Madrid Airport (MAD) to IFEMA Feria de Madrid: complete transport guide

IFEMA Feria de Madrid is Spain's largest convention and exhibition centre, hosting FITUR, ARCO and Mobile World Congress satellite events. It sits just 4 km from the airport in Campo de las Naciones — which means short journey times but, importantly, IFEMA is OUTSIDE the M-30 ring so the €33 fixed taxi fare does NOT apply. Attending the ESMO Congress 2026 (23-27 October)? Our guide covers the direct Metro Line 8 route, timing and badge-pickup tips.

How do the options compare?

OptionOperatorDurationPriceFrequency
Metro Line 8 direct to Feria de MadridMetro de Madrid15–20 min€4.50–5.00Every 4–6 min
Cercanías C-1 to Chamartín + Metro Line 10Renfe Cercanías + Metro30 min€4.10Every 30 min
EMT bus 73 from Avenida de AméricaEMT Madrid40 min€1.50 + airport busEvery 12 min
Metered taxi (NOT fixed €33 — IFEMA is outside M-30)Asociación Gremial del Auto-Taxi de Madrid10–15 min€18–28 meteredOn demand
Cabify / Uber / Bolt to IFEMA pavilionCabify, Uber, Bolt10–15 min€12–22On demand via app

Metro Line 8 direct to Feria de Madrid?

Line 8 (pink) is the dedicated airport line. Just 2 stops south to Feria de Madrid station, which has a direct exit onto IFEMA pavilion 5. Includes the €3 airport supplement.

  • Operator: Metro de Madrid
  • Duration: 15–20 min
  • Price: €4.50–5.00
  • Frequency: Every 4–6 min
  • Where to board: Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 or T4
  • Notes: By far the fastest and most predictable option. Buy a Tarjeta Multi (€2.50) plus an airport single (€5).

Source: Metro Madrid tariffs

Cercanías C-1 to Chamartín + Metro Line 10?

Cercanías C-1 to Chamartín, then Metro Line 10 north to Begoña; the IFEMA pavilions are a 10-minute walk. Cheaper than Metro all the way.

  • Operator: Renfe Cercanías + Metro
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Price: €4.10
  • Frequency: Every 30 min
  • Where to board: Terminal 4, level –1
  • Notes: Useful if you already have a Renfe ticket valid for a 'combinado Cercanías' transfer.

Source: Renfe Cercanías Madrid

EMT bus 73 from Avenida de América?

EMT 73 connects Avenida de América to IFEMA. Use it if you arrive at the airport with a city travel pass and want the cheapest possible route.

  • Operator: EMT Madrid
  • Duration: 40 min
  • Price: €1.50 + airport bus
  • Frequency: Every 12 min
  • Where to board: Avenida de América (transfer from any airport bus)
  • Notes: Combined cost ~€7 including the airport bus; significantly slower than Metro 8.

Source: EMT Madrid

Metered taxi (NOT fixed €33 — IFEMA is outside M-30)?

IFEMA sits OUTSIDE the M-30 ring, so the airport-Madrid €33 flat fare does NOT apply. Drivers run the meter; expect €18–25 depending on time of day and pavilion drop-off.

  • Operator: Asociación Gremial del Auto-Taxi de Madrid
  • Duration: 10–15 min
  • Price: €18–28 metered
  • Frequency: On demand
  • Where to board: Official rank at each terminal
  • Notes: Confirm 'tarifa T2' (out-of-M30 daytime). Watch for unjustified detours; a direct fare from T4 should be under €25.

Source: Madrid City Council taxi rules

Cabify / Uber / Bolt to IFEMA pavilion?

Cheaper than the taxi for this short ride. Specify the pavilion number (e.g. 'IFEMA Pabellón 10') so the driver pulls into the correct entrance.

  • Operator: Cabify, Uber, Bolt
  • Duration: 10–15 min
  • Price: €12–22
  • Frequency: On demand via app
  • Where to board: VTC zones (T1 floor 0, T4 floor –1)
  • Notes: During large fairs (FITUR, IFA Madrid satellite, ARCO) surge pricing easily doubles prices — Metro 8 wins.

When should you pick each option?

  • Metro Line 8 direct: Fastest, most predictable; the textbook way.
  • Cercanías + Metro 10: Useful if you arrive at T4 with a Renfe combinado ticket.
  • EMT 73: Backpacker fallback when you already have a city travel pass.
  • Metered taxi: Best for late-night arrivals after Metro closes at 01:30.
  • Cabify / Uber / Bolt: Cheaper than the taxi in normal hours; convenient with luggage.

What are the practical tips?

  • If your event is at the South Convention Centre, get off Metro 8 at Campo de las Naciones (one stop earlier than Feria de Madrid).
  • IFEMA hotels often run free shuttles to/from the airport — check the badge offer before booking a taxi.
  • During FITUR (late January) all Metro 8 trains arrive packed; budget extra 10 minutes for platform queues.
  • The €33 fixed taxi fare does NOT apply — IFEMA is outside M-30. Some drivers may attempt it; insist on the meter (it usually works out cheaper anyway).

Data last verified: 2026-05-13.