• The nearest airport is MAD, Aeropuerto Internacional de Madrid-Barajas. Plan to travel prior to June 5th as the conference will start in the morning. The underground metro links terminal 3 to the city, with walkways to terminals 1,2. If you fly Iberia to the larger terminal 4 take a shuttle bus to the metro. Taxis are white with a red diagonal stripe, prices are indicated on the rear window glass.
• CONSTRUCTION: (May31st) We have learned that there will be construction on the metro line that links the airport. The procedure is to vacate the convoy at Mar de Cristal, surface, then there will be a free shuttle bus to the next station, Colombia, and reenter the underground system with the same ticket. This can take a little extra time. Consider riding the airport bus from the arrivals level to either Avenida de America (where you can board the underground easily) or Colon. The cost of this blue bus is about 3 euro, need to pay in cash with a small bill.
• Railway stations Madrid-Chamartin and Madrid-Atocha are also convenient.
• Madrid has an excellent, user-friendly underground metro system, connected to the airport and train stations. With the same 10-travel ticket you can also ride surface buses. Plan to use public transportation while in the city.
• Parking is on the other hand a problem. Surface parking is restricted in most parts of the city's center to two hours (blue zones). Purchase tickets at the automatic hodometers when you park.
• If you need travel assistance, the travel agency of El Corte Ingles has an implant at Universidad Complutense and they will be happy to assist you. Please email them with your specific dates and needs at ucm//at//viajeseci.es
• We will make an effort to assist with accommodations (details later). However, this will be independent of the conference package at the university. If you see a good offer, lock it. On the economy side, the keyword "hostal" usually means a family-ran establishment without all the comfort features of a hotel. They are also ranked with the "star" system and are usually pretty decent. The words "pension", "albergue", "residencia" mark small establishments of varying quality, from a great little hide-out to a ran-down accommodation.
• Beware of pocket pickers. Violent assault is not frequent, but we have seen in the past a laptop or a wallet stolen.