Do you have any good recommendations on what is the best way to get to your Madrid Hotel from the Barajas Airport? Thanks in advance.

If you do not wish to use public transport such as the Metro and are worried either about being overcharged by a taxi or figuring out the somewhat (to some) bewildering "charges" for bags, for early or later trips, etc., that Madrid taxis are authorized to charge for the trip to/from the airport, you might want to check out www.aerocity.com (there is an English language option) and cosider using their shuttle service.

I've used them several times with excellent results but they are a shuttle (unless you want to spring for one of their private limos) and some folks don;t like that option, either.

There is also a bus service (beware of pickpockets at the drop-off point in the city).

www.madridman.com explains the various options but be aware that as extensive as his sight is it needs some updating (e.g., the Metro got to the airport some time ago).

Good luck and have a great trip.

We used the Aerocity van service. I think it was under $20 for the two of us. They have a website where you can pre reserve. They have a small booth at the airport, but it's not very well marked. The only drawback is you may get a 'grand tour' of the city if there are other riders going to other parts of the city and getting off before you.

We also used the Aerocity van for two of us at under 20E. It was fine.

Aerocity was convenient and reasonably priced, particularly if you are leaving Madrid first thing in the morning.

If you are using a travel agent, the agent will make arrangements with a limo service. Usually you will be given a voucher for the driver. They meet you at the arrival hall at the airport holding a sign with your name.

Aerocity is a wonderful service.

They run 7-passenger vans that take you directly to your hotel. The cost depends on how many passengers there are. 1-3 passengers will share the 17 Euro fare. 7 passengers will share a 38 Euro fare (only 5.5 each). They promise that there will be no more than 3 stops.

You need to make reservations through their website www.aerocity.com

At the airport they have two locations. At Terminal 1 they are 50 meters to the right of Gate 2. At Terminal 2 they are in front of Gate 5.

If you have any trouble finding them just pick up any public phone at the airport and call Toll-Free 900 713 583. They speak English.

If you stay at the Best Western Atlantico, they pick you up for free.

As an addendum to Chatters' post, if you're staying at any of the central Madrid Best Westerns (Atlantico, Carlos V, Los Condes, Hotel Madrid etc) the shuttle bus will pick you up. It's marked "Parada Airport Shuttle" and it's outside the baggage claim for one of the terminals.(the itnernational one, methinks.)

I'm a big Aerocity fan. Dependable...Courteous...Economic

We used the metro and thought it was fine and very economical. Its suitability for you depends on the details where your hotel is and when you are arriving (week day AM rush vs weekend/holiday) and your ability/willingness to schlep your stuff. There is a bit of a walk at the airport to get to the metros station.