Madrid Airport’s official name is Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas, 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.
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 40+ million of passengers use it. In addition to this, almost 80 airlines operate here and more than 250 routes are served.
Alternatively, you may be interested in reading about getting to Madrid by plane.
If you’re arriving at Madrid Airport, you should definitely check out my Arriving at Madrid Airport guide. It’s a complete guide that explains in detail how to exit the airport to get to the city center.
If you’re taking public transportation, you can get here by bus (various options and lines; but about 45 minutes from Atocha train station) or train (the Cercanías C-1) among several alternatives.
The fastest option will depend on exactly where you’re staying. Check out my guide on how to get to the airport for more information.
Madrid Airport is very well connected with Atocha train station.
If you need to go from Madrid Airport to Atocha, you have three options:
The Madrid Airport has five terminals. However, this division does not 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.
Check the list of the airlines working at the airport and the terminal from which they operate.
The shuttle bus connecting the terminals is free and operates 24/7.
Terminal | Go to | Means of transport | Estimated time | Bus stop location |
Terminal T1 | Terminals T2 and T3 | Free shuttle bus | 1.30 minutes | Terminal T1, Floor 1 (check-in) |
On foot | 4 minutes | |||
Terminal T4 | Free shuttle bus | 7 minutes | Terminal T1, Floor 1 (check-in) | |
Terminals T2 and T3 | Terminal T1 | Free shuttle bus | 8 minutes | Terminal T2, Floor 0 (arrivals) |
On foot | 4 minutes | |||
Terminal T4 | Free shuttle bus | 6 minutes | Terminal T2, Floor 0 (arrivals) | |
Terminal T4 | Terminal T1 | Free shuttle bus | 9 minutes | Terminal T4, Floor 0 (arrivals) |
Terminals T2 and T3 | Free shuttle bus | 6 minutes | Terminal T4, Floor 0 (arrivals) | |
Terminal T4 Satélite | Remote-controlled Train | 3 minutes | Terminal T4, Floor -2 | |
Terminal T4 Satélite (Satellite) | Terminal T4 | Remote-controlled Train | 3 minutes | Terminal T4 Satélite, Floor -2 |
You can also see all the internal connections between the airport terminals.
As any major airport Madrid-Barajas offers an extensive range of services. Here is a list of the most useful ones.
If you have an early morning flight, where you stay the night before makes a huge difference in your day. Or, if you have a late arrival, you might like to stay at the airport for a night instead of trying to figure out trains the moment you touch down. Airport hotels are perfect for times like this.
If you need additional information, here is my recommended accommodation for Madrid Airport.
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. Arriving at Madrid Airport: exit the airport after landing
7. Getting to Madrid Airport: go to the airport from the city center
8. Madrid Airport hotels