My apologies if this is a repeat question, but I can't find the search function on my cell phone and my Wi-Fi is bad.
We need to get to the airport tomorrow from Plaza del Carmen, a few blocks north of Sol, and the one hotel receptionist who speaks English well is not here today. We had planned on getting final instructions from him. Yesterday he said it would take an hour to go via metro. Could that be right? He was recommending to go by bus, but didn't tell us which bus and where to get it. I can't do Internet research because the Wi-Fi is so bad. I had spoken with him via Internet before coming and just assumed he would be here to help us figure things out. Does anyone have experience with either the bus or the metro? Any input is welcome!
Posted by
OP
63 posts
After a halting conversation with our receptionist, we determined we would take the airport express bus that leaves from Plaza de Cibeles. So no need to reply, unless you think that's a bad plan!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The bus is fine. But if you prefer a taxi, it's a fixed rate of €30 to the airport from your hotel, and no tipping is required beyond this. If there's a few of you and/or you have bigger luggage, that's the way I'd go.
Posted by
Folsom
2707 posts
Ditto on the taxi. Your hotel can arrange this the day before, and it's cheap considering you don't schlep your bags, no pickpockets, etc. If there is more than one of you it's a no-brainer.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Instead of dragging yourself and your luggage to Cibeles , go two blocks to Sol and board a C3 Cercanias train one stop to Neuvos Ministerios , and change to the C1 , a direct shot to the airport , could not be easier . Lifts and escalators will smooth your way in the stations .
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The airport express bus only costs 5 euros. The trip takes about 25 minutes.
Posted by
OP
63 posts
Thanks for the info and advice! Funny how many different opinions there are on the best route - probably because there's not really a bad choice. We ended up taking the bus. We only had a carryon each so the walk with luggage wasn't bad. We stopped for cafe con leche on the way. Once on the bus, we were glad we didn't choose metro just because we got to see more of Madrid.