Passports and Visas

Spain is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Spain. Many nationals from other countries (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) can also enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

However, some visitors may require a Schengen Visa. We recommend checking the official requirements well in advance. For definitive information, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Venue

GSP 2026 will take place at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Campus de Quintana, located in the center of Madrid.

The venue is situated in the Argüelles / Chamberí area, a safe, lively, and university-oriented neighborhood in the heart of Madrid. It offers a perfect mix of residential calm and bustling commercial activity, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural spots within walking distance.

Campus Quintana entry

Address:
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Sede Madrid - Quintana)
Calle Quintana, 21
28008 Madrid
Spain

How to get there

The venue is exceptionally well connected by public transport.

Getting Around Madrid

  • Public Transport Card (“Tarjeta Multi”): To use the Metro or buses, you need a reloadable red card called “Tarjeta Multi” (2.50€). You can buy it at the red machines in any Metro station or at tobacco shops (estancos).
    • Tip: The card is shareable (multi-personal), so a group can travel with a single card.
    • Buses: You can also pay directly on the bus with a contactless bank card (VISA/Mastercard).
  • Apps: We recommend using Google Maps, Citymapper, or the official Metro de Madrid app to plan your routes.

1. Arrival from the Airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas)

The airport is about 12 km from the city center.

  • Metro: The most reliable option. Take Line 8 (Pink) from any terminal to Nuevos Ministerios. Transfer to Line 6 (Grey/Circular) regarding Moncloa/Argüelles. Get off at Argüelles.
    • Duration: ~45 mins.
    • Cost: ~5-6€ (includes a 3€ airport supplement).
  • Taxi: Official taxis are white with a red stripe. There is a flat rate of 33€ for trips between the airport and anywhere inside the M-30 ring road (which includes the venue and city center). No extra luggage fees should be charged for this flat rate.
  • Express Bus: The yellow “Exprés Aeropuerto” (Line 203) runs 24/7. It connects the airport to Cibeles (city center) and Atocha (main train station).
    • Cost: 5€ (pay on board, cash or card).
    • From Cibeles or Atocha, you can take the bus or Metro to the venue.

2. Arrival by Train (Atocha or Chamartín Stations)

If you are arriving by High-Speed Train (AVE/Renfe):

  • From Atocha Station: Take Metro Line 1 (Light Blue) to Sol, then switch to Line 3 (Yellow) to Ventura Rodríguez or Argüelles. Alternatively, take the Circular bus C1/C2.
  • From Chamartín Station: Take Metro Line 10 (Dark Blue) to Alonso Martínez or Gregorio Marañón, then switch to reach Argüelles (via Line 4 or Line 6).

3. Last Mile to the Venue

The venue is just a short walk from several stations:

  • Metro Argüelles (Lines 3, 4, 6): 5-minute walk.
  • Metro Ventura Rodríguez (Line 3): 5-minute walk.
  • Bus: Lines 1, 2, 21, 44, 74, 133, and C2 stop nearby.

Other Transport Modes

  • Rideshare: Uber, Cabify, and Bolt widely operate in Madrid.
  • Taxi App: FREENOW is the main app to book official taxis.
  • Biking: Madrid has a public electric bike system called BiciMAD. Be careful as traffic can be busy!

Accommodation

For your stay in Madrid, we recommend the following hotels located within walking distance of the venue (URJC Quintana).

  • Hotel Indigo Madrid - Princesa (3 min walk - 250m): A boutique hotel with a modern design, located just steps away from the venue.
  • Muralto Madrid Princesa (3 min walk - 250m): Apartment-style hotel offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for families or longer stays.
  • Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza (5 min walk - 400m): A large, full-service hotel with extensive amenities, located near the Argüelles metro station.
  • Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center (5-7 min walk - 450m): A comfortable hotel located in the Chamberí district, a short walk from the venue.
  • Exe Moncloa (7 min walk - 550m): Modern hotel located right next to the Moncloa transport hub, featuring a rooftop terrace with views.
  • RIU Plaza España (15 min walk - 1.1 km): Iconic hotel in the Edificio España with a famous rooftop sky bar offering 360º views of Madrid.

Restaurants and bars

Madrid has an amazing food scene, with a massive variety of options ranging from traditional taverns to avant-garde Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is famous for its tapas culture, where small plates are shared in a lively atmosphere.

Some local classics you shouldn’t miss:

  • Bocadillo de calamares: A simple but delicious fried squid sandwich, synonymous with Madrid.
  • Cocido Madrileño: A hearty chickpea-based stew, typically served in three courses (soup, chickpeas/veggies, meat).
  • Churros con chocolate: The ultimate treat, perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack.
  • Tapas: Croquetas, Patatas Bravas, Jamón Ibérico, and Tortilla de Patata are staples found everywhere.

Iconic places to eat (City Center)

  • Mercado de San Miguel: Located near Plaza Mayor, this historic iron-structure market is a gastronomic temple offering high-quality tapas and fresh produce. It’s perfect for sampling a bit of everything.
  • Sobrino de Botín: Founded in 1725, it holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest restaurant in the world. Famous for its roast suckling pig (cochinillo) and lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven.
  • Chocolatería San Ginés: Open since 1894, this is the most famous place in Madrid to have chocolate with churros. A classic stop near Puerta del Sol.
  • Edén Gastrobar (RIU Plaza España): Located on the 26th floor of the Edificio España in Plaza de España, this gastrobar offers tapas and drinks with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
  • Casa Labra: A historic tavern near Sol founded in 1860, famous for its fried cod (tajadas de bacalao) and cod croquettes.


Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de España

Sightseeing

Madrid is a vibrant city with a rich history and art scene. Here are some key landmarks you should visit:

  • El Retiro Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “green lung” of Madrid. Perfect for a relaxing walk, boating on the lake, or visiting the Crystal Palace.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid: The largest royal palace in Western Europe. Official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though now used only for state ceremonies. The armory and the painting gallery are highlights.
  • Museo del Prado: One of the world’s most important art museums, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch. A must-see for art lovers.
  • Plaza Mayor: The heart of Hapsburg Madrid. A grand arcaded square perfect for enjoying a calamari sandwich or just soaking in the atmosphere.
  • Puerta del Sol: The center of the Spanish road network (Km 0) and home to the famous clock that rings in the New Year, as well as the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree.


Royal Palace
El Retiro Park