How Much Is the Metro From Madrid Airport to City Centre?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how to get from the airport to the city centre. Fortunately, Madrid has an excellent public transport system, and the Metro is a great option for getting around.

How much does it cost?
The cost of a Metro ticket from Madrid Airport (Barajas) to the city centre varies depending on how many zones you need to travel through. A single ticket for one zone costs €1.50, while a ticket for two zones costs €2.00. If you need to travel through three or more zones, you’ll need a special airport supplement which costs €3.00 on top of the regular fare.

Tip: If you plan on using the Metro frequently during your stay in Madrid, it’s worth considering buying a 10-journey ticket (abono de diez viajes). This costs €12.20 and can be used by multiple people.

Which line do I take?
There are two Metro lines that run from Madrid Airport: Line 8 (pink) and Line 4 (grey). Line 8 runs from all terminals at Barajas Airport and connects with several other Metro lines throughout the city, making it a good option if your accommodation is not near one of the main train stations in central Madrid.

Line 4, on the other hand, runs between Terminal 2 and Mar de Cristal station, where you can change onto other Metro lines or catch a bus to other destinations in Madrid.

Directions from Terminal 1

To reach Line 8 from Terminal 1, follow signs for “Metro” or “Tren de Cercanías” until you reach the station entrance. From there, take Line 8 towards Nuevos Ministerios and change at Mar de Cristal onto Line 4 towards Argüelles or Line 8 towards Nuevos Ministerios, depending on your final destination.

Directions from Terminal 2

If you arrive at Terminal 2, you can take either Line 8 or Line 4. To reach Line 8, follow the signs for “Metro” until you reach the station entrance. Take Line 8 towards Nuevos Ministerios and change at Mar de Cristal onto Line 4 or Line 8, depending on your final destination.

To reach Line 4 from Terminal 2, follow the signs for “Metro” until you reach the station entrance. Take Line 4 towards Argüelles and change at Mar de Cristal onto another Metro line or catch a bus to other destinations in Madrid.

Final thoughts

Taking the Metro from Madrid Airport to the city centre is a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers. With two Metro lines to choose from, getting around Madrid has never been easier. Just remember to check which zone your final destination is in before buying a ticket, and consider buying a multi-journey ticket if you’re planning on using public transport frequently during your stay.