How Do I Get From Madrid Airport to Central Station?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re traveling to Madrid, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from the airport to central station. Fortunately, there are several options available, depending on your budget and preferences.

Option 1: By Metro

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to get from Madrid Airport to central station is by metro. The airport has its own metro station, which is located in Terminal 2 and can be accessed from Terminals 1, 3, and 4 by a free shuttle bus.

Once you reach the metro station, you can take Line 8 (pink) towards Nuevos Ministerios and switch to Line 10 (dark blue) towards Puerta del Sur at Nuevos Ministerios Station. You can get off at any of the following stations:

  • Nuevos Ministerios
  • Santiago Bernabéu
  • Plaza de España
  • Príncipe Pío
  • Plaza de Castilla
  • Tribunal
  • Noviciado
  • Santo Domingo

Pros:

  • The metro runs frequently from early morning until late at night.
  • The metro is affordable.
  • You can avoid traffic congestion on the road.

Cons:

  • If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling during peak hours, it may be crowded.
  • You may need to make transfers if your final destination isn’t close to one of the mentioned stations.

Option 2: By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App

Another popular option for getting from Madrid Airport to central station is by taxi or ride-hailing app like Uber or Cabify. The taxi stand is located outside of each terminal and you can also order a ride through your preferred app.

  • You have door-to-door service.
  • You don’t need to navigate public transportation.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services can be expensive, especially during peak hours.
  • You may get stuck in traffic congestion, which can extend your trip time.

Option 3: By Bus

Madrid Airport also has a shuttle bus that runs between the airport and central station. The Line 203 bus runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and stops at all terminals.

  • The shuttle bus is affordable.
  • If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling during peak hours, it may be crowded.
  • The bus may make several stops along the way before reaching central station.

Conclusion

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and consider factors such as cost, convenience, and travel time when deciding how to get from Madrid Airport to central station. By considering all of your options and weighing the pros and cons carefully, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that meets your needs.