Madrid travel guide & transfers
The Prado, Retiro park and Europe's longest dinner hour
About Madrid
Madrid is Spain's capital and its cultural engine: the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen sit within one kilometre of each other on the Paseo del Arte, the Retiro's 125 hectares open behind them, and the tabernas of La Latina and Malasaña keep serving until the small hours. Barajas airport (MAD) is 18 km north-east of Puerta del Sol, roughly 30 minutes outside rush hour, with four terminals that are far apart — knowing which one you land in matters.
Top attractions
Museo del Prado and the Paseo del Arte trio
Retiro park, the Crystal Palace and the rose garden
Royal Palace and the Almudena cathedral
Mercado de San Miguel and La Latina's Sunday Rastro
Gran Vía theatres and the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop
Travel tips
- Terminal 4 is 8 km from T1-T3 by road; tell us the terminal, not just the flight time.
- Madrid Central restricts non-resident traffic in the core — we drop at the nearest permitted point.
- The Prado is free from 18:00 on weekdays, but the queue starts forming an hour before.
