Getting there and around

Airport
Madrid is Spain's biggest international transport hub, so it's easy to reach by air from just about anywhere. The ever-expanding and always-busy Barajas Airport is 13km (8mi) northeast of the city.
Madrid must have the best airport-city connections of any European capital. The metro connection opened in 2002 is fast and comfortable; take line 8 from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios (12 minutes) and connect to your final destination (another 15 minutes or so). An airport bus runs to Plaza de Colón in the city centre, but traffic can be a problem, making the metro a better bet. Taxi is another option, or you can take the AeroCITY minibus door-to-door (from the city centre) service; it's cheaper with more people.

Public transport
Atocha, in the south of Madrid, is the city's larger train station, Chamartín in the north is the other. The majority of trains to the rest of Spain depart from Atocha; Chamartín has international services. There are a range of train services, domestic and international, and fares to match, although these are often no cheaper than flying.

Madrid is a pretty easy city to get around. The central areas are walkable, the metro is modern and efficient, buses serve out-of-the-way districts, and taxis are always available. If you're using public transport extensively and staying long-term, passes ( abonos ) covering the metro, train and bus, and available for each calendar month, are worthwhile.