What's near Madrid airport?

Near Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), travelers can find the charming town of Barajas, the vast Juan Carlos I and El Capricho parks, the IFEMA convention center, Plenilunio shopping mall, and the Valdebebas area (including Real Madrid's training complex and Atletico Madrid's stadium). The airport is about 18 km from the city center.

What to do near Madrid Airport?

Airport Layover: How and What to see in Madrid in 12 hours

• A walk in Buen Retiro Park and stop at Palacio de Cristal
• Fuente de Cibeles
• Explore the extensive art collection at Prado Museum
• Visit the Royal Palace
• Wander in the 16th century square at Plaza Mayor
• Find the Bear at Puerta del Sol

What to do in Madrid Airport for 5 hours?

7 things to do on a layover at Madrid Barajas Airport

• Enjoy a meal. Madrid Barajas has a good spread of cafés, casual restaurants, and grab-and-go options, but overnight food availability can be uneven depending on the terminal and time of day. ...
• Relax in a lounge. ...
• Go shopping. ...
• Take a shower. ...
• Go sightseeing. ...
• WiFi. ...
• Sleep.

How close is Madrid Airport to the city?

Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16. The distance between Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and the city center is approximately 18 km, and driving takes 20-25 minutes.

What to do with 3 hours in Madrid?

Best Things To Do During a Layover In Madrid

1. Do you have a few hours to explore Madrid during your layover? ...
2. 1- Store your luggage safely in the heart of Madrid. ...
3. 2- Explore Puerta del sol. ...
4. 3- Take a photo in Plaza Mayor. ...
5. 4- Try something in Mercado de San Miguel. ...
6. 5- Visit the Royal Palace. ...
7. 6- Relax at the Retiro Park.

Best Things To Do in Madrid Spain 2026

Can I leave the airport during a layover in Madrid?

Can you leave Madrid Airport during a layover? Yes, and you definitely should! If your layover is at least 7 hours long, you've got enough time to head into the city and enjoy a taste of Madrid.

Is Madrid a walkable city?

Madrid is a compact, walkable city, but you'll still need at least two or three days to get a proper handle on it. If you want to add in day trips to nearby Toledo, Segovia and Cuenca, give yourself at least a week.

How much is a taxi from Madrid Airport to city Centre?

A taxi from Madrid Airport to City Center costs around €30-€35 depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. These are estimated prices and may vary.

Are taxis in Madrid cash only?

With over 15,000 taxis in Madrid, finding a free one on any of the city's main thoroughfares is rarely difficult. All vehicles accept payment by credit card and can also be paid in cash (taxi drivers are required to have coins in sufficient quantity to facilitate change to the user up to the amount of 20 euros).

How early should I get to Madrid Airport for an international flight?

For security reasons, if you are flying to the USA or Latin America from Madrid, we recommend that you arrive at the airport 4 hours in advance. For all other destinations, you should arrive 2 and a half hours before departure.

What is the rainiest month in Madrid?

Madrid's rainiest months are typically October, November, and April, with October often cited as the wettest month overall for rainfall volume, though May can see the most wet days, and November brings significant rain too. While rain falls year-round, these autumn and spring months experience the highest precipitation, with drier periods in summer (July, August).
 

What non-touristy things to do in Madrid?

Non-touristy activities to do in Madrid

• Latroupe Prado. Non-tourist activities are what the real Madrileños do. ...
• Jardines de Sabatini. We carry on with a well-known landmark. ...
• Museo Sorolla. ...
• Restaurante Botín. ...
• Plaza de Olavide. ...
• Parque del Oeste. ...
• Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida. ...
• Biblioteca Escuelas Pías de San Fernando.

How much does Uber cost from Madrid Airport to city centre?

Uber: Request an Uber ride from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to central Madrid. The average trip duration is 23 minutes, the price is €23, and the distance is 11 miles. Metro: Take the Metro Line 8 (Rosa) for a direct connection between Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and central Madrid.

Which is nicer, Barcelona or Madrid?

Attractions and experiences

Barcelona is a much better tourist city than Madrid. Although there are a couple of “must-see” places in Madrid—the Royal Palace, Parque del Buen Retiro—they don't reach the level of Sagrada Familia alone, even in sum.

Do I tip taxi drivers in Madrid?

Tipping taxi drivers in Madrid

It's common to tip 10% in Madrid for a longer journey, and if you were helped with your luggage. For short journeys the easiest option is to round up the bill to the nearest significant amount in Euros.

What is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself. 

What to say when ordering a taxi?

When you call up the taxi company, you can ask to book a taxi at a certain time by saying “May I book a taxi at (time)?” or if you would like one right away, you can say “When is the soonest I could book a taxi for?” Next, you need to tell the taxi operator where you are by saying “I'm at (address)” or “Could you send ...

Is there a free bus at Madrid Airport?

- Passengers without a boarding pass: Madrid-Barajas Airport has a free bus service connecting terminals T1, T2, T3 and T4, 24 hours a day. You can also walk between terminals T1, T2 and T3.

Do taxi drivers in Madrid speak English?

While most taxi drivers in Madrid do not speak fluent English, many are able to communicate in basic English. If you need to give your driver directions or have any special requests, it's a good idea to have the name and address of your destination written down in Spanish.

How English friendly is Madrid?

Most people in Madrid, especially in the center and tourist areas, speak at least enough English for you to get by. This is especially true if you're talking to younger locals.

How to avoid getting pickpocketed in Madrid?

Check your purse and backpack frequently to make sure it is closed. If you can, wear it in front, rather then on a side or on the back or keep your hand on the zipper (yes, opt for a bag with a zipper, rather then an open tote). Leave your original passport at hotel, just in case you get distracted.

What is the prettiest part of Madrid?

The nicest neighbourhoods in Madrid

• Chamberí & Tetuán. ...
• Chueca. ...
• La Latina. ...
• Lavapiés. ...
• Malasaña. ...
• Retiro. ...
• Salamanca. Chic Madrid, with luxury shops and good but pricey restaurants. ...
• Sol & Huertas. The heart of the city, with Sol, Plaza Mayor and great shopping streets.