Madrid Airport if timely flights arrive at 10a with flight out at 410p...checked that airport close to city. Suggestions on whether to leave airport since would have to be back for flight by 2....have never been there, so would love your thoughts! cheers!
Barajas is big, and it takes much time to navigate (although it does depend on the terminals you fly in and out of)...if it was me, I wouldn't leave with that much time in between flights.
You can get into the city center by the Metro quickly but not quick enough to have to get back and go through security to make it worthwhile. You really wouldn't wamt to chance it.
The metro is not the quickest way to central Madrid if you mean Puerta del Sol. It requires two station changes and a good 45 min without waiting for the next train. A faster route is a 20 min bus ride to the big bus terminal on Avenida de Amerida. From there you can take the metro directly to P del Sol or if, two or more, use a cab.
Because of unexpected delays, stay there. There are nice shops and eateries.
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Thanks to all for pretty much reaffirming my own thoughts! Especially glad to hear "The airport if rather new, interesting, and comfortable. Take a look around, enjoy the architecture," from kim
Iowa City!