Getting downtown in Madrid

[rowdie3]

Hey, making my plans for the summer.  Does anyone know the best way to get to the downtown area from the airport in Madrid?  I will be putting my luggage in a locker at the airport, so subway or bus is fine.
Thanks!

Oh, and P.S., does anyone know about casions with poker in Madrid?

[mjpemv]

They now have an express bus from the airport to the center. You can also take the metro, but then you might have to transfer depending on where exactly you want to get to. Personally, I'd go with the express bus and get off at Plaza de Cibeles. That way you get a view of Madrid and once you get to the center, it's easy to walk or hop on the metro to go anywhere else.

http://www.esmadrid.com/en/barajas-airport-express

[rowdie3]

Awesome info.  Thanks!  I am worried about taking the metro from the airport as I will have all my cash on me for the summer, and I've heard three horror stories about pick pockets in Madrid in the last week alone.  Bus sounds good.

[mjpemv]

Honestly, it could happen anywhere -- bus or metro. Metros do get really crowded and uncomfortable during rush hour. Just be cautious and keep your money close to you and in front of your body. I would suggest getting one of those money belt things to wear under your shirt if you absolutely have to travel with all your money. Let me know if you have any other questions. Ahh I miss Madrid!

[livzy]

I stayed 10 days and got a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass and used it everywhere, even the Imax cinema (in Spanish but it's mostly a visual extravaganza anyway like most of Madrid). The art galleries are the best I've ever seen and the city is gorgeous. Honestly it is much, MUCH safer than Barca.