How to Get to Downtown Madrid from the Airport

The airport in Madrid, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, is about 10 kilometers from the city center, so you will need to take the bus, the subway, commuter rail, a shuttle service, or a taxi into the city.  There are several  bus lines that operate 24 hours a day, connecting the airport with key locations in the city, such as Atocha (train station) and Avenida de América (bus station).You can find all the information on routes, schedules, and prices here. Subway line 8 and RENFE (commuter rail) line C-1 can also transport you between the airport and Madrid. However, unless you’ve packed very lightly and have a great deal of mobility while carrying your luggage, we do not recommend you take the subway or a bus into Madrid when you first arrive. 

If you decide to take a taxi, there is a 33 € flat fee for services between the airport and the city center (any area within the M-30 beltway is considered “city center” for this purpose). For additional information on taxi rates, you can consult the fare details here. If other students are arriving at the same time, it is often possible to share a taxi. The final fare should be indicated on the taxi meter, so be sure to check that the meter starts at the beginning of the ride. You can also use other transportation services such as Bolt, Uber, or Cabify which offer fixed prices from the moment you book the ride. The app will provide details about pick-up points at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, which may vary depending on the terminal. Look for signs at the airport for ridesharing pick-up locations. It is suggested that you arrange to travel with another student, since arriving in pairs will facilitate getting cabs/buses, making hostel calls, and protecting luggage. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of accepted students who are interested in coordinating their travel plans will be distributed several weeks before potential travel dates.  If you have any difficulties at the airport, there is a tourist information center available to assist you.

We recommend that you do not arrive late at night nor go directly to the Middlebury office from the airport to begin your search for housing. Unless you have made prior arrangements in advance, book a room in a hostel and rest. You can consult the list of suggested places in the Local Information section of this Handbook, make a reservation in advance, or call from the airport to check for room availability. 

You may find it beneficial to check TripAdvisor or purchase Let’s Go Spain or The Lonely Planet Guide to Spain before you leave the U.S. They provide information on good, affordable   food and accommodations and are updated annually by the publishers