If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, you might be wondering about the best way to get from the airport to the city center. One option that many travelers consider is taking a train.
But is there a train from Madrid Airport to city center? Let’s take a closer look.
Getting to Madrid Airport
Before we talk about trains, let’s first discuss how to get to Madrid Airport. The airport, officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is located about 12 kilometers northeast of the city center. There are several options for getting there:
- Metro: Line 8 of the Madrid Metro system connects the airport with the city center. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs €5.
- Bus: There are several bus lines that connect the airport with different parts of Madrid.
The most popular one is probably the Exprés Aeropuerto, which goes directly to Atocha train station in the city center. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs €5.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to your destination in the city center. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes and costs between €25 and €35.
Is There a Train From Madrid Airport to City Center?
Now let’s answer the question at hand: is there a train from Madrid Airport to city center? The answer is yes! There are actually two train options:
Cercanías trains
The first option is taking a Cercanías train from Terminal T4 (the main terminal) to Atocha or Chamartín stations in the city center. Cercanías is a commuter rail service that connects Madrid with its suburbs and surrounding areas. The journey from the airport to Atocha takes around 25 minutes and costs €2.60, while the journey to Chamartín takes around 11 minutes and costs €2.15.
AVE trains
The second option is taking an AVE train from Terminal T4 to Atocha or Chamartín stations in the city center. AVE is a high-speed train service that connects Madrid with other cities in Spain, such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. The journey from the airport to Atocha takes around 25 minutes and costs between €10 and €15, while the journey to Chamartín takes around 11 minutes and costs between €7 and €11.
Which Train Option Should You Choose?
So now that you know there are two train options available, which one should you choose? It ultimately depends on your destination and budget:
- If you’re going to Atocha or Chamartín stations in the city center, both Cercanías and AVE trains can take you there.
- If you’re on a tight budget, Cercanías trains are cheaper than AVE trains.
- If you’re traveling to another city in Spain after Madrid, taking an AVE train might be more convenient than going to a different station to catch a different train.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is indeed a train from Madrid Airport to city center. Whether you choose a Cercanías or AVE train depends on your destination and budget. But whichever option you choose, taking a train can be a convenient and affordable way to get from the airport to the city center.