Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport ground transport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas is Spain's largest and busiest airport, about 13 km northeast of the centre across four terminals. Metro Line 8 runs from the terminals to Nuevos Ministerios for a flat €5 (including the €3 airport supplement), the Cercanías C-1 commuter train links T4 to Atocha and Chamartín, the 203 express bus runs 24 hours to the centre, and airport taxis charge a fixed €33 fare to anywhere inside the M-30 ring road. This guide compares price, time and frequency for every popular destination.
Where are you heading?
Other airports in Spain
Flying into a different gateway? These hubs are covered too.
Step-free access in Madrid
Metro Line 8 is the accessible spine here, and unusually every station on it works.
- Line 8 (the pink line) links both terminal areas — T1-T2-T3 and T4 — with Nuevos Ministerios in eight stops, and all eight stations are accessible. Both airport stations have lifts connecting every level.
- Nuevos Ministerios has lift access and connects to Metro lines 6 and 10 plus the Cercanias commuter trains, so the onward interchange is step-free too.
- Since August 2023 all of Line 8 carries NaviLens voice guidance, which helps blind and partially sighted passengers navigate the stations.
The Airport Express bus to Atocha runs 24 hours, which matters if you land after the metro closes.
Plan your arrival with confidence
Every option compared
Bus, tram, taxi, private transfer and car hire — side by side, not just the ones that pay us.
Real prices & times
Indicative fares, journey times and how often each service runs — so there are no surprises at arrivals.
No sales pitch
We tell you when the bus is the smart choice — and when a transfer is worth it. Honest guidance first.