Getting To Madrid

As Spain’s capital, Madrid is easy to get to from just about anywhere. It is one of the best connected places in the world and about the only impractical way of getting here is by ferry. The easiest way of getting to Madrid is by air, arriving at Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD).

There are also rail and bus connections from all major European cities. Travelling by car is an option, as is travelling by train from Paris and other parts of Europe. The problem with these options is that they take a long time. Travelling by coach travel takes even longer, and as such, isn’t the most popular or practical choice of transport.

By car

Getting to Madrid from the UK by car is not only two or three days of non-stop driving, but it is also expensive. From the UK, motor approaches to Spain are across France via expressways. The most popular border crossing is east of Biarritz, which is about a six-hour drive from the Spanish border.

The best route to Madrid is via the E-70, just west of Bilbao. Cut south on the E-804 to the E-05 junction and head southwest to Burgos, continuing south on the N-I route to Madrid.

By rail

Trains from London to Madrid take at least a day, with a change in Paris. Eurostar takes three hours from London Waterloo to Paris Gare du Nord. A direct train departs daily from Gare d’Austerlitz in Paris for Madrid, a trip that takes about 14 hours. Trains arrive at Atocha Station in the city centre, and overnight travel on the Elipsis train from Paris is comfortable and inexpensive.

By bus

Bus travel to Madrid is possible, but not popular. Coach journeys take two or three days, with services provided by Eurolines from London’s Victoria Station. Other coach services operate regularly from major capitals of Western Europe to Madrid, from which bus connections can be made to Seville.

By air

Most visitors visiting Madrid arrive by aeroplane at Barajas International Airport, which is eight miles to the northeast of the city limits. Barajas International serves as the main hub of Iberia Airlines and other airlines, and is the main gateway to the Iberian peninsula from Europe, America and the rest of the world.

A new fourth terminal has been constructed at one of the world’s 20 busiest airports. The new Terminal 4 is the biggest airport terminal in Europe, and has significantly reduced delays and doubled the capacity of the airport to more than 70 millions passengers per year.

Madrid airport

 Madrid Barajas International Airport is Spain’s biggest and busiest airport, and is one of the world’s most modern. The new Terminal 4 was recently was opened, with recent expansions including two new buildings (T4 and T4S), a car park, two new runways, new access roads and many more services including additional shopping, recreational and entertainment facilities.

Passenger transit to and from T4 and T4S is by a driverless train that covers the two kilometre distance between the two terminals in just four minutes. It operates 24 hours and runs every two minutes during peak hours.

Upon exiting the arrival terminal, tourist information offices, ATMs and currency exchange counters are available in the public foyer for enquiries and cash for transportation into the city. The options for travelling into the city centre include private transfers, public buses, taxis, the Metro underground train system and special airport buses. 

Transportation from Madrid airport

A few companies offer airport shuttle services to centrally located hotels, with prices usually less than that of a taxi. Information about these shuttle services can be found through the information desk, located inside the airport, outside of the secure luggage claim area. Available services include, but are not limited to, Madrid Airport Shuttle, Shuttle Direct and AeroCit.

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