Best Time to Visit

As it is located in the heart of Spain, Madrid boasts a predominantly dry climate with minimal rainfall or snowfall throughout the year. This makes it a great destination for travelers to visit all year round. During the summer, the city can become crowded with tourists, while locals seek respite from the heat by heading to the coast. In spring and autumn, mild temperatures and reduced accommodation prices make it an ideal time to explore the city.

Passport / Visa

Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), commonly known as Barajas Airport, is the main international airport serving Madrid. It lies a little over 10 km northeast of the city. The cheapest way to get to Madrid is by metro: line 8 goes to Nuevos Ministerios (the journey takes about 30 minutes). A taxi ride costs more at night and on Sundays, and takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Numerous car rental companies are also available at the airport.

• Web:

  www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas.html

• Address:

  Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 21 10 00

Public Transport

With over 300 stations and 12 lines serving the city and its suburbs, Madrid's metro system is the most efficient way to travel around the city. The metro operates from 6 am to 1:30 am daily. Additionally, the EMT bus network includes approximately 200 lines, including a useful "circle route" (marked with a C) that passes through key attractions such as El Retiro Park, Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado (and all the museums on that street), and the Royal Palace. Buses run from 6 am till 11:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am till 11 pm on weekends and public holidays, with slightly less frequency. After 11:30 pm, the city operates night buses known as "búhos" (the Spanish word for owls).

• Web:

  www.metromadrid.es/en

Taxi

When taxis are available for hire, this is indicated by a “Libre” sign on the front windshield and a green light on the roof. Radio-Taxi Independiente +34 914 05 12 13 Tele Taxi +34 913 71 21 31 Rideshare companies such as Uber and Cabify are also available in Madrid.

Electricity

220 volt (125 volt in some older buildings)