There are many ways to get from Madrid airport to the city, all of which you can google. However, when we visited the city the best option was the Renfe train.

Also worth noting was that the metro line 8 which connects to the airport was not in service due to construction work.

The best way to get from Madrid airport to the city

First of all, you need to get to T4 (terminal 4) at Barajas International Airport. For us, this was easy with the Ibis hotel shuttle as they drop you here as well as other terminals. If you arrive at another terminal by plane then just follow the signs.

There is a shuttle service that runs constantly between the terminals.

The Renfe train from Madrid Barajas International Airport

At the airport take the escalator down to level 1 and follow the signs saying ‘Renfe’. When there, then get a ticket to the city for €2.60.

Renfe tickets & signs at Barajas International Airport

You can use one of the machines or do like we did and enter the office just to the right and get one from the staff there, easier if you don’t have change.

This train takes about 25 minutes, 4 or 5 stops to reach the city (Atocha) and from here you can enjoy the city.

The train is spacious so no problems with luggage. Seats are not that comfortable, but for a 25 minute ride it’s no big deal.

lots of space on the Renfe train to and from Madrid airport

Like I said, there are other ways to get from Madrid airport to the city and depending on where your accommodation is, maybe another method might suit you better. For us, the Renfe train was the best way to get to the city from Madrid airport.