We will be arriving at the Madrid airport from the US early in the morning. Does anyone have advice on getting into the city? We are staying near Plaza del Carmen. We are considering the bus, the metro or the shuttle. Does anyone have experience with these different options and any suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Alternative:
Aerocity Van Service..cost is less than a taxi, but not as cheap as the Express bus service. Check their website..
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17440 posts
We used the new airport bus to get TO the airport. It was cheap (2 euro), comfortable and convenient. The stops in th ecity of Madrid are only at Plaze de Cibeles and Atocha. If neither of these is close enough to Plaza del Carmen, you could easily take a taxi to your hotel from the bus stop.
Posted by
Lima, Perú
126 posts
Our hotel was very close to Plaza del Carmen. Took the Metro from Terminal 4 to station "Puerta del Sol." Plaza del Carmen is just a couple-three blocks away or about a 3-5 minute walk. Pros: cheap (2€pp), clean, fast (40 mins. Approx) Cons: 2 transfers (not good if you don't travel light) @ Airport take - Line 8 (you buy your tickets at toll entrance. There's always someone that can help) Transfer at Nuevos Ministerios - Line 10 Transfer at Tribunal - Line 1
Arrive (Puerta del) Sol
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I used the Aerocity shuttle to get from Barajas to our hotel on Plaza del Carmen and back to the airport. Book a one-way or round-trip reservation online before your trip. They'll pick you up at your hotel on time for the return if needed. It's cheap at something like 27€ for 4 people. The next time I visit, however, I'll use the new express bus to get from the airport to Atocha...it's super cheap at something like 2€ pp. If you're packing light and can walk, it's a pleasant 20-25 minute walk to PdS or Plaza del Carmen from Atocha. I'll still use Aerocity for an early flight home since they'll pick you up right at your hotel (nice at 6 am).
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
The metro is very, very easy from Madrid airport.
Posted by
OP
Denver, Co
13 posts
Thanks for the advice. We are leaning towards taking the bus. Although I understand it is an uphill walk from Plaza de Cibleles.
Posted by
naches, wa, usa
182 posts
metro. took your exact trip in march 2010. it is the best metro in the world. no disrespect to france or china. well layed out, easy signage, super connectivity. there are stops everywhere. easy metro access in the airport with attendants to aid you. have fun, be safe.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
Metro. Just did this exact trip in reverse yesterday. Have to echo previous poster's excellent advice about the trains involved. Also stayed near Plaza del Carmen (Hostal Acapulco) and found the Gran Via stop was a little closer and avoided the sometime chaotic craziness of Puerta del Sol.