Airport Adolfo Suárez
Madrid-Barajas
- The airport is located about 12 km northeast of central Madrid.
It has four terminals in use: Terminal 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), Terminal 4 (T4), plus a satellite building (T4S).
It’s one of Spain’s busiest airports and among the top airports in Europe in terms of international traffic.
Getting around the airport:
Theres a free terminal shuttle bus that connects T1, T2, T3, and T4. Runs 24h.
Public transport options from the airport:
Metro (Line 8) connects the airport to the city centre, with stops at Terminals T2 and T4.
Airport Express Bus (“Exprés Aeropuerto”) runs 24h, connecting the airport with central spots like Atocha and Cibeles. Fee is around €5.
Renfe Suburban Train (Cercanías C-1 and C-10) connects Terminal 4 with key stations like Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, and Atocha, offering an easy and affordable way to reach central Madrid.
Other city buses (such as line 200) connect the airport with different parts of Madrid and main transport hubs.
Taxis, Uber & Cabify:
Taxis, Uber, and Cabify are all available at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, providing a convenient way to reach the city or nearby towns.
Official Taxis are white with a red stripe. There’s a flat fare of €30 for rides between the airport and central Madrid (inside the M-30 ring road), regardless of terminal or time.
Pick-up points:
– Terminal 1 (T1): You will find the taxi area just after the terminal exit, after crossing the zebra crossing (next to the AVIS reception).
– Terminal 2 (T2): The taxi will be in the Express Parking area, which you will find on the left-hand side as you leave the terminal, after a zebra crossing.
– Terminal 3 (T3): Same pick-up zone as T2 (shared area).
– Terminal 4 (T4): Leave the baggage claim area and head outside. Cross the zebra crossing, following the signs to bus dock 1.
Uber and Cabify operate from designated pick-up areas at each terminal and can be booked through their mobile apps.
Pick-up points:
– Terminal 1 (T1): Arrivals area, outside the main exit. Cross the zebra crossing. When you reach the VIP car park, take the lift to the first floor. You will find the VTC oparking spots for Uber and Cabify.
– Terminal 2 (T2): Arrivals area. When leaving the luggage pick-up area, look for the exit “door 20”. Exit the building and cross the zebra crossing. Walk to the left towards P2 Express Car Park. There you will be picked-up by your Cabify or Uber.
– Terminal 3 (T3): Same pick-up zone as T2 (shared area).
– Terminal 4 (T4): The passenger pick-up point at T4 is on the 4th floor of module D of the terminal car parking.
Car parking – 4th floor, module D: Leave the baggage claim area and go to Level 1, using the ramp on the right-hand side. On Level 1, cross the walkway to the end of the corridor towards the car parking. Turn left and follow the signs to module D. When you reach the lift in module D, go up to the 4th floor of the car park. Your Cabify/Uber will be waiting for you in the VTC parking spaces.
How to pay for
public transport in Madrid
Multi Card (the most practical for visitors)
This is a rechargeable contactless card that you can use on the Renfe, Metro, EMT buses and trams.
It can be purchased at any Madrid Underground ticket machine or information point.
Price: €2.50 (for the card only) + the cost of the ticket or travel pass you load onto it.
You can load it with:
Single tickets or 10-trip tickets (Metrobús)
Tourist passes (1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days)
Recommended for tourists: the Tourist Pass allows you unlimited travel throughout the network for the chosen period.
Metro/ Renfe Cercanías (suburban trains)
You can pay with a single or return ticket, which can be purchased from the ticket machines at each station.
You can also use the Multi card or the tourist pass if it includes zones C.
They accept payment by bank card or cash.
EMT buses (the blue city buses)
They do not accept cash.
Payment is made with the Multi Card or contactless bank cards directly when boarding.
Travel to San Lorenzo del Escorial
By Bus
Buses to El Escorial depart from Moncloa Station in Madrid.
Line: 661 (to San Lorenzo de El Escorial) and 664 (to El Escorial town).
Journey time: Around 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Departure point: Intercambiador de Moncloa (Metro lines 3 and 6).
Tickets: Can be purchased on board or with the Madrid public transport card.
By Train (Renfe Cercanías)
Renfe suburban trains connect Madrid with El Escorial station (located about a 15–20 min walk from San Lorenzo).
- Lines: C-3a and C-8.
Departure stations in Madrid: Atocha, Recoletos, Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartín.
Journey time: About 1 hour.
Tickets: Around €4–5, available at Renfe machines or via the Renfe Cercanías app.