The Spanish capital is best known for being a major centre of European culture, art, music and dance. It’s also a hugely energetic city full of vibrancy and welcomes business travellers and entrepreneurs as well as tourists.

As the custodian of Spain’s rich and varied heritage, Madrid is the ideal location for a cultural crawl. Fly to Madrid and immerse yourself in the Spanish capital’s art, architecture, music, and most importantly, cuisine.

You can’t beat Madrid for green open spaces either, and the affordable and clean Metro system will get you to anywhere you need to be in next to no time. In this city, you can enjoy some of Europe’s most impressive museums, galleries, parks and royal palaces.

Book a flight ticket to Madrid with Qatar Airways and immerse yourself in a trove of Spanish cultural treasures.

Serving the industrial heartland of China, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is one of mainland China’s busiest air transport hubs, and one of the world’s top 30 airports. The airport sees over 42 million passengers every year, and serves the key area of Sichuan Province, one of China’s most important industrial epicentres. The modern and well-run airport is approximately 16 kilometres southwest of downtown Chengdu, and passengers flying from Chengdu with Qatar Airways will find this bright, efficient airport a well-managed and friendly starting point for any journey.

Transportation and parking

Transportation to and from the airport into the centre of Chengdu is excellent, with several shuttle buses running to the downtown area of the city, calling in at the major hotels. The Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan Intercity high-speed trains have a dedicated station at the airport, connecting travellers from outlying areas of Sichuan Province. The train from South Railway Station takes approximately 10 minutes, with journeys from the East Railway Station around 16 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and as the authorised taxis are state-run, fares are very reasonable and fixed. Parking is very good, with three large parking areas available close to Terminal 1.

Arriving at the airport

Passengers flying from Chengdu with Qatar Airways depart from the Departure area at Terminal 1. With 207 check-in counters and 64 security channels, check-in and processing before boarding your flight is fast and efficient, but make sure all of your paperwork is correct and in order before you arrive. VIP lounges are available for Business and First Class passengers, with a large open lounge area for all other passengers.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities are very good, with dining, shopping, and banking amenities. A business centre is in the Departure building, offering a range of photocopying and fax services. The Duty Free shop is located in a separate area of Corridor A in Terminal 1, while various retail outlets provide magazines, some luxury goods, leather bags, perfume and jewellery. Snacks and drinks are on offer from vendor carts, while several restaurants provide a mix of authentic Chinese food, fast food, and international cuisine. Wi-Fi is available throughout most of the Terminal.

The Spanish capital is best known for being a major centre of European culture, art, music and dance. It’s also a hugely energetic city full of vibrancy and welcomes business travellers and entrepreneurs as well as tourists.

Book a flight to Madrid with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a wealth of cultural attractions including some of the finest museums in the country, and art collections of international importance. This city really comes alive in the evening, and has a strong café culture that runs late into the night.

Tourist attractions

At the very heart of the city is Puerta del Sol, a piazza that is the hub of all Madrid’s transport and the venue for the many festivals that bring this city alive all year round. In the centre of the square is the statue of King Charles III on horseback, and the surrounding buildings are superb examples of a range of architecture drawing on Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic influences.

The Palacio Real or Royal Palace is huge, and although it is the official residence of the King of Spain, it is only really used for ceremonial duties. A tour of the palace will take you through hundreds of years of Spanish history in a series of galleries, exhibits and collections of armour, jewellery and ceramics. Be prepared for a long day’s sightseeing, but the effort is certainly worth it and gives you a greater understanding of Spanish culture.

The ‘Museum Triangle’ is Madrid’s museum district, and home to some of the most important galleries and museums in Europe, including Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center, and the Naval Museum. Other museums around the city that are well worth a visit include the American Museum (Museo de América), the Museo de Historia de Madrid and the National Archaeology Museum.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Madrid with Qatar Airways land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the largest airports in Europe. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Madrid please check the visa and passport requirements.