Madrid Airport (MAD) to Royal Palace of Madrid: complete transport guide

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, used for state ceremonies but normally open as a museum. It sits on the western edge of Madrid's historic centre, 14 km from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, well inside the M-30 ring so the €33 fixed taxi fare applies.

How do the options compare?

OptionOperatorDurationPriceFrequency
Metro Line 8 → 10 → R to Príncipe PíoMetro de Madrid45 min€4.50–5.00Every 5–7 min
Cercanías C-1 + Metro Line R from Príncipe PíoRenfe Cercanías + Metro40 min€4.10C-1 every 30 min
Official taxi (fixed €33 city-centre fare)Asociación Gremial del Auto-Taxi de Madrid25–40 min€33 fixedOn demand
Cabify / Uber / BoltCabify, Uber, Bolt25–40 min€20–30On demand via app

Metro Line 8 → 10 → R to Príncipe Pío?

Line 8 from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios, Line 10 to Plaza de España, change to the R (Ramal) shuttle to Príncipe Pío. From Príncipe Pío walk 5 minutes east along Paseo de la Florida to the palace.

  • Operator: Metro de Madrid
  • Duration: 45 min
  • Price: €4.50–5.00
  • Frequency: Every 5–7 min
  • Where to board: Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 or T4
  • Notes: Includes €3 airport supplement. The Plaza de España → Príncipe Pío leg can be replaced by a 7-minute downhill walk through the Sabatini Gardens.

Source: Metro Madrid tariffs

Cercanías C-1 + Metro Line R from Príncipe Pío?

C-1 to Príncipe Pío (~25 min), then walk 5 min east to the palace. Cheaper than Metro and skips the Plaza de España transfer.

  • Operator: Renfe Cercanías + Metro
  • Duration: 40 min
  • Price: €4.10
  • Frequency: C-1 every 30 min
  • Where to board: Terminal 4 Cercanías
  • Notes: Best option from T4; from T1/T2/T3 take the shuttle to T4 first.

Source: Renfe Cercanías

Official taxi (fixed €33 city-centre fare)?

The palace is inside the M-30, so the €33 flat fare applies. Drop-off zone on Calle Bailén in front of the cathedral and palace.

  • Operator: Asociación Gremial del Auto-Taxi de Madrid
  • Duration: 25–40 min
  • Price: €33 fixed
  • Frequency: On demand
  • Where to board: Official rank at each terminal
  • Notes: On royal state-visit days vehicle access can be restricted within 200 m of the palace.

Source: Madrid City Council taxi rules

Cabify / Uber / Bolt?

Drop-off at Calle Bailén or Plaza de Oriente. Usually cheaper than fixed taxi off-peak.

  • Operator: Cabify, Uber, Bolt
  • Duration: 25–40 min
  • Price: €20–30
  • Frequency: On demand via app
  • Where to board: VTC zones (T1 floor 0, T4 floor –1)
  • Notes: Surge during state visits and major royal events.

When should you pick each option?

  • Metro 8+10+R: Most reliable; drops at Príncipe Pío 5 min from the palace.
  • Cercanías + R: Cheapest scheduled option, especially from T4.
  • Fixed €33 taxi: Best for groups with luggage going straight to a hotel near the palace.
  • Cabify / Uber / Bolt: Often cheapest solo off-peak.

What are the practical tips?

  • The palace is closed during state ceremonies (check the Royal Patrimony website before going).
  • Buy timed tickets online to skip the ~30-min queue at the ticket office.
  • Combine with Plaza Mayor (10 min walk) and the Almudena Cathedral (adjacent) for a half-day royal route.
  • Free entry for EU citizens for the last 2 hours of opening on weekdays.

Data last verified: 2026-05-13.