How much is a taxi from MAD to central Madrid?

Taxi fares: flat fare of about €33 within the M-30 ring road. The ride takes 20–40 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from MAD?

Airlines at MAD include Iberia, Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, LATAM Airlines, Avianca, Aeroméxico and Copa Airlines. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave MAD on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 4 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to central Madrid, an hour there and getting back through security. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for short stays, but you pass passport control (and the EU's Entry/Exit System) to leave the airport.

Are there lounges at MAD?

Iberia's Velázquez and Dalí lounges (Terminal 4).

Is there a hotel at MAD?

Hotels near Terminals 4 and 1 run shuttles.

How long do I need to connect at MAD?

We recommend at least 1 h 10 min for a connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our MAD connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Madrid · airport guide

Madrid Airport guide

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport has Terminals 1, 2 and 3, plus Terminal 4 and its satellite 4S (Iberia and oneworld). The quickest way from MAD to central Madrid is the Airport Express bus (about 40 minutes, about €5).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to central Madrid

40 min

Airport Express bus, about €5

Taxi

20–40 min

flat fare of about €33 within the M-30 ring road

Connecting here

1 h 10 min

Same terminal, no passport control

Leave on a layover

4 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from MAD to central Madrid is the Airport Express bus (about 40 minutes, about €5). Connecting here, allow at least 1 h 10 min for a connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Iberia, Air Europa, American, Delta and United.

Terminals: Terminals 1, 2 and 3, plus Terminal 4 and its satellite 4S (Iberia and oneworld)
Taxi: 20–40 min, flat fare of about €33 within the M-30 ring road
Connecting: At least 1 h 10 min for a connection in the same terminal
Lounges: Iberia's Velázquez and Dalí lounges (Terminal 4)
Hotel: Hotels near Terminals 4 and 1 run shuttles

Getting from MAD to central Madrid

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

Airport Express busto Cibeles and Atochaabout 40 minabout €5
Metro Line 8to Nuevos Ministeriosabout 20 minabout €5 including the airport supplement
Taxi or rideshare20–40 minflat fare of about €33 within the M-30 ring road

Inside MAD

Terminals and connections

Terminals 4 and 4S are linked by an airside train. Terminals 1–3 are a bus ride away, outside security.

How long a layover you need at MAD

Lounges

•Iberia's Velázquez and Dalí lounges (Terminal 4)

Sleep, showers and hotels

•Hotels near Terminals 4 and 1 run shuttles

Plugs and power

Outlets in Spain are Types C, F at 230 V. Which adapter to pack

MAD tips

•Allow extra time for connections between Terminal 4S and Terminal 4.

Can you leave MAD on a layover?

With at least 4 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane, through passport control and out45 min
To central Madrid and back, the fastest way40 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security and passport control to your gate1 h 30 min
Layover you need4 h

U.S. citizens don't need a visa for short stays, but you pass passport control (and the EU's Entry/Exit System) to leave the airport.

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at MAD

Major airlines that fly from MAD (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Iberia Carry-on 56 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
Air Europa Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Ryanair Carry-on 55 × 40 × 20 cm Bag fees
easyJet Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Vueling Carry-on 55 × 40 × 20 cm
LATAM Airlines Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
Avianca Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
Aeroméxico Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
Copa Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 10 in Bag fees

MAD airport FAQ

The quickest option is the Airport Express bus to Cibeles and Atocha: about 40 minutes for about €5. You can also take the Metro Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, about 20 minutes for about €5 including the airport supplement. A taxi takes 20–40 min (flat fare of about €33 within the M-30 ring road).

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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