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Tips on Madrid's Airport

With careful planning and an understanding of the airport's layout it should be possible to take in some of the sights, sounds and flavours of this vibrant and historic city. To get the best out of your airport stopover follow these tips. Madrid airport is situated closer to several of the city's major attractions than you might imagine

The NH Bellboy’s Tips

Getting out and about from Madrid airport

The city centre is located just 12 km from Barajas International Airport and with these tips on Madrid airport you can avoid wasting unnecessary time in transit. On arrival hop in a taxi or rent a car and, outside of rush hour, you can reach the city centre in 20 to 25 minutes.
Terminals T2 and T4 provide direct access to the city's metro system and the best way to beat the traffic. With a train every five minutes, the journey to the centre of Madrid only takes 12 minutes. The Madrid metro remains operational from 06:00 to 01:30 and tickets can be purchased at the station.
If time is less of a concern, take airport bus 200 which runs from 06:36 to 23:45. The journey to the centre of Madrid takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the bus but you can only pay in cash.

Safekeeping luggage during Madrid airport layover

Madrid airport provides luggage storage lockers which can be rented 24 hours a day. These can be found in terminals 1, 2 and 4. Additional lockers for bicycles, musical instruments and large objects are also available.

Sightseeing tips for a Madrid airport layover

Before you begin your sightseeing tour take into account the time required for security checks, baggage claim and travel to and from the airport. As with most major European airports, check in at Madrid airport is two hours before departure.
Puerta Del Sol is the perfect place to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid, engage in people watching or indulge in shopping and sample the street food. The main square of Madrid is Plaza Mayor where you can feast your eyes on the classical arcades and eat in one of the many outdoor cafes. Take a trip to the Prado Museum to view its unrivalled collection of historic European art or visit the Royal Palace, a masterpeice of baroque architecture.

Tips on Madrid airport stopover at night

If you arrive at Madrid airport early in the evening you might still have the chance to take a quick trip to the world famous Prado museum. From Mondays to Saturdays the museum remains open until 20:00 and you can gain free entry after 18:00. If you arrive on a Sunday or a public holiday bear in mind that the museum closes at 19:00.
At night Madrid becomes luminous riot of colour. Book a nocturnal sightseeing tour to explore the city's beautiful promenades, illuminated fountains and artistically lit buildings or simply grab a drink in a bar or dine in one of the many cafes and restaurants. A flamenco dance show makes for a unique Madrilenian experience and can often be arranged in conjunction with a night time tapas and wine tasting tour. For those in search of more contemporary musical pleasures, mega clubs like Fabrik and Space of Sound operate long into the night. However, if your flight has left you too tired to trip the light fantastic you will find many hotels nearby to suit every pocket and taste.

Where to stay in Madrid

See all hotels in Madrid
nh-hotels
NH Madrid Barajas Airport
Catamarán, 1,. 28042 Madrid
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The NH Barajas hotel, formerly known as NH Barajas, is located in a peaceful neighborhood on the outskirts of Madrid, 2 minutes’ walk from the historic Capricho park and 10 minutes by car from IFEMA, the city’s biggest trade fair center. The nearby metro line will take you directly to downtown Madrid in a few minutes.

  • 10.86km Almudena Cathedral
  • 7.08km Avenida de America
  • 9.49km Caixaforum vertical garden
  • 13.9km Casa de Campo
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • shuttle
    Shuttle
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
  • pool
    Pool
nh-hotels
NH Madrid Paseo de la Habana
Paseo de la Habana, 73,. 28036 Madrid
Reviews

The NH Madrid Paseo de la Habana hotel is in a peaceful area of Madrid, close to one of the city’s most famous avenues, Paseo de la Castellana and the Santiago Bernabeú stadium. There are plenty of bars and restaurants on the doorstep, and the city center is an easy 15-minute metro ride away.

  • 10.4km Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
  • 5.2km Almudena Cathedral
  • 2.02km Avenida de America
  • 5.06km Caixaforum vertical garden
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • babysitter
    Babysitter
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nh-hotels
NH Madrid Atocha
Paseo Infanta Isabel, 9,. 28014 Madrid
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The NH Madrid Atocha hotel, formerly known as NH Sur, is perfectly placed for Madrid’s ‘Art Triangle’ – the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza museums are all within 15 minutes’ walk. So is a whole host of shops, tapas bars and sightseeing spots.

  • 13.04km Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
  • 2.32km Almudena Cathedral
  • 3.55km Avenida de America
  • 0.53km Caixaforum vertical garden
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pets
    Pets
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
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