A taxi from Madrid Barajas to the city centre costs a flat €30 — regulated by Madrid City Council since 2012. Metro Line 8 costs €4.50. Here's when the taxi at €30 is genuinely the right call.
Madrid Barajas airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas, MAD) has an unusually traveller-friendly taxi situation: since 2012, Madrid City Council has mandated a flat rate of €30 for all taxi journeys between any point in the Madrid Municipal Area (within the M-30 ring road) and the airport. This rate applies in both directions, at any hour of the day or night, and cannot be increased by the driver. The flat rate makes Madrid one of the fairest airport taxi cities in Europe — and at €30, taxis are genuinely competitive with the Metro for groups of two or more.
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The €30 flat rate applies specifically to journeys between Madrid Airport (all terminals) and any address within the Madrid Municipal Zone (essentially within or near the M-30 orbital motorway — this covers the entire tourist and business core of the city: Gran Vía, Sol, Retiro, Malasaña, Lavapiés, Chueca, Salamanca district, and most hotels). The driver is legally required to use the flat rate for this journey. If the driver proposes a metered fare or a different amount for an in-zone destination, you are entitled to insist on the €30 rate. The rate applies in both directions: airport to city AND city to airport.
MAD has four terminals. T1, T2, and T3 are clustered together and share a Metro station (Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3, Line 8). T4 is a separate terminal approximately 5km east, served by its own Metro station (Aeropuerto T4, also Line 8) and Cercanías C1 train. Most intercontinental and Iberia mainline flights use T4; most European and low-cost carriers use T1–T3. Check your terminal before planning transport — both are on Metro Line 8 and served by the flat-rate taxis.
Cabify is the dominant app-based private hire service in Spain (Spain's local equivalent of Uber). Uber also operates in Madrid. Both are VTC (Vehículo de Transporte con Conductor) services. For the airport route, check the quoted price before confirming: during off-peak hours, Cabify or Uber can come in at €20–€25, beating the €30 taxi flat rate. During peak demand or airport surge, prices can reach €35–€50. The €30 taxi rate is fixed and surge-proof — on busy travel days, the taxi may genuinely be the smarter financial choice.
Madrid's Metro Line 8 (the pink line) connects all airport terminals to Nuevos Ministerios in central Madrid. From there, you can connect to Lines 6, 10, and others for most tourist destinations. The airport supplement (€3) is added to the regular zone fare — bringing the total to approximately €4.50. The Metro runs from approximately 06:00 to 01:30 daily.
How much is a taxi from Madrid Airport to the city centre?
A fixed rate of €30 applies for all journeys between Madrid Barajas Airport (any terminal) and any address within the Madrid Municipal Area (the M-30 zone). This is mandated by Madrid City Council and applies at all hours. No supplements, no meter for this route.
What if my destination is outside the M-30 zone?
The €30 flat rate only applies within the M-30 zone. For destinations outside (e.g., Getafe, Alcorcón, Torrejón), the taxi uses the regular metered rate: €2.40 flag-fall + €1.17/km (day) or €1.40/km (night). Ask the driver to confirm before setting off.
Can I take the Metro from all terminals?
Yes — Metro Line 8 serves T1-T2-T3 (combined station) and T4 (separate station). The airport supplement is €3 on top of the regular zone fare, making the total approximately €4.50 to central stations like Nuevos Ministerios, with connections to the rest of the network.
Is Cabify or Uber cheaper than the flat-rate taxi?
Sometimes — during off-peak hours, Cabify can quote €20–€25 for the airport run, undercutting the €30 taxi. During surge, Cabify and Uber can easily exceed €35–€50. Check the app at arrival: if the quote is under €28, Cabify/Uber wins. If it's above €28, take the taxi.
Do Madrid taxis have an airport surcharge on top of the €30?
No — the €30 is the complete fare for all destinations within the M-30 zone. No luggage surcharge, no night supplement, no airport addition. The driver cannot legally charge more for this route.
Does the express bus go to the city centre?
Bus 203 (Exprés Aeropuerto) runs 24 hours between all airport terminals and Avenida de América metro interchange, from where you can connect to Lines 4, 6, 7, and 9. Fare is €5. For destinations near Avenida de América (Salamanca district, Recoletos), it's a convenient option.
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