Metro at Madrid Airport
The Madrid Metro is one of the fastest and most economical ways to travel between Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and the city center. The airport is connected to the metro network by Line 8 (pink line), which links the airport terminals with several important transport hubs in Madrid.
This metro line connects the airport with Nuevos Ministerios, a major interchange station where passengers can transfer to other metro lines and commuter trains (Cercanías). From there, travelers can easily reach central districts such as Gran Vía, Sol, Chamartín, or Atocha.
If your destination is near the financial district or northern Madrid, getting off at Nuevos Ministerios is often faster than continuing toward the historic center.
Metro Line 8 – Airport Connection
Line 8 runs between Nuevos Ministerios and Aeropuerto T4, stopping first at the station serving Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The journey from Nuevos Ministerios to the airport takes around 20–30 minutes.
- Line: Metro Line 8
- Main route: Nuevos Ministerios – Aeropuerto T4
- Travel time: about 20–30 minutes
- Frequency: every 3–8 minutes
- Operating hours: approx. 06:00 – 01:30
Line 8 is particularly convenient because Nuevos Ministerios also connects with metro lines 6 and 10 as well as multiple Cercanías train lines, allowing easy access to many parts of Madrid and nearby cities.
If you have a flight very early in the morning or late at night, check the metro timetable carefully because the system usually closes around 01:30.
Metro Stations at the Airport
Madrid Airport has two metro stations serving different terminals:
- Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 – serves Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
- Aeropuerto T4 – located directly under Terminal 4.
Passengers traveling between terminals can use the free airport shuttle bus that connects all terminals.
If you arrive at Terminal 4, the metro station is directly inside the terminal building, making it one of the easiest public transport connections at the airport.
Ticket Prices
The price of a metro ticket to or from Madrid Airport includes the standard metro fare plus a mandatory airport supplement.
- Metro single ticket: around €1.50
- Airport supplement: €3.00
- Total typical price: €4.50 – €5.00
Passengers must also use a rechargeable Multi Card, which can be purchased at ticket machines in metro stations.
If you have a monthly transport pass for Madrid, the airport supplement may already be included depending on your travel zones.
Metro Travel Times from the Airport
Advantages of Using the Metro
- Fast and reliable connection to central Madrid
- Frequent departures every few minutes
- Easy transfers to metro and commuter train lines
- Low cost compared with taxis or private transfers
f you are traveling with large luggage, the Cercanías train from Terminal 4 may be more comfortable than the metro because it offers more space.