I need to catch a Sunday 6:20 am flight in Madrid. It looks like there is a 'night bus' that follows the usual routes, but I can't seem to verify that. Any suggestions?
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
I'd suggest staying at a hotel near the airport , especially one that offers a free shuttle to the airport.
My mom and I stayed at the NH Madrid Barajas Hotel
I'd call the hotel to find out if the shuttle runs early enough for you to get to the airport.
That's a very early flight, is that a flight within the continent or a transatlantic flight?
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
29 posts
I'll check that hotel out - I'm flying to Berlin. Same problem leaving Berlin to Milan. So much for trying to save on airfare :)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Don't know where you are staying but taxis are reasonable. It would be quick at that time in the morning - about 5am - so I would just take a taxi.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thank you - I'm following your advice!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
From the center of Madrid (a large, defined area) to the airport, a taxi has a fixed rate of €30 including luggage, and no tipping is required beyond this.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Perfect! I could not locate taxi info on the internet and the private shuttles were expensive. Thank you so much!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
"I could not locate taxi info on the internet "
There's a trick for finding this. Google "Madrid airport official website", and even then, be extra-careful that you are indeed looking at the official website. Each airport's website will have a section for "ground transportation" or "getting to and from the airport" or something similar (they do use an astonishing variety of terms for the same thing).
Alternately, in the airport's Wikipedia entry, there's usually a link to the official airport website.
Here's the one for Madrid, where they call it "transportation and parking": http://www.aena.es/en/madrid-barajas-airport/taxi.html
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thank you - I just checked it out and I will go ahead and schedule a taxi. Do you know the recommended time to arrive at the airport before a flight? In Seattle, if you're going international, they want you there up to 3 hours early!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Where is your next flight to? If it's within Schengen, you don't need to allow as much time if it's to a non-Schengen destination.
Note that Madrid airport is HUGE, particularly terminal 4 and 4S. So, you not only need to allow time to get through security and (if applicable) passport control, but to get to your gate.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Luckily I'm flying out of terminal 1 to Berlin, so looks like it should be quicker. Thanks for the tip!