Your first time in Madrid?. Here we provide information on how to get from the airport, schedules, currency, prices, healthcare, communications, etc. In this post, you will find tips and useful information if it’s your first visit at Madrid, including leisure activities, weather, recommended apps, etc.
We have a generic post with initial tips for traveling, including leisure plans. You can also find more information on useful Apps to get around Madrid.
Getting to Madrid from the Airport
Barajas Airport is located 15 kilometers from the city center and consists of 4 terminals + a satellite terminal (T1-T2-T3-T4 and T4 Satellite). So, make sure to double-check which terminal you will arrive at to avoid confusion!
There are multiple options to get to Madrid.
Private Vehicle. Taxi. Uber, etc.
You also have the option of using VTC services like Uber or Cabify.
Prices in this case depend on the destination and type of vehicle hired.
Madrid Metro
Use the transport card, airport supplement, and a single ticket.
From Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 or Aeropuerto T4 stations, both belonging to Line 8 (pink),
You can reach Nuevos Ministerios station in 20-25 minutes.You can purchase travel passes or day passes.
They are available at the airport’s vending machines. More information.
Cercanías Train
It only connects to T4 (Line C1), which takes you in just two stops to Chamartín (13 minutes), one more stop to Nuevos Ministerios (17 minutes), two more stops to Atocha Interchange (25 minutes), and ends at Príncipe Pío station (38 minutes). More information.
Bus. Aeropuerto Exprés (Line 203). 24-hour service
You can pay with a bank card or with your mobile device. More information.
It departs from terminals T1, T2, and T4. It follows the route from the airport to Intercambiador de Atocha (30-40 minutes)
With stops at O’Donnell and Plaza de Cibeles. The final stop at Cibeles is only available during nighttime hours.
Bus. Line 200. Departs from terminals T1, T2, and T3
Follows the route from the airport to Intercambiador Avenida de América.
Bus. Línea 101. Sale de las terminales T1 y T2
Realiza el trayecto Barajas-Canillejas..
Currency
The official currency of Spain is the euro (€), which can be used in any other eurozone country.
- The most commonly used euro bills are 5€, 10€, 20€, and 50€.
Many establishments do not accept 100€ or 200€ bills. You can find currency exchange establishments at the airport, metro stations, bus interchanges such as “Estación de Chamartín, Clara Campoamor, Avenida de América, or Méndez Álvaro.”
Also, you can find currency exchange shops in the vicinity of Puerta del Sol.
Shopping Hours in Madrid
Commercial activity starts between 09:00 and 10:00 am.
Many establishments close between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm.
They reopen between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm or 10:00 pm.
Major retailers like El Corte Inglés usually remain open every day.
Sunday is a non-working day, and most shops are closed. However, in tourist areas like Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, it is common to find shops open every day of the year.
Lunch is usually between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, and dinner is between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm.
There are bars and pubs open until late into the night.
The concept of tipping is voluntary and directly related to customer satisfaction regarding the service received.
Healthcare and Emergencies in Madrid
You have the right to receive necessary medical attention regardless of where you come from.
If you are a citizen of the European Union, we recommend bringing your European Health Insurance Card (TSE) or any document that proves your affiliation with a health insurance scheme. If you are a citizen of any other area, you may have to pay the full amount for the services received.
In case of any medical or other emergency, you can contact the toll-free number 112 (valid throughout Spain and the European Union). We invite you to read this post about emergency phone number in Madrid.
If you are a foreign tourist and require police assistance during your stay in Madrid, you will be provided personalized assistance at the Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (SATE).
Utilities: Internet, Electricity, and Water
Most public spaces and establishments in Madrid offer internet connectivity: airport, buses, train stations, cultural centers, museums, libraries, universities, shopping malls, and parks.
The electrical grid operates on a voltage of 220 volts, with two round pins and a lateral grounding. Electricity is expensive, so it is advisable to moderate its consumption.
You can drink tap water with complete confidence, as Madrid has one of the healthiest water supplies in Spain and at a very low cost.
Phone numbers have 9 digits and start with 9 or 8 (for landlines) and 6 or 7 for mobile phones. You can easily purchase a prepaid number.
International calls to Spain use the prefix +34 (Spain’s international code).
Our Accommodations in Madrid
We have apartments for companies and apartments for students.
We also have short-stay apartments near Calle Serrano (La Milla de Oro) in the Escultor Building.