London to Madrid flights

London to Madrid flights are non-stop and land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). The flight takes about two and a half hours from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted.

The cheapest ticket booked on eDreams in the last few days cost £17; treat it as a guide, as the final fare depends on your dates.

Flights to Madrid leave from five London airports:

• Heathrow: Heathrow Express from Paddington in 15 to 20 minutes, the Piccadilly line or the Elizabeth line
• Gatwick: Gatwick Express from Victoria, or Thameslink from London Bridge and St Pancras International
• Stansted: Stansted Express from Liverpool Street
• Luton: train from St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway in 35 minutes, then a four-minute Luton DART ride to the terminal
• London City: the most central option, on the DLR network

Budget carriers mostly use Stansted and Luton.

Flights from London arrive at Madrid-Barajas Airport. British Airways and Iberia usually use the newer terminal building, while Ryanair and easyJet operate from the older terminal complex. A free shuttle bus links the two.

For the quickest route into Madrid, take Metro Line 8 from any terminal. The Renfe Cercanías C1 train also runs from the airport to the centre. By bus, the 203 express goes to Atocha station, and line 200 connects with Avenida de América.

Madrid is defined by its 'Golden Triangle' of art galleries. The Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza hold essential works by Picasso and Goya.

The gardens of Buen Retiro Park are a short walk away if you need a breather. For food, head to the La Latina neighbourhood and join the locals for evening tapas.