Practical Information

ECAP12 – Madrid, 24–28 August 2026

Getting to Madrid

Madrid is easily accessible by air, rail, and road.

  • Main airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). Direct international connections across Europe and beyond.
    • Connections to Madrid from the airport:
      • Cercanías commuter trains: Lines C1 and C10 lines
      • Metro: Line 8
      • There are also bus services, but we recommend train or metro.
  • High-speed trains (AVE) connect Madrid with major Spanish cities. There are two high-speed stations:
    • Estación de Atocha – Almudena Grandes
    • Estación de Chamartín – Clara Campoamor

More information:

Conference Venue

The conference will take place across three buildings within the Ciudad Universitaria campus of the Complutense University of Madrid, with the Edificio Multiusos as the main venue (Calle del Profesor Aranguren, s/n, 28040 Madrid).

The Venue building is air-conditioned.

⚠ Important — Metro Line 6 works during the congress From 1 August to 2 September 2026, the section of Metro Line 6 reaching Ciudad Universitaria is affected by renovation works. Detailed information on how to reach the venue, including the free replacement bus service and recommended alternative routes, is available on the Venue page.

Participants are requested to wear their ECAP12 badges throughout the conference, particularly at the Wine Reception and during coffee breaks. They should also wear them at the Conference Dinner and bring the entrance ticket provided at the registration desk.

Local Transport in Madrid

Madrid offers an extensive, efficient public transport network, including metro, buses, and commuter trains. All public transport (metro, buses, and trains) is air-conditioned.

Access to the metro and bus requires a Public Transport Card, which can be easily obtained from ticket machines at any metro station. To travel, the card must be loaded with a valid ticket (e.g. single or 10-journey tickets). 

For more information:

Visitors may also find the Tourist Travel Pass convenient: it covers the metro, city buses, commuter trains, and light rail for 1 to 7 consecutive days. The pass can also be loaded onto the Public Transport Card. 

Further information: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/madrid-tourist-travel-pass 

Accommodation

Low-cost accommodation options are available in student residences (small shared flats), with prices ranging from €35 to €45 + VAT per day. Different arrangements are offered (private or shared bathroom), with basic accommodation only (no cleaning or breakfast included). (https://smartresidences.es/)

For further information on conditions, prices, and reservations, please contact: verano@smartresidences.es

For regular accommodation, Madrid offers a wide range of accommodation options across the city.

  • Hotels, hostels, and apartments widely available
  • Excellent public transport allows easy access to the venue from most areas

Booking platforms:

Weather

Late August in Madrid is usually hot and dry. We recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day and using sunscreen.

  • Average daytime temperature: 28–35°C
  • Cooler evenings
  • Low probability of rain

Both public transport and the conference venues are fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable environment indoors.

Forecasts:

Tourism and Cultural Information

Madrid is a major European cultural capital, offering visitors a rich combination of world-class art, historic architecture, and vibrant street life.

  • Museums. The city’s renowned Paseo del Arte brings together three world-class collections within walking distance: the Prado Museum (European master painters from the 12th to the early 20th century), the Reina Sofía Museum (modern and contemporary art, home to Picasso’s Guernica), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (eight centuries of Western painting). Other notable institutions include the Royal Palace and the Sorolla Museum.
  • Historic centre and landmarks. The old quarter known as Madrid de los Austrias preserves the city’s Habsburg-era character, with iconic squares such as Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and the Almudena Cathedral. The nearby Templo de Debod, a 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple, offers one of the best sunset views in the city.
  • Parks and green spaces. El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the city’s most beloved green retreat, featuring the Crystal Palace and a central pond. The Royal Botanical Garden, Casa de Campo and Madrid Río provide additional spaces for walks and outdoor activities.
  • Neighbourhoods. Each district has its own atmosphere: La Latina is known for its tapas bars and Sunday flea market, El Rastro; Barrio de las Letras preserves the literary heritage of Cervantes and the Spanish Golden Age; Malasaña and Chueca offer a lively mix of independent shops, cafés, and nightlife; Lavapiés is the city’s most multicultural quarter.
  • Food and culture. Madrid’s culinary scene ranges from traditional taverns serving cocido madrileño and bocadillos de calamares to Michelin-starred restaurants and international cuisine. Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón are excellent venues to sample local specialties. 
  • A short walk from the conference venue, the Faro de Moncloa observation tower offers panoramic views of the entire city and is well worth a visit.

Official tourism website:

Practical Tips

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: Spanish (English widely understood)
  • Tap water is safe to drink
  • August is a holiday period; some smaller businesses may be closed