What's the safest way to travel from Madrid's airport to the Old Madrid area? I'm a woman traveling alone and someone told me to avoid the bus because the drop off point is ridden with pickpockets. I wanted to avoid the taxi because of the price. Any ideas?

Take the Metro if you haven't packed too many bags. It's very easy to navigate, clean, comfortable, etc.

how about the mini shuttle bus that drops you directly at your hotel? Before midnight it costs €17 and then from midnight until 6.00am its €20. There is a booth at the airport. Your hotel will be able to book it for you on the way back.

Where at the airport in Madrid did you get the van shuttle? I know you can get the hotel to get you avan for the return but I have never seen on inside the Madrid airport or outside for that matter. Does it have a name?

The shuttle van which we have used is called AeroCity . It was very satisfactory. The location of the stop is just outside Door/Exit 2 of the arrivals area of the airport. You cross the street to the stand, which, I believe is painted blue. They have a website and you can make your reservation before leaving home. You may have to share, but that's OK. I have heard that they now have a desk within the airport as well.

I have used Aerocity and the Metro. The Metro is simple IF you do not have much luggage. If you have too much stuff, take Aerocity.

I have done this with kids and as a single female traveling alone.

You will be arriving tired and a little bit cranky and the pickpockets in the Metro are fairly active, and they do not look like pickpockets, if you know what I mean. My wife was targeted by two women and the main operator, a guy with a suit and tie looked more like a doctor. Even a bit elegant in his nice white shirt, modern glasses and his coat folded over his forearm. I cut into their act and in seconds they went after someone else. And we only had a small suitcase each, but the train was packed.

Spend the money on the van, it will save you a headache. Pretty professional drivers even though they tend to smoke a bit.

Good luck.

Juan A.