Annam

My daughter is leaving for World Youth Day in Madrid on Monday. We finally got the information on her assigned lodgings and it looks like it is pretty far from the airport, and three trains by public transportation. I am reading that it is not a good idea to ride the Metro with luggage. Although she will have only a backpack, I do not know how much luggage her two cousins will be carrying when they meet on the flight from Frankfurt to Madrid. My question is, about how much would a cab cost from the airport to Avenida de Europa, 6, Pozuelo de Alarcón (which, as I understand it, is the Santa Maria de Cana parish)

Also, is it difficult to get a cab at the airport at 10 AM on a Tuesday, and do the cabs take credit cards?

Robert2533

The cost of a taxi would be about €35 for all three, including the airport surcharge from T1, and a little more from T4. The is no additional luggage handling charge in Madrid. They should be at their destination in less than 40 minutes.

ribeirasacra

It is said the Metro will be on strike
So Taxis maybe harder to come by.
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=114758

Here is the link to the airports website which lays out the taxi fares. including supplements:.
http://bit.ly/nv00Jx

Robert2533

There are more than 15,000 taxis in Madrid, most of them waiting at the airport. Finding one is never a problem, even during a metro strike.

chapla

In the past I have always used Aerocity shuttle but as of this year there is a bus shuttle for 2 euros!
I can't believe the metro will be on strike during youth day
I would let my daughter take the metro -it will be full of kids coming for the World youth day.Just have locks on the backpacks and watch where they keep their mony and passports.
Pozuelo de Alarcon is quite a way from Madrid Center.I am sure they will end up using the meyro to get into the city during their stay
Aerocity shuttle would be the best way for them to be more comfortable-make an online reservation and they will be there waiting for them at the airport.
Madrid taxis are notorious for being dishonest..............there is a surcharge for the airport but no charge for luggage!

Cowboy1968

I'd suggest your daughter and the cousins get some cash from an ATM at the airport. So they won't depend on a cab taking cards.
Then take a cab to their destination.
It take almost 1.5hrs to get there by public transport - 2 metros, 1 light rail.
Once they are settled where they stay, they can take light rail/metro to get to Madrid city center if they want to.
Have taken cabs many times in Madrid - haven't been cheated so far. Don't say that it will never happen - but some tourists have no clue that cabbies need to take different routes during rush hours to avoid traffic jams etc.. you can't always drive from A to B in the minimum time for the minimum rate.

Annam

Thank you for the information on Aerocity Shuttle. I have looked at their website and it looks like all 3 could be transported to the church for 33 Euros, so we may consider that. Otherwise, the World Youth Day office has told me that they can take the Metro to the Nuevos Ministerios stop and there will be an information office there that will help them get to the church by bus, so we may have them do that, depending on how much luggage the two cousins have.
Re: the Metro strike: On the 20th, most of the pilgims have planned to WALK to the Quatro Vientos airfield where the vigil and mass with the Pope will be held over 2 days. They will all be sleeping on the ground at the airfield that night, so there wouldn't be much need for public transportation anyway.
Can anyone tell me exactly what the Metro fare would be from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios, and is it easy to figure out how to buy tickets at the airport?

Cowboy1968

Fare is €2.50, and you can buy it from vending machines or staffed desks at the airport's metro stations.

Annam

Thank you everyone for the information! The arrived safely at their lodgings by taking Metro to Nuevos Ministerios station and were transported to the church and met their host family there. I didn't sleep much last night, but I am a happy and relieved momma today!