Madrid Airport’s official name is Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas, which is awkwardly long. So people refer to it as “Barajas” to make it shorter. The IATA airport code for Madrid is MAD.
Contrary to other European capitals, Madrid has a unique airport serving all the routes arriving to and departing from the city.
Insider tip: I recommend you to buy an eSIM card with internet before your trip. This way, as soon as you land in Madrid you can check Google Maps, message your family back home or start paying with your travel debit card.
The airport is located in the district of Barajas, hence the name. Barajas is in the northeast, approximately 20 km (12.5 mi) from Puerta del Sol.
Madrid Airport is Spain’s biggest and most important airport. It currently has five terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T4S) and three control towers. Each year 65+ million of passengers use it. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has a total of 187 destinations served by 82 airlines.
If you’re still planning your trip, I suggest you read a complete tutorial about getting to Madrid by plane.
How to get from Madrid Airport to the city center
Are you landing at Madrid Airport, and you need to find out how to get from there to your accommodation?
There are several options to exit the airport.
- Metro. The subway is the most popular means of transport to leave the airport.
- Bus. While it’s not always be the fastest option, there are several bus routes serving the airport: Línea Exprés Aeropuerto (line 203), lines 200 and 101 of the EMT buses.
- Train. It’s a very good and sometimes faster alternative to the subway, especially when traveling to Atocha or Chamartín.
- Taxi. Definitely the most expensive and the riskiest public transport option I can imagine.
- Ride-sharing. You can use Uber, Cabify and Bolt if you’re arriving during peak hours and want to skip taxi lines.
- Private Transfer. Obviously the most comfortable and fastest option.
For more details, you should definitely check out my ‘How to get from Madrid Airport to the city center’ guide. It’s a complete guide that explains in detail how to exit the airport to get to the city center.
How to get to Madrid Airport from the city center
There are several options to get to the airport. The fastest option will depend on exactly where you’re staying.
- Metro. The easiest and most popular way to get to the airport.
- Train. It can be faster than the subway and bus, but not as convenient (there are less train stations across the city and you need to change lines).
- Bus. Despite it may not always be the fastest approach, there are several bus routes serving the airport: Línea Exprés Aeropuerto (line 203), lines 200 and 101 of the EMT buses.
- Taxi. Without a doubt the most expensive and the riskiest option you can choose.
- Ride-sharing. You can use Uber, Cabify and Bolt if you find a decent tariff.
- Private Transfer. It’s the most comfortable and fastest option.
If you need more information, I suggest you read my guide on how to get to the airport. There you’ll find all the details to reach the airport from the city center.
How to go from Madrid Airport to Atocha train station
Madrid Airport is very well connected with Atocha train station.
If you need to go from Madrid Airport to Atocha, you have 3 options:
- You can catch the Airport Express Shuttle running from 06:00 to 23:30 (between 23:30 and 06:00 terminus is at Plaza de Cibeles) all year round with only two stops on the route. The bus stops are located on Terminals 1, 2 and 4 (T1, T2 and T4).
- Or you can take a Cercanías train on Line C-1 (Light Blue Line).
- At Chamartín, you need to change lines. Four lines share a stretch of their route, stopping at Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, and Atocha (C-2, C-7, C-8a, C-8b and C-10).
- Despite this is a much faster option, remember that the airport train station is located in Terminal 4 (T4). So if your flight arrives to Terminal 1 or 2 (T1 or T2), you’ll need to catch the free shuttle bus connecting them to Terminal 4 (T4).
- You could also use the subway, but you need to change lines twice (Line 8 > Line 10 > Line 1 or Line 8 > Line 6 > Line 1), so it’s not very handy if you’re carrying lots of luggage.
The Madrid Airport terminals
The Madrid Airport has 5 terminals. However, this division doesn’t correspond to the number of buildings composing the airport.
There are two big complexes. The old premises reunite Terminals 1, 2 and 3. These were initially built in the 1950s (current T2), expanded in the 1970s (current T1), and refurbished over time. The new premises, more than a couple of kilometers away, were inaugurated in 2007 and include Terminals 4 and 4S.
- Terminal 1 (T1). It’s mainly used for international flights (non-Schengen routes) of airlines outside the oneworld alliance, mainly SkyTeam and Star Alliance, and low cost carriers.
- Terminal 2 (T2). This terminal generally serves domestic and Schengen flights of airlines outside the oneworld alliance.
- Terminal 3 (T3). It’s seldom used and acts basically as a T2 extension, not as an independent terminal. It’s unlikely that you’ll use it.
- Terminal 4 (T4). Oneworld airlines operate their flights from T4. Generally, most domestic and Schengen flights depart and arrive here.
- Terminal 4 Satélite (T4S). Oneworld airlines operate most of their international flights arrive from T4S. Please note that even if your flight lands here, you’ll claim your luggage and exit the airport through T4.
Check the list of the airlines working at the airport and the terminal from which they operate.
How to move around the Madrid Airport terminals
Navigating Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) can be overwhelming, especially since it has four main terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4), plus the T4S satellite terminal, as I mentioned above.
Whether you’re transferring between flights, heading to baggage claim, or catching a train, understanding how to move efficiently within the airport is essential. This section will guide you through the best ways to get around Madrid Airport, including shuttle services, walking routes, and key transport connections.
For a clearer overview of terminal layouts and transfer points, refer to the Madrid Airport maps below. A full map of the airport is also available online at the AENA website.
From Terminal 1 (T1)
The free shuttle bus connecting all the terminals is free and operates 24/7.
Frequency:
- From 06:00 to 22:00 every 5 minutes.
- From 22:00 to 06:00 every 20 minutes.
Stops at the airport:
- Terminal 1 (T1). Level 1 (Departures)
- Terminal 2 (T2). Level 2 (Departures)
- Terminal 4 (T4). Level 2 (Departures)
There’s also a free shuttle bus that goes directly to Terminal 4 Satélite (T4S) without stopping at Terminal 2 (T2). To take it, you must have your boarding card.
It’s available 24/7 upon request.
Stops at the airport:
- Terminal 1 (T1). Level 0 (Arrivals, baggage reclaim hall 1)
- Terminal 4 Satélite (T4S). Level 0
From Terminal 4 (T4)
The free shuttle bus connecting all the terminals is free and operates 24/7.
Frequency:
- From 06:00 to 22:00 every 5 minutes.
- From 22:00 to 06:00 every 20 minutes.
Stops at the airport:
- Terminal 4 (T4). Level 0 (Arrivals)
- Terminal 3 (T3). Level 0 (Arrivals)
- Terminal 2 (T2). Level 2 (Arrivals)
- South Dock, low-cost car park
- Terminal 1 (T1). Level 1 (Departures)
There’s also a free remote-controlled train that links Terminal 4 (T4) with Terminal 4 Satélite (T4S). It operates 24/7 and the trip is only 3 minutes.
Stops at the airport:
- Terminal 4 (T4). Level -2
- Terminal 4 Satélite (T4S). Level -2
For more details, check all the internal connections between the airport terminals.
Madrid Airport rent a car companies
There are several car rental companies at Madrid Airport.
Sixt, Avis/Budget, Europcar-InterRent, Hertz-Firefly, Goldcar-InterRent, Enterprise/Alamo/National and OK Mobility have desks on both Terminal 1 (T1), Level 0, and Terminal 4 (T4), Level -1.
However, my advice is that you should rent your car online.
When?
As soon as you know your travel dates.
Why?
- You’ll find better deals.
- You’ll find offers from most local suppliers.
- You won’t have to deal with language barriers.
- You can manage your booking at all times.
Check this complete guide to book yours in a couple of minutes.
Luggage storage at Madrid Airport
There are several left luggage offices at Madrid Airport:
- There is one office in Terminal 1 (T1), Level 0, arrivals, located outside the main terminal. It opens from 05:00 to 23:00.
- The other one is in Terminal 2 (T2), Level 1, departures on the hallway leading to the car park. It opens from 05:00 to 23:00.
- There is a third one in Terminal 4 (T4), Level 0, arrivals, located in the main concourse. It opens from 07:00 to 22:00.
The storage area is quite large, so there’s no need to worry about booking ahead, and facilities are completely secure.
In addition to this, there are luggage storage services in all VIP lounges at Madrid Airport.
VIP lounges at Madrid Airport
If you’re seeking comfort, privacy, and premium services, the lounges at Madrid Airport offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the terminals. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, these lounges provide a relaxing environment with amenities such as comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and even VIP assistance.
There are 2 types of VIP lounges at Madrid-Barajas Airport:
- 5 VIP lounges managed by AENA, the Spanish state-owned company that manages airports and air navigation in Spain, including Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and other major Spanish airports. These VIP lounges are located across the airport terminals, accessible via business class tickets, airline memberships, or paid entry options.
- 2 VIP lounges managed by Iberia, Spain’s national airline and a member of the oneworld alliance, offering domestic, European, and international flights, primarily operating from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Terminal 4. These VIP lounges are located in Terminal 4 and Terminal 4S, exclusive to Iberia and oneworld passengers and do not allow paid access for walk-in guests.
My personal recommendations
- For business travelers: Any VIP lounge is a good option. They all offer quiet workspaces and reliable Wi-Fi.
- For long-haul travelers: New VIP Lounge (T1), Neptuno (T4S) and Velázquez (T4S) for their exceptional services, premium food, showers, nap areas.
- For best food and drinks: New VIP Lounge (T1), Neptuno (T4S) and Velázquez (T4S) as they offer gourmet meals and full bar.
- For best value: Any lounge in T2, T3, or T4 (46.60€ entry), which are cheaper than T1 and T4S lounges.
VIP lounges managed by AENA
In Spain all airports are publicly operated by AENA, who is also in charge of the VIP lounges management.
These lounges have an agreement with all carriers flying from this specific airport (Madrid in this case) and are also accessible with cards such as priority passes and the like.
You can access these VIP lounges if:
- You’re a Business or First Class passenger of the eligible airlines.
- You’re a Priority Pass, DragonPass, Lounge Key or American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholder.
- You pay to have walk-in access (prices vary depending on the lounge).
In all cases, you can access the lounge up to 4 hours before your flight.
New VIP Lounge Terminal 1 (international departures)
If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the busy terminal, this lounge is a great spot to unwind. Whether you need to get some work done or just want to sit back with a snack and a drink, New VIP Lounge Terminal 1 has plenty of perks to make your time at the airport more enjoyable.
After Passport Control, take the stairs or lift next to Gates B26-B29 up to the 2nd Floor. Follow the signs to ‘Sala VIP’.
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only for Non-Schengen departures from Terminal 1, Zones A, B, and C.
- It’s open 24/7.
- It has a beautiful terrace.
- Walk-in access: 49.76€ per person
Puerta de Alcalá VIP Lounge Terminal 2 (domestic and Schengen departures)
The Puerta de Alcalá VIP Lounge is the only lounge in Terminal 2 of Madrid Airport and is used by most airlines departing from this terminal for their business class passengers and frequent flyer elites.
This VIP lounge is located in the boarding area of Terminal 2 (T2), near Gates D59 and D60. It’s reserved for domestic and Schengen flights.
Finding the Puerta de Alcalá VIP Lounge can be a bit tricky due to the confusing layout and lack of signage in parts of the terminal. You need to find the elevator that will take you one floor up to the lounge.
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only accessible for domestic and Schengen departures from Terminal 2 and 3, Zones C and D.
- It opens 24 hours.
- It’s a modern lounge with panoramic views.
- Walk-in access: 46.60€ per person
Puerta del Sol VIP Lounge Terminal 3 (domestic and Schengen departures)
Located on the 2nd floor of Terminal T3, this VIP lounge is reserved for domestic and Schengen flights.
The Puerta Del Sol Lounge is fairly easy to find. Head to Gate E69, and you’ll see a set of escalators. The lounge is located on the first floor.
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only accessible for domestic and Schengen departures from Terminal 3, Zone E.
- Open from 4:30 to 21:30
- This is the biggest of the two lounges available to Schengen passengers in Terminals 2 and 3.
- Walk-in access: 46.60€ per person
Plaza Mayor VIP Lounge Terminal 4 (domestic and Schengen departures)
This VIP lounge is located in Level 1 of Terminal T4, near gates J44 and J45. It’s actually tucked away at the end of the terminal just past Starbucks and McDonald’s.
It’s reserved for domestic and Schengen flights.
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only accessible for Schengen departures from Terminal 4.
- Open from 05:00 to 22:00
- It’s quite small, especially considering the number of flights departing from Madrid Terminal 4.
- Walk-in access: 46.60€ per person
Neptuno VIP Lounge Terminal 4 Satellite (Non-Schengen departures)
Neptuno is the official AENA airport-operated lounge for all Non-Schengen departures and it’s located on the 2st floor of the Terminal T4 Satellite building.
The Neptuno Lounge is only accessible for passengers flying to Non-Schengen destinations from Terminal 4S, as you need to pass through exit immigration controls.
Once you’re in T4S, just follow the signs for immigration control. After that, don’t get lost in the duty-free maze – skip it completely and take a left right in front of it.
From there, head up a level and keep an eye on the signs pointing you to the lounge.
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only accessible for Non-Schengen departures from Terminal 4 Satellite.
- It opens 24/7.
- It’s just as good as Iberia’s excellent Velázquez lounge, also in T4S.
- Walk-in access: 49.76€ per person
VIP lounges managed by Iberia
If you’re flying out of most Spanish airports, your lounge options are usually limited to the ones run by AENA, the airport authority. But Madrid is a bit different… If you’re traveling with Iberia or another oneworld airline from Terminal 4, you’ve got access to Iberia’s own lounges.
There are two of them:
- One in the main Terminal 4 (T4) area, called Dalí Premium Lounge.
- Another in the Terminal 4 Satellite (T4S), the Velázquez Premium Lounge.
You can access these VIP lounges if:
- You are a customer flying First or Business Class on any oneworld airline.
- Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members can also access the lounge and may invite one guest to join them. The guest must also be traveling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld carrier.
Dalí VIP Lounge Terminal 4 (domestic and Schengen departures)
Iberia’s Dalí lounge is available for use by passengers flying on domestic or Schengen routes.
It’s located in the main part of Terminal 4, on Level 2, where domestic flights and flights to Schengen countries operate.
The lounge itself is easy to find. Once you’ve cleared security, stay on the same level, instead of going down into the Duty Free area. The lounge is in front of you.
The entrance to the lounge is purposely located as close as possible to the check-in for Puente Aeréo – the name for Iberia’s frequent shuttle service between Madrid and Barcelona.
If you’re looking for a solid business class lounge in Europe, the Iberia Business Lounge Terminal 4 Dalí is definitely one of the better ones. It’s a nice, comfortable spot to unwind, with a good selection of food and drinks to keep you refreshed. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed too, making it a great place to recharge before your flight.
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only accessible for Schengen departures from Terminal 4.
- Open from 06:00 – 23:00.
- The design is impressive. Essentially, the lounge is located on a mezzanine floor, but is open to the terminal below. This means you can enjoy Madrid Barajas’ distinctive architecture and design.
Velázquez VIP Lounge Terminal 4 Satellite (Non-Schengen departures)
If you’re flying home from Madrid and have lounge access, it’s definitely worth setting aside an hour to check out Iberia’s Velázquez Premium Lounge. It’s honestly one of the best out there.
Just keep in mind that getting there takes a bit of time – you’ll need at least 30 minutes to make your way from the main entrance of Terminal 4 to the lounge, since it’s over in the Satellite terminal (T4S).
Once you get to T4S, finding the lounge entrance can be a bit tricky. It’s right in the middle of the duty-free shop. Not just near it, but actually inside the walk-through shopping area. Super easy to miss if you’re not paying attention…
A few things to keep in mind:
- This lounge is only accessible for Non-Schengen departures from Terminal 4 Satellite.
- Open from 06:00 – 01:00.
- It offers amazing panoramic views of the airfield, and great plane-spotting opportunities.
- It’s just as good as AENA’s excellent Neptuno lounge, also in T4S.
Other Madrid Airport services
As any major airport Madrid-Barajas offers an extensive range of services. Here’s a list of the most useful ones.
- Wi-Fi. There is a free Wi-Fi service offered by Aena when you connect to the Airport Free Wi-Fi Aena network. However, you need to register via email, which takes time and it’s a bit of a hassle. I recommend you to buy an eSIM card with internet instead.
- Currency exchange offices, ATMs and bank branches. Don’t forget to bring your travel money card with you!
- VAT refund. Only for residents outside of the European Union. The Value Added Tax (VAT) procedure is electronic, through the DIVA system.
- When leaving Spain and always before checking in your luggage, you must validate electronically all the purchases’ reimbursement electronic documents. To do so, you must go to the DIVA screens located in the airport check-in areas.
- If you cannot validate the DIVA Tax Free form on the screens, you will have to show the documents and merchandise, you must present the goods purchased and the “tax free” invoices for these to be stamped at the airport’s duty reduction office. There are 3 offices: at T1 Level 1 departures, at T4 Level 2 departures and at T4S Level 2 boarding area.
- Shops and restaurants. If you’re interested in a particular shop or restaurant, search for it.
- Parking. All terminals have low cost, long stay and regular car parks. T2 has also an express car park. T4 has also a VIP car park. You can book online a spot.
- Police.
- National Police offices are located at T1 Level 1 in the check-in area and T4 Level 2 in the check-in area.
- Guardia Civil is at T1 Level 1 in the check-in area and T4 Level 2 near the security check area.
Hotels near the Madrid Airport
If you’ve got an early morning flight, where you sleep the night before can totally change how your day goes. And if you’re landing late, staying right at the airport for the night can save you the hassle of dealing with trains or taxis when you’re half-asleep.
That’s where Madrid Airport hotels come in handy – they make everything so much easier.
In this sense, Madrid-Barajas Airport offers a wide choice of accommodation.
Don’t waste your time looking around online. Here is my selection of Madrid Airport hotels within a few minutes from the terminals:
- Hilton Madrid Airport
- Crowne Plaza Madrid Airport
- täCH Madrid Airport
- Axor Feria
- Hotel Maydrit Airport
- Hotel Nuevo Boston
Most of these are Madrid hotels with free airport shuttle, making them the perfect and most convenient option.
For more details on each hotel features and services, and why I recommend them, have a look at my list with best Madrid Airport hotels.
This article is part of a complete tutorial on how to fly to Madrid where you can read all the information you need to organize your flights.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. How to find very cheap international flights
2. Looking for cheap air flights to Spain?
3. Getting to Madrid by plane
4. Madrid Airport guide: Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas
5. Guide on Madrid Airport transfers
6. How to get from Madrid Airport to the city center
7. How to get to Madrid Airport from the city center
8. Madrid Airport hotels
