How much does a trip to Madrid, Spain cost?

• Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €30 - €40. Use the official taxi rank outside the terminal. Metered daytime fares from Barajas to the centre typically run 30 to 40 euros. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal or offer a flat price well above the meter.
• Best alternative: Metro line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios (€2.50)
• Validate your ticket at the yellow machines at the station entrance before boarding. A ticket is valid for one journey with transfers on Metro and bus within the time limit printed on it. Forgetting to validate counts as travelling without a ticket. Fine without a valid ticket: €100.
• Tipping is not expected. Round up in restaurants or leave 5-10 percent for good service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. Tour guides may appreciate a small tip.
• Cover or bread charges are uncommon in Madrid but occasional in tourist-heavy areas. Check that the menu shows prices before ordering. No mandatory service charge is standard practice.
• Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion when the ATM offers it. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Independent high-fee ATMs in tourist districts often charge steep withdrawal fees. Pay with card where possible and use cash sparingly.

Stay is a double room shared by two (one room per two travelers). Food assumes two cheap meals, a modest dinner and a coffee on a budget, a cheap lunch, a restaurant dinner, coffee and a drink mid-range and restaurant meals, coffees and drinks in comfort. Transport is a daily public transport allowance, plus taxis in the higher tiers. Sights is an average daily allowance for entry tickets and activities. Everything is per day of the trip; a 3-night trip counts 3 days.

Not included: flights, travel insurance, city tax (usually a few euros per person per night, paid at the hotel), shopping and nightlife.

Estimates from average local prices and live hotel rates; exchange rates as of 2026-10-05. Your trip can cost more or less.