Are you planning a trip to Madrid and wondering how to get to the airport? The good news is that Madrid has an extensive public transportation system, including a metro network that connects the city to its international airport. In this article, we will answer the question – does the metro go to the airport in Madrid?
Getting to Madrid Airport by Metro
Madrid’s airport, officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is located about 12 kilometers northeast of the city center. It’s one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year.
If you want to use public transportation to get from Madrid city center to the airport, taking the metro is a convenient and affordable option. There are two metro lines that serve the airport – Line 8 (pink) and Line 4 (gray).
Line 8 (Pink Line)
Line 8 of Madrid’s metro system is dedicated entirely to connecting the city center with Barajas Airport, with several stations along the way. You can catch Line 8 at any of its stations in central Madrid – Nuevos Ministerios, Colombia, Mar de Cristal or Campo de las Naciones.
The journey from Nuevos Ministerios station in central Madrid to Terminal 4 at Barajas Airport takes around 15-20 minutes. If your flight departs from any other terminal at the airport (Terminals 1-3), you can take a free shuttle bus from Terminal 4.
Line 4 (Gray Line)
Another option for getting to Barajas Airport by metro is taking Line 4 from central Madrid. While this line doesn’t serve all terminals directly like Line 8 does, it’s still a viable option for passengers departing from Terminals 1-3.
You can catch Line 4 at any of its stations in central Madrid, such as Goya, Colón, or Alonso Martínez. From these stations, you will need to transfer to Line 8 at Mar de Cristal station to continue to the airport.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a metro ticket in Madrid depends on the number of zones you travel through. A single ticket for a journey between the city center and Barajas Airport costs €4.50 (as of 2021) for a single zone.
If you plan to use public transportation extensively during your stay in Madrid, it might be worth purchasing a Multi Card or Tourist Travel Pass. The Multi Card is a rechargeable card that allows you to save money on individual tickets and is valid for all modes of public transportation within Madrid. The Tourist Travel Pass includes unlimited travel on public transportation (including the airport) for a set number of days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes – the metro goes to the airport in Madrid! You can take either Line 8 or Line 4 to get from central Madrid to Barajas Airport conveniently and affordably.
Remember to purchase your ticket before boarding and check which terminal your flight departs from before choosing which line to take. Happy travels!