Stuttgart to Madrid (STR–MAD) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Germany and Spain are both EU and Schengen member states. German citizens can enter Spain with a national ID card or passport. No visa, no time limit on stays, no border controls on intra-Schengen flights. Full freedom of movement applies.

For stays over 3 months, register at the local Oficina de Extranjeros or a police station (Comisaria de Policia) that handles EU registrations. You need to apply for a NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) and a green registration certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union). Bring proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient funds (around EUR 6,000 in a bank account is the typical benchmark) plus health insurance. The fee is around EUR 12.

Metro Line 8 from T1/T2/T3 to Nuevos Ministerios takes 12–15 minutes (€6 with airport supplement). T4 travelers take the free inter-terminal shuttle to T2 first. Cercanías C-1 from T4 to Atocha (€2.60, 25 min) is cheaper. Taxis to the city centre have a €30 fixed tariff.

Rental car agencies are at T4. Express Aeropuerto buses run 24 hours to Avenida de América (€5, 25–40 min). Ride-hail apps (Cabify, Uber) typically cost €25–40 depending on destination.

Hot semi-arid climate at 600m altitude. Summers are hot and dry (30–38°C) with almost no rain and very low humidity. Heat rarely disrupts flights but ground crews work in extreme heat. Winters are cold for a southern European capital (1–9°C) with occasional snow. MAD handles light snow well but heavy falls can close runways.

Spring and autumn are pleasant (12–20°C) and offer the most stable weather. Dust storms from the Sahara occasionally reduce visibility in spring. No fog risk comparable to northern European airports.