Things to know when driving Madrid Airport
Zipping through the streets of Madrid and the pretty towns and villages in the surrounding areas is a fantastic way to get a flavor of the place. For the new arrival, Madrid’s traffic system can seem more complex than most but, in fact, you will soon get used to it.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules before setting out. Spain is a right-hand drive country with a good road infrastructure. In fact, despite its relatively small size, this country has one of the world’s most comprehensive road networks. Roundabouts (rotundas) are common and before exiting one, you should turn on your right-hand indicator.
Also, be aware that a road marked ‘péage’ is a toll road and there are a lot of them around Madrid and across Spain more widely. As in other urban Spanish areas, the driving style in Madrid is bold. However, if you stay vigilant and stick to the rules of the road you can have a very pleasurable and safe driving experience. From Madrid Barajas Airport, the journey time to the city center is approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic levels. The route follows the M-14 to the E-5south then goes around the city to enter from the west.
More About Traveling Madrid Airport
Spain’s proud capital city, Madrid, is a sophisticated mix of fashion, art, history and high culture. Socializing is a major element of life here and visitors and residents alike enjoy a brilliant selection of bars, restaurants and festivals. Hiring a car in Madrid makes it easier to explore beyond the city itself, venturing out to discover historic towns and miles of hilly countryside.
One highlight is the village of Manzanares el Real, which overlooks the famous La Pedriza hills and boasts 16th-century architecture and a real sense of having stepped back in time. A little further out, traveling northwest from Madrid itself, Mesón de Cándido in the ancient city of Segovia offers another taste of this impressive region. However, it may take you some time to exhaust the main attraction – Madrid.
Festivals and events
The party spirit is lively all year in Madrid. Time your visit to coincide with the colorful Suma Flamenca Festival for a real flavor of authentic Spanish living, complete with energetic dancing and acoustic guitar. Or visit the freestyle motocross championship, a display of sporting skill and bravado that’s hard to beat. Madrid’s calendar of festivals also includes an epic Gay Pride event, equestrian pursuits, the fantastic Gastrofestival and the world-famous and much envied Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
History and heritage
Centuries of conflict and impassioned creativity have combined to give Madrid an atmosphere that’s both stately and pleasingly varied. For Neo-Classical splendor, see the Plaza de Cibele, complete with its central statue, the Fuente de la Cibeles, which is widely considered a key symbol of Madrid itself. Or the Parque de Buen Retiro, which originally a 16th-century monastery but now a wonderful public venue with gardens, ornamental statues, fountains and impressive buildings. Those attracted by Madrid’s famous nightlife should familiarize themselves with the Puera del Sol in the city’s very heart. This broad crossroads lined with restaurants and bars is always alive with activity.
Artistic pursuits
Madrid is rightly proud of its art collections. The Museo de Prado is perhaps the city’s most well-known home of art. An imposing 18th-century building designed by architect Juan de Villanueva, the museum holds around 7,000 artworks spanning eight centuries of history. Meanwhile, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is your go-to for more contemporary art, including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Most famously, Picasso’s 1937 painting Guernica appears in this collection and depicts the events of the Spanish Civil War.
Shopping and eating
The bustling, vibrant Gran Vía is your destination both for fabulous shopping and foodie treats. The boulevard sweeps visitors along with its energy and activity and is known locally as the “street that never sleeps.” Another haven for those who like to try out new culinary experiences is the Mercado de San Miguel, a dedicated food market a short distance from the Plaza Mayor. Drop into sample everything from tasty tapas to fresh oysters and local wines.
