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 €30 fixed taxi fare does NOT apply.
How do the options compare?
| Option | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 8 direct to Feria de Madrid | Metro de Madrid | 15–20 min | €4.50–5.00 | Every 4–6 min |
| Cercanías C-1 to Chamartín + Metro Line 10 | Renfe Cercanías + Metro | 30 min | €4.10 | Every 30 min |
| EMT bus 73 from Avenida de América | EMT Madrid | 40 min | €1.50 + airport bus | Every 12 min |
| Metered taxi (NOT fixed €30 — IFEMA is outside M-30) | Asociación Gremial del Auto-Taxi de Madrid | 10–15 min | €18–28 metered | On demand |
| Cabify / Uber / Bolt to IFEMA pavilion | Cabify, Uber, Bolt | 10–15 min | €12–22 | On 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 €30 — IFEMA is outside M-30)?
IFEMA sits OUTSIDE the M-30 ring, so the airport-Madrid €30 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 €30 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).