MAD airport to downtown

The website of your hotel probably has directions on how to get there and if not, send an e mail.

Yes, it's correct. But you also have the option of the Aero City Van, which would take you directly to your hotel at about half the price of a taxi. You don't have to reserve in advance, just go to the booth to the right as you come out of arrivals (by the "green cross" pharmacy sign). There is an airport express bus, but the closest it goes to Puerta del Sol is Cibeles, which would be a pretty good hike. It's up to you whether you want to navigate two trains, with luggage.

Taxi or van are the only options that don't require a connection between Madrid airport and Sol. The Cercanias train departs only from airport Terminal 4. Schedules at http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/madrid/ confirm that you can make one connection at Chamartin, as you found.

The stop is now called Vodafone Sol, so don't be confused when you're looking for Puerta del Sol. From the Cercanias, there's an elevator up to ground level. If you take the escalator, I'm pretty sure the last flight up is stairs only.

Another option that is a compromise and means much less walking is to catch the express bus which leaves from all terminals (Cost is 5 euro) and take it all the way to Atocha Station, from there, catch a Cab to your hotel, Taxi should be 10 euro or so, you can ask your hotel. Saves you a bit of money and not much different time wise from just taking a taxi.

The Metro is easy, but you have to get to terminal 2, which from Terminal 1 is a loooong walk, if you happen to be using Terminal 4, much further, but there is a shuttle bus I believe. The train is similar, have to get to Terminal 4, OK if you come into 4, but from Terminal 1 is some distance

Just this morning we used the Vodafone Sol metro stop to get to the airport. €5 a person. To get from the airport to Sol, take line 8 to 10 to 1. It's really pretty easy if that's the way you choose to go.

Note that a taxi is €30 fixed rate from the airport to your hotel, and no tip is needed. So, if there are a few of you, and/or if you're tired and you want a "one seat ride," it's a great way to go. I splurged on this even as a solo traveler, to avoid the kinds of transfers everyone described, and it was money well spent. On departure, when you are rested and know your way around, you can take a cheaper method.

Hi everyone, this is super helpful information. Thank you!

My fiance and are are flying into MAD in a few weeks and our hotel is also near (Vodafone) Sol. With the 30€ fixed taxi rate, it sounds like it would cost us just a few more euros to share a taxi instead of navigating the Metro and airport shuttles and paying individually on these services. Can someone here confirm if the 30€ will cover both of us, or is it per person?

The 30 euro is a flat rate per taxi not per person.

Thanks @hellospain