Getting There and Away

Stunning view of the iconic Metropolis building in Madrid, Spain, on a sunny day.
Kio Liu, Pexels

Madrid is served by major transport hubs, including the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) for air travel, and the primary train station, Madrid Atocha, alongside the main bus terminal, Estación Sur de Autobuses (Méndez Álvaro).

Flights:

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the main international airport, with average round-trip flights costing around $527, although one-way fares can be found from approximately $162. Non-stop flights from destinations like New York typically take about 7 hours 10 minutes.

High-Speed Trains (AVE, AVLO, Iryo, Ouigo):

High-speed rail services connect Madrid Atocha station to major Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Malaga, with some international connections like Marseille, France. Prices for routes like Madrid-Barcelona have become significantly more competitive, with average fares ranging from €36.60 to €61.90. For destinations like Malaga, tickets can start from €25-€40 when booked in advance with private operators, though weekend prices can be higher. Travel times are approximately 2.5 hours to Barcelona or Seville, and about 30 minutes to Toledo. Booking tickets in advance is advisable for better rates.

Buses (Intercity/International):

The Estación Sur de Autobuses (Méndez Álvaro) is Madrid's principal bus terminal for national and international routes. The Airport Express bus (Line 203) offers a 24/7 service, connecting Madrid Atocha (day) or Plaza de Cibeles (night) to terminals T1, T2, and T4 of the airport, with a single ticket costing €5 and a journey time of 30-40 minutes. Intercity bus fares within the Madrid region increased as of July 1, 2025, with a single ticket for journeys between Madrid and its metropolitan area now costing €3.

Car Rental:

Numerous car rental companies operate from Madrid-Barajas Airport, offering economy cars from around $10-$11 per day. Madrid's extensive network of ring roads (M30, M40, M50) provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Renters typically need to be at least 21 years old.