Find cheap flights to Madrid from $488.99*

Aer Lingus offers regular service to Madrid.

Things to do and places to see in Madrid

The Spanish capital city is one of the most famous tourism destinations in Europe. Landmarks, museums, parks, medieval squares and stately homes are waiting for you everywhere in its streets, where you can find a bargain at El Rastro or go out for some traditional Spanish Tapas.

• Museo del Prado
  The high point of one of the city’s most popular tourist itineraries is the Paseo del Arte (art walk). This is where you can find three of the world's most important art museums, all located within 2 kilometers of each other. The Museo Prado's walls are lined with 8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures, including masterpieces from the Spanish, Italian and Flemish schools such as Velázquez’ Las Meninas and Goya’s Third of May, 1808. It’s well worth a stop for any art lovers, with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and Reina Sofía also boasting impressive collections. 
• Plaza Mayor
  One of the busiest centers of the city, this portico lined square is situated at the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the old part of the city and one of the capital’s most charming districts. This is a great spot to grab a coffee and do some people watching, as musicians and artists will be present throughout the square showing off their talents.  .
• Puerta del Sol
  This bustling square located right in the centre of Madrid is one of the city’s most famous places, and used to contain the city's gates. With its semi-circular shape, it is a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. There are many architectural wonders close by, including the Casa de Correos and the Teatro Real opera house.
• Guided tour of the Bernabéu stadium
  Home to Europe’s most successful football team, Real Madrid, the ‘Bernabéu’, is a mecca for football fans and enthusiasts. The sheer scale of the stadium and its architecture is breathtaking and it’s truly a marvel of modern stadium design and construction. Visit the trophy room laden with silverware, reflecting the club’s success over many decades and discover the history of this iconic football club.

How to get from the airport to the city centre?

Madrid Barajas Airport is one of the largest airports in Europe and it is located approximately 13km/8mi away from the city centre. The ways to get to the city centre from the airport are by taxi, bus, metro or train.

Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The journey takes around 20 minutes and the fare will be approximately $30.

Bus: There are buses available at the airport to take you to several parts of the city. There are bus stops at all terminals (but not all the lines stop at all terminals). The journey can take up to 40-50 minutes and cost from $3.

Trains: The Spanish railway company RENFE, connects Madrid with Madrid-Barajas Airport through the local train network service "Cercanías" C1 and C10 lines. The train station is on the terminal 4 floor -1, and is called Aeropuerto T4. To move to the other terminals there is a shuttle bus service connecting the terminals. 

Do I need a Visa to visit Madrid?

Spain is a signatory of the Schengen Agreement, so visitors from any of the Schengen member states enjoy free movement and there is no border control. If this is not your case, just apply for a tourist visa at the Spanish Embassy in your country of residence before your flight to Madrid. For more information please visit Aer Lingus Passport and Visas page.