When planning your flights from London to Madrid, it's important to consider the overall cost. Besides the ticket price, you should factor in extra expenses like transport to and from the airports, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you might need. By taking these into account, you can budget more accurately and make informed choices. Knowing the total cost helps you find the best deals and save money.
London to Madrid: Departure from London Airports
London has several airports, offering convenient flight options to Madrid from three main ones: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. By checking the transport details and flight prices, you can compare and choose the most convenient departure point for you.
Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.
| Main Transportation Options to LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £49.00 |
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Madrid (MAD)
When checking flight prices from London to Madrid in January 2025, the difference between the three airports is quite small. The cheapest flight is £25.00 from London Luton Airport, while the most expensive is £54.50 from London Heathrow Airport.
| Flight to Madrid from London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| Heathrow (LHR-MAD) | £49.00 | £5.50 | £54.50 |
| Gatwick (LGW-MAD) | £25.00 | £8.00 | £33.00 |
| Luton (LTN-MAD) | £20.00 | £5.00 | £25.00 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.
London to Madrid: Arrival at Madrid Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is one of the busiest in Spain and a major international gateway. The airport has four terminals, serving both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 handles international flights, with plenty of shops and dining options. Terminal 2 is for Schengen area flights. Terminal 3 is currently closed. Terminal 4 is the largest, catering to both domestic and international flights and offering a wide range of facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, and car hire services. The airport is about 13 kilometres from Madrid's city centre and usually takes around 30 minutes to reach by car or train.
London to Madrid: Airline Deals
Several airlines, including Iberia, easyJet, Vueling Airlines, and British Airways, offer cheap flights from London to Madrid on Trip.com. Budget airlines usually have good prices, but they might fly from airports further away and often don't include free checked baggage.
Reviews of airlines servicing London-Madrid
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Madrid?
In January 2025, easyJet offers the cheapest flight at £25 (LTN-MAD), while British Airways’ flights are slightly more expensive at £54.50 (LHR-MAD).
| Flight to Madrid | easyJet | Iberia | British Airways |
| Route | LTN - MAD | LGW - MAD | LHR - MAD |
| flight tickets | £20 | £44 | £49 |
| transportation to airports | £5.0 | £8.0 | £5.5 |
| Total | £25 | £52 | £54.5 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Madrid?
Let's find out how much a flight from London to Madrid really costs. Budget airlines might look like they have the cheapest tickets at first, but you need to consider all the extra costs. Surprisingly, Iberia offers the lowest price at £51.20, followed by easyJet at £89.10. British Airways comes in at £103.79. By choosing the right flights, a family of four can save a lot on travel expenses.
| Flight to Madrid | easyJet | Iberia | British Airways |
| Route | LTN - MAD | LGW - MAD | LHR - MAD |
| flight tickets | £19.80 | £43.20 | £78.09 |
| transportation to airports | £5.00 | £8.00 | £5.50 |
| check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg) | ￡54.70 (1×23kg) | Free (1×23kg) | Free (1×23kg) |
| Seat reservation | £9.60 | Free | £20.20 |
| Total | £89.10 | £51.20 | £103.79 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
London to Madrid: Flight Search & Book Flights
London to Madrid: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule
| Cheapest one-way flight price | £21 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £39 |
| Off-season travel month | April |
| Peak season for travel | March |
| Flight distance | 1,254.96km |
| Average flight time | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| Popular airline | Air Europa |
BA456
British Airways
06:10
LHR
09:35
MAD
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British Airways
16:30
LHR
19:55
MAD
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British Airways
13:40
LHR
17:05
MAD
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American Airlines
14:15
LHR
17:40
MAD
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Japan Airlines
09:15
LHR
12:40
MAD
SMTWTFSIB718
Iberia
15:50
LHR
19:15
MAD
SMTWTFSIB722
Iberia
18:45
LHR
22:10
MAD
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Ryanair
21:45
STN
01:15
MAD
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Ryanair
17:50
STN
21:20
MAD
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China Eastern Airlines
17:25
LGW
20:55
MAD
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London to Madrid: Cheapest Time to Book Flights
Figuring out the best time to book flights from London to Madrid depends on a few things. It's usually smart to book your flights early to get better deals and more choices, especially if you plan to travel during busy times like Easter, summer, Christmas, or school holidays. Generally, aim to book your tickets 2–3 months before you want to travel. Also, try to avoid peak travel seasons or holidays when prices are higher. Keep an eye on flight prices and set up price alerts to grab the best deals.
| Month in 2025 | Cheapest London to Madrid flight tickets |
| January | £33 |
| February | £37 |
| March | £38 |
| April | £68 |
| May | £61 |
| June | £62 |
| July | £62 |
| August | £69 |
| September | £57 |
London to Madrid: Discover Madrid
Madrid, the vibrant capital city of Spain, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Known for its rich architectural heritage, Madrid is home to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. Discover the majestic Royal Palace, the residence of the Spanish royal family. Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. Explore the bustling Plaza Mayor, a hub of activity and a great spot for people-watching. Don't miss the iconic Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid, and be sure to stroll along Gran Vía, the city's main street, lined with shops and theatres. The city's bustling streets are filled with a lively atmosphere, showcasing its vibrant arts, music, and food scenes. Madrid is a city you won't want to miss!
Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Madrid
After booking your flights, it's time to arrange your accommodation and figure out how to get around Madrid. Look for budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or holiday rentals near the main attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer plenty of options for different budgets and preferences. Trip.com's Travel Guides can also provide handy tips on where to stay and what to do. Consider the costs and convenience of using public transport, taxis, or renting a car to get around the city. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and make your trip smoother and more affordable.
Recommended Hotels in Madrid [2024]
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Discover Dining and Entertainment in Madrid
To keep your spending in check while enjoying Madrid, try the local restaurants and entertainment. Look for markets, street food stalls, and affordable restaurants to enjoy authentic Spanish dishes without spending a fortune. Many attractions, such as museums and historical sites, offer discounts or free entry on certain days, so be sure to check their schedules. Also, take advantage of free or low-cost activities like walking tours, exploring historic neighbourhoods, and visiting public parks. By keeping an eye on your expenses, you can have a fun and budget-friendly trip to Madrid.
Forecast weather and best time to visit Madrid
The best time to visit Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when the weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings, perfect for exploring the city's rich history, art, and culinary delights. Madrid is renowned for its fascinating festivals, which showcase the city's culture and traditions. The most famous festival is San Isidro, held in May, honouring the patron saint of Madrid. This vibrant celebration includes bullfights, concerts, parades, and an endless array of traditional food and drinks. Another iconic festival is the Three Kings Parade, held on the evening of January 5th, where colourful floats and performers parade through the streets, marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts for children. During July, Madrid hosts the Veranos de la Villa festival, featuring various artistic performances, including music, dance, theatre, and cinema, held in different locations across the city. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the lively spirit of Madrid.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Flight Price (£) | Average Hotel Price (£) |
| January | 3~10 | 33 | 80 |
| February | 4~12 | 37 | 85 |
| March | 6~16 | 38 | 90 |
| April | 8~18 | 68 | 95 |
| May | 12~23 | 61 | 100 |
| June | 16~28 | 62 | 110 |
| July | 19~32 | 62 | 120 |
| August | 19~32 | 69 | 120 |
| September | 15~26 | 57 | 110 |
| October | 11~19 | 61 | 100 |
| November | 6~13 | 53 | 90 |
| December | 4~10 | 36 | 85 |
Note:
- Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
- Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
- Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
- Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Madrid, with prices starting from £30 up to £130.