HOW TO REACH MADRID
By train:
Madrid is well connected with most areas of Spain, particularly with Valencia (AVE 1h 40') and Barcelona (AVE 2h 30'-3h 15'), arriving either to Atocha station, or to Chamartin station. Both stations are directly linked to the subway and short-distance trains ("Cercanias") in one of the most extensive, inter-connected, and modern array of in-town networks in the entire world. The bus array ("Empresa Municipal de Transportes - EMT") is yet another workable way of travelling through the town while at the same time allowing you to sigthseeing. Red card 10-trips can be acquired at a vending machine in a subway station or at a outdoors "kiosko" at 6.1 EUR, valid for both subway and bus in the entire town (area A), and can be used to reach to the Conference venue as well.
Getting around with Metro Madrid Getting around with Local buses
By plane:
The Adolfo-Suarez Madrid Barajas airport is a major international hub in plane transportation, reachable from all major destinations around the globle. Terminals T1, T2 and T3 are linked to each other and to the more modern T4 via a free shuttle bus (and also via subway, but not free). From there, the cheapest way to reach downtown is by subway (please note that an additional charge of 6 euros on top of the regular ticket/red card is imposed). Both urban and long-distance ("ALSA") buses are also possible, thought they are discouraged since frequency is much lower. A taxi from the airport to the city center should cost about 30 EUR, though Uber is far more recommended since it is cheaper, more reliable for foreigners, and receipts are automatically provided. Uber stop is located outside the T2 and T4 (check details at the app itself).
By car:
Madrid is the center of the spanish radial motorway system, and can be easily reached from most towns. Note that currently downtown ("Madrid Central") is not freely accessible to non-residents, unless you park inside private parkings (otherwise fines are imposed). Outside Madrid Central parking in blue and green areas is strongly limited by time constraints. Those participants coming by car are strongly recommended to plan their trip in advance, since free parking in Madrid (white areas) is only available quite far from downtown and risks of incurring in violations of current legislation (and being charged with fees) are high. Otherwise, private parkings are crazy expensive (25-30 euros a full day).