggage, late-night arrivals or those looking for more comfort, a taxi can be a good alternative.
- Time: around 25 to 35 minutes.
- Price: fixed fare of approximately €33 to central Madrid.
💡 Our tip
If you are traveling alone or with little luggage, the metro and train are the best options in terms of cost-benefit.
For families or groups with large suitcases, sharing a taxi can actually be an interesting alternative.
How to get around Madrid
Madrid has one of the best public transportation networks in Spain. Most tourist attractions can be visited using the metro, buses or simply walking.
We do not recommend renting a car to explore Madrid. Traffic is intense, parking is expensive and public transportation covers practically all tourist attractions.
Types of transportation in Madrid
- Metro: the fastest way to move around the city, with several lines connecting tourist areas.
- Bus: complements the metro and reaches areas where underground lines do not go.
- Cercanías: regional trains used for more distant neighborhoods and nearby cities.
- Walking: many attractions in the historic center are close to each other.
Public transportation tickets and fares in Madrid
For tourists, metro and bus tickets are usually enough to explore the main attractions of the city.
Prices may change, but these are good reference values:
| Ticket | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket | €1.50–€2 |
| Airport ticket supplement | +€3 supplement |
| Tourist Travel Pass (1 to 7 days) | From approximately €8.40 |
To plan routes, we recommend using Google Maps or Madrid's official transportation app.
💡 Money-saving tip
If you plan to visit many attractions, consider buying a tourist pass. Depending on how much you use public transportation, it can be very worthwhile.
Is it worth renting a car in Madrid?
For exploring Madrid, we do not recommend renting a car.
Public transportation is efficient, affordable and easily takes you to the main tourist attractions, such as:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Royal Palace
- Prado Museum
- Retiro Park
- Gran Vía
A car only makes sense if you are planning a road trip through Spain, visiting smaller towns or regions outside the major cities.
Important transportation tips in Madrid
- Download Google Maps: it works very well for planning routes using public transportation.
- Avoid rush hours: the metro can get very crowded in the morning and late afternoon.
- Walk around the city center: many attractions are close to each other and exploring Madrid on foot is one of the best experiences.
- Be careful with pickpockets: especially in busy stations and tourist areas.
With good planning, exploring Madrid is very easy. The city combines efficient transportation, nearby attractions and excellent infrastructure for travelers.
Continue planning your trip to Madrid
Now that you know how to get to Madrid and move around the city, continue planning your trip with the next parts of our complete guide:
- Best time to visit Madrid Discover the weather, seasons and the best time to visit the city.
- Things to do in Madrid See the main attractions, museums and itineraries in the Spanish capital.
- Where to stay in Madrid Check the best neighborhoods and tips for choosing your accommodation.
- Where to eat in Madrid Discover restaurants, tapas and traditional Spanish food.
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Written by
Feitos para Viajar
We're Fernanda and Vinicius, travel content creators since 2021. As software engineers living in Germany, we share real travel experiences to help you discover both iconic destinations and hidden gems.
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