Late spring and early fall are the ideal times to visit Madrid, Spain. Not only do you get extra sunlight with daylight savings, but the sun will not set until 10:00 pm. The temperatures are milder at this time of the year too, boasting 19 degrees Celsius during the day and 9 degrees Celsius at night. Winter has the least number of tourists, but the temperatures are much cooler at 6 – 8 degrees Celsius at night and 10 – 15 degrees Celsius during the day. Peak tourist season for Madrid runs through the summer going from July into August, but temperatures are fairly hot at 35 degrees Celsius during the day. Avoid Spanish holidays such as the Assumption of Mary on 15th August when the locals are also out celebrating along with tourists. During holidays, shops and attractions are closed, and peak seasons involve higher costs for flight and accommodations.
If you aren’t able to travel to Madrid during the month of August, then flying in January is also cheap. Prices for this month can be found on momondo for an average of £69.
We recommend purchasing flights from United Kingdom to Madrid 59 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Madrid for £88. Keep in mind that you might be able to find cheaper flights to Madrid at any time. In fact, our users found flights for as low as £18 in the past 72 hours.
On average, the least expensive day to fly to Madrid from United Kingdom is on a Tuesday. momondo users have found tickets for Tuesday departures for as low as £74. However, this price may fluctuate depending on the airline, the season, and holidays. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Friday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to Madrid on Friday is £124.
The cheapest time of day to fly to Madrid is in the morning when flights can be purchased for as low as £91. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying at midday when prices are £132 on average. Flights to Madrid from United Kingdom at midday are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travellers’ schedules.
If you’re looking to do your hiking in warmer conditions, consider planning your flight to Madrid for April, May, and June. Parks like Parque Madrid Río are popular hot spots in those months.
Currently, Spain travel restrictions include travel to Madrid. Spain has restricted the entry of all travellers except Spanish nationals and residents, and accompanying immediate family members. Travellers who are residents of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden or Switzerland may transit through Spain on their way home to their place of residency. The same applies to travellers with a long-term visa issued by a Schengen Member State who are returning to their place of residency. Immediate family members of Spanish nationals may enter Spain even if unaccompanied by a Spanish national, if they are travelling to join their family member who is already in the country. Residents of Andorra, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, as well as long-term visa holders of Schengen member states who are returning home may also enter Spain, as may healthcare and elderly care workers, diplomats, staff of international and humanitarian organisations and military personnel in the performance of their duties. People who can demonstrate proof that they are travelling for emergency family or humanitarian reasons may also enter. Business travellers with documentation who are arriving from countries in the EU, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland may enter Spain. International arrivals may only land at Alicante (ALC), Barcelona (BCN), Fuerteventura (FUE), Gran Canaria (LPA), Ibiza (IBZ), Madrid (MAD), Malaga (AGP), Menorca (MAH), Lanzarote (ACE), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Sevilla (SVQ), Tenerife-Sur (TFS) or Valencia (VLC). Effective 15 May 2020, all travellers entering Spain except for freight transport personnel and healthcare professionals who are travelling in the performance of their duties and have not been in contact with COVID-19 patients will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. They will also need to present a completed Public Health Passenger Locator Form upon arrival. Residency permits and D visas that expired after 14 December 2019 will be accepted for entry to Spain and considered valid for 6 months after the state of alarm has ended. If you are planning to travel to Madrid at this time, it is recommended that you stay up to date on current restrictions and follow proper safety measures while in public.
Domestic flights from the UK to Madrid include British Airways, Iberia, Norwegian, easyJet, Norwegian Air International, Ryanair, Air Europa, and Monarch. International flights that also fly into Madrid include KLM, Aer Lingus, Meridiana, Air France, Swissair, Blue Air, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Tunisair, Vueling, Austrian Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Czech Airlines, Luxair, Brussels Airlines, Flybe, Finnair, Aegean Airlines, LOT, and TAP Portugal.
Travelling from the airport into town is quite convenient with numerous transportation options available.
Metro
The Metro subway has two stations: one at Terminal 2 and another at Terminal 4. Take the pink line to city centre for approximately €4.50 – €6 EUR.
Train
Train is a faster alternative to the subway and has multiple stops. The airport’s train station is at Terminal 4 and costs approximately €2.55 EUR, but sometimes it is free when travelling inside the airport only.
Bus
Multiple bus routes service the airport, but they are not the fastest option to reach city centre. The approximate cost to travel to the city centre is €1.50 EUR.
Taxi
Taxis are the fastest and most comfortable, but also the costliest. To get to city centre, you can expect to pay €30 EUR for a one-way trip.
Car Rentals
Maximise the savings for your Madrid travel with car rentals from momondo.
Most of Madrid can be explored on foot with no need for a car or public transportation. It is only when you venture outside of the city centre that you will need public transit.
Subway
The metro system is extensive and easy to use. It costs €1.50 EUR for the first 5 stations one-way and then €.10 EUR for additional stations up to a €2 EUR maximum fare. You can purchase a pass for €8.40 – €35 EUR for up to 7 days. Metro services operate from 6:00 am – 2:00 am.
Buses
Public buses are marked “EMT and are the best for getting from Atocha to Puerta de Toledo. Single bus rides cost €1.50 EUR, but you can use a Metrobus ticket. There is also a hop-on-hop-off Madrid City Tour, which is a double-decker sightseeing tour bus. Adults pay €21 – €25 EUR for 1 – 2 day passes, and children pay €9 – €12 EUR for 1 – 2 day passes. Children under 6 can travel free.
Commuter Rail
The Cercania commuter rail goes to El Escorial and Alcala de Henares from Atocha. Fares range from €1.60 – €8.40 EUR depending on the destination.
Taxi
Taxis are expensive, but still reasonable for the distance you can travel for the price. The meter will register €2.10 EUR from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm and €2.20 EUR for afterhours then €1 – €2 EUR per kilometre. Taxis may be hailed from the street or pre-arranged for pickup.
UK Nationals
UK citizens must have a passport, but no visa is required for up to 90 days. Passport endorsed British Citizens, European Communities, British Dependent Territories Citizens or British Subjects only need a passport.
For foreign nationals, please check the Schengen Visa Info website.
Madrid is home to exciting attractions and historical sites, including:
Learn the Colours
Public transportation options are classified by colours based on the final stop. They are also numbered so that you know which bus stop they complete their trip.
Enjoy the Relaxing Lifestyle
Madrid eats slowly! A dinner could easily take up to 3 hours. Waiters never pressure you to leave, and the entire city has a very relaxed pace which is perfect if you are on holiday and want to leave behind the hectic stress of your regular routine.
Mealtimes are Different
Madrid looks at breakfast as a snack opportunity, lunch is served from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm and dinner hours are almost non-existent. Lunch is the most elaborate meal in Madrid. You will definitely want to enjoy an afternoon siesta after the meal!
Rooms are Small
Most hotel accommodations feature small rooms, because the emphasis is on getting outside; not staying indoors.
Carry Cash
Cash is the easiest way to pay for items in Madrid, and tipping is not customary for taxi drivers or wait staff.