How to Get from Madrid Airport to Chamartín Train Station Quickly?

Planning a trip to Madrid? How exciting! 

While organizing your itinerary, you may decided to opt for public transportation to get around.

And if that’s the case, you’ll likely have stumbled upon Chamartín Train Station during your research! 

After all, this is one of the largest transportation hubs in the city connecting metro, train, and bus routes.

But given how complex Madrid can be, you might now be wondering exactly how to get from Madrid Airport to Chamartín Train Station quickly.

Look no further, because in this article we’ll be answering that question and more! We’ll discuss:

• Four transport options connecting the airport and Chamartín Train Station (and which one is best)

• Tips for a hassle-free trip between the airport and Chamartín Train Station

• Answers to some frequently asked questions about the journey.

Let’s get into it!

Transport Options Available from Madrid Airport to Chamartín Train Station

If your next destination requires you to travel via the Chamartín Train Station, there are fortunately plenty of transport options that will take you there from Madrid Airport. 

Here are the most popular modes available, including their fare pricing and pros and cons:

Bus

If you have plenty of time on your hands and want to explore Madrid at a slower pace, going to Chamartín Train Station by bus is a solid option. 

You can take Bus Line 200 which connects all four Madrid Airport terminals and get off at its other end – the transport hub along Avenida de América. A one-way ticket on this bus costs only €1.50!

Since this is a transport hub, there are plenty of buses and other transport options that will bring you close to Chamartín Train Station. However, do expect this method to take a lot of time! If you’re in a rush, you’re better off using the other options below.

Train (Cercanías)

Arguably the most convenient way of reaching Chamartín Train Station from Madrid Airport is Madrid’s commuter train system, also known as the Cercanías!

There’s a Cercanías station from Madrid Airport’s Terminal 4 (Aeropuerto T4) hosting two Cercanías lines: Lines 1 and 10 (you’ll often see these referred to as C-1 and C-10 on maps). 

Only two stations lie in between the airport and Chamartín Train Station — Valdebebas and Fuente de la Mora — and it takes roughly 15 minutes to reach the station. Trains depart from the airport at 15-minute intervals, making this option fairly reliable.

You’ll have the option of using one-way, single-trip tickets costing €2.60, which are available at ticket offices or self-service machines.

Although the advantage is that this option is convenient and cheap, it should be noted that the Cercanías line only serves Terminal 4. If your flight arrives at any of the other three airports, you’ll need to travel to Terminal 4 to board the Cercanías train.

Taxi

If you have a particularly late flight or just don’t want to be bothered by the hassle of commutes, taking a taxi is another viable option for a trip between the airport and Chamartín Train Station. 

The ride will take about 15–20 minutes, but be aware that there’s a rather steep fixed rate of €30. 

Because it’s quite expensive, using a taxi is only really wise if you have a lot of luggage with you or if you’re traveling as a small group.

Metro

Wait, another train option? 

That’s right: aside from the Cercanías lines, Madrid also has a metro rail system that snakes throughout the city! 

Unlike the Cercanías lines, Madrid’s metro system serves all four airports. However, it does take a little longer to reach Chamartín.

The easiest route using the metro system is by boarding Line 8, which has separate stations for Terminal 4 (Aeropuerto T4) and Terminals 1–3 (Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3). You can then get off at Nuevos Ministerios station, which serves as the terminal for Line 8.

Afterward, transfer to Line 10 bound for Tres Olivos, taking you to Chamartín Train Station. The entire trip will take about 30 minutes.

The journey will cost roughly €8, which is slightly more expensive than Cercanías. However, it does have the benefit of being accessible from any one of Madrid Airport’s terminals!

Conclusion

Based on the pros and cons of the above transport options and considering factors such as convenience, price, and travel time, the Cercanías route is the best if you’re landing at Madrid Airport Terminal 4 (which hosts flights from various international and domestic locations).

However, if you’re landing at the other three terminals, using the metro network is likely the better option – even if you need to transfer between two different metro lines. 

Taking the bus isn’t recommended for first-time visitors to Madrid as it’s far more likely that you’ll get lost while navigating to Chamartín Train Station. Finally, hailing a cab should be considered a last resort because of how expensive it can get!

Additional Tips for Getting from Madrid Airport to Chamartín Train Station

Aside from considering the mode of transport, here are are a few other helpful tips for an easier time reaching Chamartín Train Station:

• Check the Schedule and Availability in Advance: It’s wise to plan ahead before you even book your flight! Since many of the transport options above have regular schedules, familiarizing yourself beforehand will make it easier to choose the options that suit your travel time and preferences the best.
• Consider Luggage Handling for the Chosen Option: This is especially true if you have plenty of luggage with you. While the train networks are convenient, cheap options, that may no longe rbe the case if you’re lugging around several heavy bags. In this case, it could be better to simply take a taxi as you can always ask your driver to help you with loading and unloading your items.
• Have Local Currency for Cash Payments: Some transport options may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to already have some local currency on hand ahead of time. While card and cashless options offer plenty of convenience, make sure to still have a solid amount of cash just in case.
• Use Public Transport Apps for Real-Time Updates: Madrid is a sprawling city with a complex network of interconnected public transport options. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps to help you out! Make sure to download trusted apps such as those related to the metro network, the Cercanías network, and EMT buses plying the city.
• Plan For Possible Flight Delays: Although Madrid Airport has an incredible track record for on-time departures and arrivals, unforeseen circumstances can and do pop up from time to time. As such, make sure to include at least a two-hour buffer to account for potential flight delays. This might not be a problem for taxis, but for other transport options arriving just an hour late can mean all train stations have already closed for the night!
• Arrive Early for Time-Sensitive Connections: If you’re taking the train to other places around Spain (or even Europe), it’s extremely important to arrive much earlier than you typically would. It’s better to wait at the train station early than to suffer from the stress of wondering if you’ll make it on time!
• Use Airport Information Desks for Guidance: When traveling, asking locals or official authorities is always a good idea when you’re lost or confused! Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance (especially from the airport information desks), and make sure to be polite and courteous when you do receive assistance.
• Stay Vigilant against Potential Scams: Although there are plenty of well-meaning locals, it’s an unfortunate fact that there are also those who’d take advantage of you in a heartbeat! Make sure to research ahead of time and consult with the authorities about how to avoid common scams. Keeping your wits about you and listening to your intuition will also help you to steer clear of potential trouble.
• Familiarize with Station Layout and Exits: With Madrid’s complex public transportation network, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Avoid getting lost by familiarizing yourself with how the stations are supposed to look like. Even just knowing what your next route will be (especially if you’re transferring) will be a major advantage. And, as always, don’t be afraid to ask!

FAQs