Compare Cheap Flights to Madrid, Spain
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Flight Guide from Auckland to Madrid
Compare Cheap Flights from Auckland to Madrid
Madrid is a bustling, cosmopolitan city that is always bursting with excitement. Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain and has been a favourite destination amongst travellers for years. Madrid is situated right in the centre of Spain and offers a fascinating history and culture to visitors. Throughout Madrid, you’ll see lots of architecture that dates back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. There are museums, plazas, a large palace, and interesting monuments to help you learn more about Madrid. You can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the city’s many markets and variety of restaurants, cafes, and authentic Spanish tapas bars. Booking cheap flights from Auckland to Madrid is the perfect way to start your adventure around the country. The train network in Spain is so good, that you could easily circle your way around the country before returning to Madrid. After spending some time experiencing the culture of Madrid, catch the train to Bilbao, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville.
Pack your bags, brush up on some Spanish, and use Webjet to book cheap flights from Auckland to Madrid for your next holiday.
Best time to visit Madrid
The best time to visit Madrid
While many people picture Spain to be warm year-round, the weather in Madrid fluctuates quite dramatically throughout the year. Summers are hot with temperatures of about 31°C and little rain. This is also high season in Madrid when tourists swarm to the Spanish capital. Due to the influx of tourists, hotels within central Madrid increase their rates to keep up with the demand.
Alternatively, the low season in Madrid falls during the winter months. Winter gets cold compared to the Spanish cities that border the Mediterranean. Daytime temperatures are pleasant at about 10°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to about 3°C. Since less tourists choose to visit Madrid during this time, you can get great deals on hotels. And although weather gets chilly, there is still plenty of sunshine to help you enjoy walking around the city.
Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons in Madrid. Prices aren’t quite as low as they are during the winter, but weather is a bit warmer as well. Temperatures average about 20°C during these seasons. While they experience more rain than summer or winter, you’ll still get plenty of sunshine. Many people consider spring and autumn to be the best time to visit Madrid as weather is pleasant without reaching the stifling heat of the summer, and there are less tourists to contend with.
Airports
Departing From Auckland
There is one major airport in Auckland, which is the busiest in New Zealand. Auckland Airport (AKL) is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the CBD and offers regular departures to Spain.
With about 800 cheap flights from Auckland to Madrid available each week, you’ll be enjoying the culture of Spain in no time. Several airlines offer cheap airfares from Auckland to Madrid, including Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, and British Airways. While there are no direct flights between Auckland and Madrid, you can reach the city in about 27 hours with one stopover.
Getting to Auckland Airport
The most affordable way to reach Auckland Airport from the city is on the Auckland Airport SkyBus. The bus originates at Customs Street East and makes a variety of stops along Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road on its way to the airport. The SkyBus operates 24 hours a day, offering service to the airport every 10 minutes. Travelling from the CBD, the SkyBus will get you to Auckland Airport in about 45 minutes. You can purchase a one-way SkyBus ticket for $18 NZD or a return ticket for $32 NZD.
For the quickest and most direct option to the airport, you can catch a taxi or an Uber from spots all over the Auckland area. If you are travelling from the CBD or inner suburbs, a taxi will get you to the airport in less than a half hour for a fare of about $60 NZD.
Parking at Auckland Airport
There are several car parks at Auckland Airport that have easy access to the International Terminal. For the best rates on parking for your trip to Spain, pre-book your parking space.
Where to Park at Auckland Airport
• The cheapest rates are available in Car Park A. Spots are uncovered and are a 3 minute walk from the International Terminal. Weekly rates start at $75 NZD.
• For even more convenience, there is valet parking. Pull up to the terminal, and an attendant will park your car. Covered spots in the valet car park start at $139 NZD per week, and uncovered spots start at $130 NZD for a week.
Arriving in Madrid
Madrid has one major airport that receives flights originating in New Zealand. Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) is located 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the centre of the city and is the busiest airport in Spain.
How to Get from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) to Your Madrid Hotel or Accommodation
For a quick and affordable trip from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) into the city, you can catch the metro. Metro line 8 is available from all four airport terminals. The metro runs between 6am to 1:30am and offers regular departures throughout the day. The metro will get you into the city centre in about 25 minutes. Metro fare in Madrid ranges between €1.50 ($2.55 NZD) and €2 ($3.40 NZD), depending on how far you are travelling. During the ride, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to change to another metro line in order to reach your hotel.
A taxi from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) will get you into the city centre in about 30 minutes. Taxis from the airport offer a 24-hour fixed rate fare into central Madrid, which will cost you only €30 ($50 NZD).
Things to do
Things to do in Madrid
The Royal Palace
This elaborately designed palace is home to Spain’s royal family. It was built in 1735 and features baroque architecture that is popular around Madrid. You can view the palace from the gates outside, and tours of the interior are available as well. Inside the palace, you’ll see the Throne Room, an impressive collection of art, and the Grand Staircase. The palace also performs a Changing of the Guards ceremony on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It includes a collection of artwork from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Many Spanish artists are featured in the museum, including Goya and El Greco. Some of the most famous pieces to see within the Prado include The Garden of Earthly Delights, Adam and Eve, and David and Goliath.
Plaza Mayor
There are several large plazas throughout Madrid, and this one is the most well-known. The plaza was built in the 1600s and has a gorgeous Spanish Renaissance style with a deep red colour. Lots of cafes and restaurants surround the square, and you can often see street performers in the centre of Plaza Mayor.
Templo de Debod
Not the type of architecture you would expect in Madrid, the Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple. The temple was built around 200 BC in Egypt in honour of the Egyptian god Amun and the goddess Isis. The temple was neglected for centuries until it was given to Spain as a gift in 1972. Visitors are able to walk through a park where this monument stands and see the interesting architecture up close.
Mercado San Miguel
This popular marketplace was first built in 1916 and is one of the largest markets in Europe. Mercado San Miguel consists of 200 stalls that sell a variety of food and drinks. There are also some tapas bars within the marketplace, which are the perfect place to try some Spanish foods. When you order a drink, you’ll also be given a small plate of tapas. Some popular tapas to try in Madrid include patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and croquetas.