Cheap flights to Madrid

How long is the flight to Madrid?

Flights to Madrid, Spain, can range in time from about 15h to around 30h. Madrid flight deals will mostly require you to take in a single stopover in the Middle East or Europe. Whether you choose to first fly to Johannesburg on a domestic flight before you connect to an international flight, or if you decide to begin your international leg in Durban or Cape Town, remember to add at least 3h to your journey time from Durban and at least 5h to your journey time from Cape Town. If you’re undecided, the advantage of flying direct from Durban and Cape Town is that your luggage will be forwarded to your end destination without you needing to collect and re-check, plus the queues and security checks for international flights are faster at the smaller airports in Cape Town and Durban, as opposed to Johannesburg. However, if you want the full airport/flying experience with all the trimmings, then book a domestic flight to Johannesburg and transfer to your international flight.

Are there non-stop flights to Madrid?

Unfortunately direct flights from South Africa to Madrid are not currently available. If you travel from Johannesburg, you will need to make at least one stopover between the two cities, as listed above, but the advantage of this is fourfold. Good options include OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport, Madrid, Spain, on Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH), on Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST), on KLM via Amsterdam, on Emirates via Dubai (DXB), or on Air France via Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Passengers wishing to fly from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) can fly from Cape Town on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines or KLM. Passengers flying from King Shaka International Airport in Durban (DUR) can fly non-stop to Dubai on their way to Madrid, while travelling on Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines will include a stop in Johannesburg on the way to Madrid via Doha or Istanbul.

How do you get from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the Madrid city centre?

A convenient way to get to central Madrid from Madrid-Barajas Airport is to use the Madrid Metro Line 8, which will take you to the Nuevos Ministerios station in Madrid’s financial district downtown. There are metro stations at terminals 2 and 4. Alternatively, take a bus with EMT, the Madrid Municipal Transport Company. Bus 200 drops and collects passengers at terminals 1, 2 and 4.

What are some things to do in Madrid?

Spain is the world’s second-most popular tourist destination in the world after neighbouring France, so as Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid is really in the thick of things when it comes to activities. The Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol are major public spaces where tourists can get a feel for the city, shop, eat and spend time. Other notable tourist attractions include the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Golden Triangle of Art (which includes the museum of modern art, the Reina Sofía Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum), Cibeles Palace and Fountain, and the Royal Theatre with the Opera House, which underwent restoration in 1850. El Retiro (also known as Buen Retiro Park) and the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid are definitely worth visiting. With Madrid’s long history and cultural legacy, you’re bound to find an architectural gem around every corner. Grab your hiking boots or a comfy pair of tackies and get going.

Do I need a passport or a visa to fly to Madrid?

South Africans wishing to travel to Madrid, Spain, will need both a passport and a Schengen visa, as Spain is part of the EU.

What airport do you fly into for flights to Madrid?

Madrid Barajas (MAD), located 13,6 km from the city centre, is the airport you fly into when you book flights to Madrid.