Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas · Aeropuerto de Barajas
Madrid, Spain · Since 1931
Last updated:
About MAD
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is Spain's largest and busiest airport, serving as the main international gateway to the Iberian Peninsula and a crucial connection point between Europe and Latin America. Named after Spain's first democratically elected prime minister, the airport is located 12 kilometers northeast of central Madrid. Terminal 4 and its satellite T4S, designed by architects Richard Rogers and Antonio Lamela, are architectural masterpieces featuring a distinctive rainbow-colored roof supported by wave-like wooden beams. Madrid-Barajas is the primary hub for Iberia and serves as a key transfer point for flights between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Why "MAD"?
MAD is the IATA code derived from Madrid, Spain's capital city.
Hub For
Airlines Operating
Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Europa, Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM, TAP Air Portugal, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Canada, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia, Ethiopian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, El Al, Finnair, SAS Scandinavian, LOT Polish Airlines
Terminals
Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal at Barajas, serving a mix of European and some international carriers. It handles many Schengen flights and is connected to T2 and T3 via indoor walkways.
Terminal 2 (T2)
Terminal 2 handles mainly European carriers and some domestic flights. Connected to T1 and T3 by internal corridors. Smaller and less busy than T4.
Terminal 3 (T3)
Terminal 3 serves a small number of airlines and is the least busy terminal. Connected to T1 and T2 by corridors.
Terminal 4 (T4)
Terminal 4 is the stunning modern terminal designed by Richard Rogers, opened in 2006. Its iconic undulating bamboo ceiling and abundant natural light make it one of Europe most beautiful airport terminals. Handles Iberia, oneworld, and Schengen flights.
Terminal 4S (T4 Satellite)
The T4 Satellite terminal handles all non-Schengen (international) flights from T4. Connected to T4 via an underground automated people mover (APM) that takes 4 minutes. All passport control and international gates are here.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at MAD
Air Europa
Hub
Iberia
Hub
Ryanair
Vueling
Aegean Airlines
Aer Lingus
Aerolineas Argentinas
Aeromexico
Showing 8 of 80 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Metro Line 8 connects all terminals to Nuevos Ministerios in 12-15 minutes (€5 with airport supplement). Cercanías commuter rail from T4 to Chamartín/Sol. Express Bus (Línea Exprés) runs 24/7 to Atocha station (€5, 30 min). Official taxis have flat €30 rate to city center. Uber and Cabify available.
Taxi
€30 (flat rate to city center)
20-30 minutes to city center
Public Transport
€5 (Metro supplement included)
12-25 minutes to central stations to city center
Popular Destinations
25-35 minutes
Madrid City Center (Sol/Gran Via)
35-40 minutes
Atocha Train Station
2.5 hours by train + transfers
Barcelona (via AVE High-Speed Train)
Parking at MAD
Parking available at all terminals: short-stay (P1-P4), long-stay, and express parking. Online booking for discounts up to 50%....
Express Parking (P1)
T4 Parking
Long Stay Parking
AENA VIP Parking
Airport Lounges
Iberia Premium Lounge Dali
The exclusive Dali lounge in T4S caters to long-haul business and first class passengers. Features a la carte dining, premium champagne, sleeping rooms, showers, and a tranquil ambiance inspired by Spanish art.
Iberia Premium Lounge Velazquez
Iberia's flagship Velazquez lounge in T4 is one of the best airline lounges in Europe. Designed with Spanish flair, it features a gourmet tapas buffet, premium bar with Spanish wines and cocktails, shower suites, a spa area, and stunning views of the tarmac. Live cooking stations serve fresh dishes.
Plaza Premium Lounge
International lounge brand in T4S serving international transit passengers. Offers hot meals, bar service, showers, and comfortable rest areas.
Sala VIP Cibeles
Located in T4, this modern lounge offers a good selection of tapas, salads, hot dishes, Spanish wines, and spirits. Comfortable seating with natural light.
Sala VIP Neptuno
Located in T1, this Aena-operated lounge offers Spanish and international snacks, hot dishes, beverages, and WiFi. A solid option for Priority Pass holders departing from the older terminals.
Air France-KLM Lounge
SkyTeam alliance lounge in T2 serving Air France, KLM, and partner airline premium passengers. French and Spanish cuisine, wine selection, and comfortable seating.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Air Rooms Madrid by Premium Traveller
Airside T4S, international transit area
Transit hotel located airside in T4 Satellite, accessible without clearing immigration. Offers private rooms with en-suite bathrooms for layover passengers. Bookable in 4-hour blocks.
Connected Hotels
Hilton Madrid Airport
Connected to T4 via covered walkway
Full-service Hilton hotel directly connected to Terminal 4 via a covered walkway. Features a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Day rooms available for layover passengers.
Nearby Hotels
Ibis Budget Madrid Barajas Aeropuerto
Near airport, free shuttle to terminals
Budget-friendly option near the airport with free shuttle service. Basic but clean rooms ideal for overnight stays before early morning flights.
Holiday Inn Madrid Airport
Airport district, 10 minutes by shuttle
Comfortable Holiday Inn in the airport area with free shuttle service, restaurant, and bar. Good value mid-range option for layover stays.
NH Madrid Airport
Adjacent to T2, 5-minute walk
Modern NH hotel very close to terminals T1-T3. Offers comfortable rooms, restaurant, and meeting facilities. Excellent for early departures from the older terminals.
Food & Dining
Rodilla
Spanish Sandwiches
Classic Spanish sandwich chain founded in Madrid in 1939. Famous for their crustless sandwiches (sandwiches de miga), salads, and fresh juices. Quick and affordable.
06:00-22:00
Burger King
Fast Food
Standard fast food option available in multiple terminals.
06:00-23:00
Viena Capellanes
Spanish Bakery & Cafe
Historic Madrid bakery chain (since 1873) offering pastries, croissants, sandwiches, and excellent coffee. Great for a quick breakfast before security.
05:30-22:00
Starbucks
Coffee & Cafe
Multiple Starbucks locations throughout all terminals. Reliable option for coffee, pastries, and light bites.
05:00-22:00
VIPS
International
Popular Spanish restaurant chain offering American-style breakfast, burgers, salads, and Spanish dishes. Reliable option for a sit-down meal with familiar flavors.
06:00-23:00
Enrique Tomas
Spanish Deli
Specialists in jamon iberico (Iberian cured ham). Watch them carve premium ham right before your eyes. Perfect for a gourmet Spanish snack or to buy vacuum-packed ham as a gift.
06:00-22:00
Car Rental
Europcar
Arrivals hall car rental area, T1 and T4
Avis
Arrivals hall car rental area, T1 and T4
Hertz
Arrivals hall car rental area, T1 and T4
Sixt
Arrivals hall car rental area, T1 and T4
Goldcar
Arrivals hall T1 and T4, also off-site with shuttle
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Duty Free and Spanish Products
Browse the duty-free shops in T4/T4S for Spanish products - Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, olive oil, wines, and Loewe leather goods. T4 has an extensive shopping area with Spanish brands.
Iberia Premium Lounge Experience
Purchase access to the Iberia Velazquez or Dali lounges in T4/T4S to enjoy Spanish tapas, premium wines, spa treatments, and shower facilities. One of Europe's best airline lounges.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Tapas Tour in La Latina
La Latina neighborhood is the tapas capital of Madrid. Take the metro to La Latina station and wander Cava Baja street, hopping between traditional tapas bars. Try croquetas, tortilla espanola, jamon iberico, and patatas bravas.
Stroll Through Retiro Park and Puerta del Sol
Visit Madrid's beautiful Retiro Park with its Crystal Palace and boating lake, then walk to Puerta del Sol and Gran Via for iconic Madrid sights. Free and accessible. Allow 4 hours including travel time.
Visit the Prado Museum
One of the world's greatest art museums, housing masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch. Take Metro Line 8 to the city center (~30 min). Free entry in the last 2 hours before closing. Allow at least 5 hours including travel.
Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. Take the metro to Opera station. The palace features over 3,000 rooms and stunning gardens. Free entry for EU citizens in the last 2 hours.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type F (European)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From €5.20/day
- Showers: Free in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Euro (EUR/€)
- Exchange: Exchange offices in all terminals. Numerous ATMs throughout the airport.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (some 24/7)
- Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Use ATMs for the best exchange rates. Airport exchange offices charge higher commissions. Avoid Global Blue Exchange counters for cash exchange.
Smoking Areas
No indoor smoking areas. Smoking permitted outside terminal buildings only.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. No visa required for EU/EEA citizens. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Passport or national ID for EU citizens. Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond planned stay for non-EU citizens. ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt travelers in the future.
When to Fly
Best time: March-May and September-November for mild weather
Peak seasons: June-August (summer), Easter week, Christmas/New Year
Insider Tips
T4 and T4S are connected by an automated train - allow 15 minutes for the transfer. The Metro is the fastest way to the city center but requires a supplement. The Express Bus is the best value running 24/7. Madrid taxis have a fixed airport rate of €30 to central Madrid. If connecting between terminals, check if you need the free inter-terminal bus. T4/T4S is modern and beautiful but huge - allow extra walking time.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Four terminals (T1-T4) plus T4S satellite. T4/T4S are architectural landmarks with rainbow-colored ceilings. Extensive duty-free shopping in all terminals. Multiple lounges including Iberia VIP lounges. Free unlimited WiFi. Left luggage in T1, T2, T4. Kids play areas. Chapel and prayer rooms. Medical services. Pharmacies in all terminals.
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