$43 Cheap Flights to Madrid, IA

Flights to Madrid at a glance

Traveling to Madrid is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Simply compare travel times and select the option that best fits your budget and schedule while planning your visit to the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Madrid: Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
• Flights per week: 1,900+ flights arriving at Madrid airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Madrid: around 10+ carriers

Popular airport near Madrid

Madrid is a vibrant city perfect for outdoor adventures and family vacations. Travelers flock to Madrid for its rich culture, stunning scenery, and urban experiences. The city is conveniently accessed via a major airport, making it an ideal destination for visitors.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, approximately 25 miles away from Madrid, this airport provides a range of domestic and international services. It connects travelers to more than 175 domestic cities and over 45 international locations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by upgrading to first class or premium economy seating, subject to the specific routes and airlines. Key airlines operating at this airport include American Airlines, United, and Delta.

Top routes to Madrid

• Denver (DEN) to Madrid (DSM), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Phoenix (PHX) to Madrid (DSM), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Orlando (MCO) to Madrid (DSM), with one-way airfare from around $70
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Madrid (DSM), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Madrid (DSM), with one-way fares starting at around $140

Cheapest routes to Madrid

• Denver (DEN) to Madrid (DSM), with budget one-way fares from around $45
• St. Louis (STL) to Madrid (DSM), with low one-way fares from around $50
• Orlando (MCO) to Madrid (DSM), with cheap one-way fares from around $70
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Madrid (DSM), with low one-way fares from around $85
• Phoenix (PHX) to Madrid (DSM), with cheap one-way fares from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Madrid

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), American Airlines represents approximately 36% of arrivals to Madrid. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $270, with first-class service available on select routes.
• United: With flights arriving at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), United accounts for roughly 27% of the traffic to Madrid. The average one-way fare is about $300, and first-class seating may be offered depending on the specific route.
• Delta: Serving Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Delta facilitates around 21% of arrivals to Madrid. One-way fares hover around $270, with premium cabin options that may include both premium economy and first class based on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Providing service to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Southwest Airlines makes up about 12% of arrivals to Madrid. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $250.
• Frontier Airlines: Operating to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Frontier Airlines contributes around 3% of arrivals to Madrid. It is known for its budget-friendly fares, with the average one-way ticket costing about $150.

Best time to fly to Madrid

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Madrid are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Madrid can reach up to 49.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.4°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $227), roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $233 to $248, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Madrid

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Madrid is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Madrid flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Madrid

Madrid welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Madrid efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Madrid, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Madrid is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Madrid on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Madrid

• Ankeny: Ankeny is located 15 miles away from Madrid and is a vibrant city ideal for family-oriented adventures. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including exploring the scenic Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and visiting the thrilling Adventureland amusement park. For those interested in education, the Des Moines Area Community College offers a modern campus atmosphere. Ankeny also features an event conference venue and a waterpark, making it a great stop for both relaxation and fun.
• Boone: Boone is located 13 miles drive away from Madrid and offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic beauty. The area is home to the historic Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum, ideal for culture lovers. Nature enthusiasts can explore Ledges State Park, which provides stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. Additionally, Iowa State University adds an educational aspect to Boone, making it a well-rounded destination for travelers.
• Kelley: Kelley is located 10 miles away from Madrid and is a charming city perfect for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy local amenities. Visitors can explore the beautiful Reiman Gardens, ideal for a relaxing stroll. The presence of Iowa State University adds a youthful vibe to the area, while shopping options and sports facilities cater to diverse interests. Kelley’s blend of outdoor scenery and urban conveniences makes it a lovely spot for a day trip.

Tips for short-haul flights to Madrid

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when traveling with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to bring just a carry-on. Optimize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks along with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Madrid

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security procedures, and immigration.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and widely available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help mitigate jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Madrid

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Madrid on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Madrid. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Madrid. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Madrid, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Madrid

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Madrid in 2026 starts from $86, while one-way tickets start from from $43. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Madrid. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Madrid

Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Madrid. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Madrid and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Madrid, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Madrid. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Madrid plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Madrid

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Madrid.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Madrid are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Madrid. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Madrid for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Madrid. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Madrid flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Madrid. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.