Need advice for Madrid area

Segovia is a great day-trip destination. It is quick and easy to get there and the aqueduct was amazing.

I kmow nothing about hiking, but I took the long slow train to Segovia and a number of people got off along the way dressed and equipped for hiking. It is quite mountainous? Hilly? Not sure their classification, but there is altitude. You do want to know the regular temperatures depending whennin October you would be there. Nov 10 has snow flurries and cold winds, so required appropriate clothing.

Segovia is a good day-trip. So is Cuenca, which has a hilly historic district with houses hanging over a ravine and a couple of good modern-art museums. It's served by the AVE train heading to Valencia, but to make the ticket affordable you'd need to buy very early.

To address your first question, it depends mainly on where you are staying in Madrid. Other considerations would be the time of your arrival and how much luggage you have.

I stay at the Europa Hotel on Plaza del Sol and take the Cercanias from the airport - cheap, fast, safe and has an elevator to street level. If you aren't staying near a Cercanias station, that wouldn't be convenient. It might also be awkward if you have a lot of luggage. It might be simpler to take a van from the airport. For 6 people it may be worth the some extra cost for the convenience.

A cab is the easiest way to get into the city, but is obviously the most expensive, especially for 6 people (you’d need two cars or a van). But it is the most simple - on days I arrive from home I prefer to splurge on a cab due to jet lag and tiredness. . I’m sure there are services where you can reserve a private transfer car that seats 6 too. Usually these are about the same as a large cab.

If a taxi is too expensive there is a yellow airport express bus that I like. It goes directly to Atocha station, very simple and cheap at 5Euros. Depending on where you are staying you can walk, cab, or subway from there.

Also there is a train from the airport. The system is easy but it often requires stairs and a change of lines.

Thanks for the suggestions. Are there concerns about taking public trans from the airport since you clearly have everything on you? I know this is a problem in Paris.

I think we're staying at the NH Zurbano

If you each only have minimal luggage, take the metro line 8 from the airport to Nuevo Ministerios station. Get onto line 10 and take it one stop to Gregorio Maranon station. NH Zurbano hotel is about a 3 minutes walk from the metro exit. My wife and I always use the metro and have never had a problem. Even though we were just there last May, I don’t remember the cost, but it should only be a few Euros per person. The metro map can be found online.

I have never considered it a problem, even in Paris, of taking public transit from the airport. Mainly because there are lots of people doing it. However with three to a taxi it could be close to the same cost or only slightly more per person. Many cities, don't remember about Madrid, have a fixed price for the taxi from the airport to the city center. I think it is smart to come in three days early and adjust to jet lag on your own time. And, of course, while the probability is low there is always the potential for delay.

Taking public transport from the airport is not a problem in Paris or in Madrid. All European cities have skilled pickpockets, mostly from Eastern Europe working crowded tourist sites and public transport -- so you make yourself pickpocket proof by using a money belt under your clothes for valuables and making sure things like computer bags are not set down. This is a precaution you take everywhere i.e. not having valuables in pockets or backpacks.

With 6 people usually private transport is cheaper and more convenient; perhaps someone knows if van cabs are available at the airport as they are in Paris.

The metro is safe, but can be crowded which makes it difficult for a group with luggage. You may have a a flight or two of stairs to climb.

Even though public transportation is cheaper, taxi may be more convenient with luggage. And you don't have to deal with stairs.
Your choice. Taxi into the city is a fixed rate of 30 euros, no need to tip. Takes about 30 mins.

Thanks all - love the hive mind:)

Even if the six of you need two taxis from the Madrid airport to the hotel, at €30 per taxi, that comes to €10 per person. I'd DEFINITELY do that to start your trip, as it will be by far the easiest - why start with stress, just to save a few euros?

Even as a solo traveler, I took the taxi from the airport and was very glad I did.