How to get there
How to Get to Madrid from the US and Canada: Your Complete Flight and Travel Guide
Updated Wed, Jul 23, 2025
Madrid is easily accessible from North America via direct flights to Barajas Airport, with quick connections to the city center via metro, bus, or taxi.
Overview
Ease of getting there
Madrid welcomes North American travelers through its modern Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, located just 12 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights connect major US cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles with Spain's capital, while Canadian travelers typically connect through European hubs. The journey takes 7-8 hours from the East Coast and 11-12 hours from the West Coast. Airport Express buses, metro lines, and taxis provide quick transfers to downtown Madrid in 30-45 minutes. Spain's efficient immigration process and excellent transport infrastructure make reaching Madrid straightforward for North American visitors.
Customs and immigration
EU passport control uses automated gates for biometric passports, processing most travelers in 10-15 minutes. Manual processing takes 20-30 minutes during peak times. Spain requires no visa for US and Canadian tourists staying under 90 days. Customs operates on green/red channel system with minimal baggage checks for standard tourist items.
Flights from the US / Canada
Direct flights operate from New York JFK, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago on carriers like Iberia, American Airlines, and LEVEL. Canadian travelers from Toronto and Montreal typically connect through European cities like London, Paris, or Amsterdam on Air Canada, Lufthansa, or KLM. Peak summer season offers the most flight options with daily departures from major hubs.
From airport to city center
Madrid-Barajas Airport connects to the city center via Express Bus 203 (40 minutes), Metro Line 8 (30 minutes), or taxi (20-30 minutes depending on traffic). The Express Bus costs €5 and runs every 15 minutes to Atocha Station and Cibeles. Metro tickets cost €4.50-5 including airport supplement. Taxis charge a flat €30 rate to central Madrid.
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