Flights to Madrid

Airport

Coordinates: 40°29’36”N 003°34’00”W

Madrid-Barajas Airport serves Madrid, Spain. It is Spain’s largest and busiest airport, and the 11th busiest airport in the world. The airport is named after the adjacent town of Barajas and is located 12 km outside the city of Madrid.

Airlines

The following airlines have regular flights to Madrid-Barajas Airport:

• Air France (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
• Iberia (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
• Swiss (from Johannesburg)
• South African Airways (from Johannesburg)
• Virgin Atlantic Airways (from Cape Town)

The city

Madrid is the capital of Spain with a population of over three million. This cosmopolitan city boasts with intense culture, artistic activity and a very lively nightlife. On one boulevard, you can find three world famous museums and the largest Western European Royal Palace. If this is any thing to measure Madrid by, you know you are in for a treat.

Tourism

What to see

• La Latina
• Medina Mayrit Arabic Baths
• Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
• Museo del Prado
• Palacio Real
• Plaza Mayor
• Reina Sofia
• La Rotonda at the Palace Hotel
• Sunset at Las Vistillas

Weather

The best time of year to visit Madrid is May, the start of summer (June to August) when flowers are in bloom, the weather is pleasant, and the whole city is alive. Winter is from December to middle March and it is cold and wet. Spring lasts from middle March through May with warm days and cool nights. Autumn (from September through November) is another good time of year to visit Madrid.

General Info

Madrid is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the currency used is the euro.

Walking is the best way to get around the city. Only hire a car if you plan to leave the city, driving in Madrid is not recommended; parking is scars and locals have their own appalling way of driving. There is a well-established public transport system that includes the Metro subway system, taxis and buses.

You will be doing a lot of walking during your visit to Madrid, so pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The Madrid sun is very harsh so do not forget to take along your sunscreen.

The locals in Madrid are not very comfortable with speaking English and you will need a Spanish Phrasebook to help you find your way.