madrid subway

You certainly would be safe with the usual precautions. Be sure you can take the subway to your hotel. The subway service from the airport is not the greatest in the sense that it almost always requires at least one change of lines to central Madrid. We have made that run several times with no problems and we are in our 70s now - late 60s then. Age really doesn't matter. Second question, how much luggage? Obviously the less you have the easier it is to move there the system. Taxis are not exceptionally expense in Madrid so you might consider a taxi just from the convenience factor.

The Madrid airport also has a desk for the Aero City Van service. It is a shared van service that will take you to the door of your hotel (you might have to ride along with others to their hotel first because it is a shared van). It will cost you about 20 euro, but that is cheaper than a taxi, if you find you can't easily get there from the airport on the metro.

I second the Aero City Van recommendation, especially if you are unfamiliar with the subway and which stops to use. They will let you off at the door of your hotel. The desk is easy to find> As you exit the customs area into the general airport area, turn right...a short ways down the hall you will see a large Pharmacy sign on the wall, and just past that is a restaurant. Across from them, near the exit door is the Aerocity Van Booth, It sits aside from the various auto booths, etc, and easy to find. The subway may be a few euros less, but there are elevators and escalators to navigate as you leave the airport and then most likely steps or escalators when you exit the system. Yes, the subway is safe and I enjoy using it, but recommend the Van service for your use.

There is also the Express bus service...if you hotel is near one of the stops, it would be a good choice as well..Five euros, and good service.

You can also contact your hotel and ask them for directions using the subway. I took the subway from my hotel to the airport and it was pretty easy, though I had to change trains once. The station near my hotel (Sol) had an elevator to street level so I didn't have to negotiate stairs with my luggage.

The metro system is great, clean and efficient. But it can be confusing at first and transfers sometimes mean long walks with stairs. So it can make sense to take a taxi or shuttle the first time to remove stress on your arrival.

We highly recommend aero city as a dependable service we always utilize.

If you have luggage, I'd take a cab or van.

The metro is somewhat infamous for thieves, which could be a problem when you are both loaded down and jet-lagged.

I'm more worried about the connections. From the airport to downtown there is at least one long walk connection using the metro, the equivalent of at least several city blocks, possibly more long connections depending on what station you're going to. If you had one roll-on bag and were comfortable with lots of walking it would be no problem, with more baggage I think you're better served by catching something that takes you straight to your hotel.

I recently took the Metro and took a Taxi back. Most taxis adhere to a flat 30 Euro rate. The Metro cost me 5 Euro and is very safe. I would suggest a taxi since you will have luggage. The Metro could be a challenge with luggage since there may be distances to travel within the Metro system if you have to transfer.

In Madrid right now, depending where you hotel is located, we used the 2 day tour bus and got off at a stop close to our apartment less of a hassle figuring out there metro system. Next morning got on again. Yes a bit more euros but so relaxing and time saving.

I just returned from a trip to Madrid. I found the metro in Spain to be very safe and wouldn't hesitate to use them day or night as a solo female traveler. But can I suggest springing for the cab ride to the hotel to start (it is a fixed 30 euros)? First, you'll be jetlagged. The Madrid airport is huge and takes a while to navigate and claim baggage. Also, I'm not sure how large or heavy your luggage is. I travel super light with one carry-on bag and a backpack. And even with that I noticed that the Metros are all stairs when switching from train to train line. It was rare to see an elevator or escalator. Then finally, it is nice to get delivered to your destination so you can become oriented with the city. Then take the Metro and explore!