Madrid Barajas Airport: a Spanish Airport on the World’s Top 20
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the airport serving the Spanish capital, as well as its nearby regions. Located only 13km/8 miles from Puerta del Sol, Madrid city center, Madrid Airport is listed as the first aviation hub in Spain concerning passenger traffic and commercial movements. Moreover, the airport figures among the top 5 European airports, along with being one of the top 20 busiest airports globally.
Madrid Airport is usually referred to as Madrid–Barajas Airport. Barajas is actually the name of one of the districts where the airport is located. However, in 2014, the official name of the airport was changed to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. The airport’s renaming was decided as a tribute to Adolfo Suárez, the first democratically elected Spanish prime minister.
Nowadays, the airport welcomes more than 50 million travelers annually (17.112.246 passengers in 2019, 50.6 million passengers in 2022, after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 66,196,984 passengers in 2024) and serves more than 100 international airlines. Modern and kitted with leading-edge technology, Madrid Airport has 5 terminals and 4 runways. Overall, it handles flights from and to all over the world and plays a crucial part in the connection between Europe and Latin America.
Airport Name: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
IATA Code: MAD
ICAO: LEMD
Location: Madrid, Spain
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Airport Map: Madrid Airport at Google Maps
Madrid Airport’s History
The construction of Madrid Barajas Airport began in 1927. The airport started its operation as a domestic and international air hub in 1931, with a small terminal and the building of Avión Club Lineas. The first flight departing from its premises was operated by Aéreas Postales Españolas and headed to Barcelona. Overall, at the time, the airport handled flights to Europe and Africa.
In the 1940s, Madrid Airport was gradually paved, and new runways were added. By the end of the decade, there were flights available to Latin America and the Philippines, while in the 1950s, passengers could also fly from Madrid Airport to New York. The National Terminal (T2) was constructed in 1954. During the 1970s, the airport became capable of accommodating large jets and recorded growth no one could have predicted. That’s when the international terminal (nowadays T1) was built. Additionally, the airport saw a comprehensive optimisation of its services and the advancement of its terminals in preparation for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Spain.
In 1994, the first cargo terminal was constructed, and the control tower was renovated, while in 1997, the North Dock was added to the complex, serving Iberia’s Schengen flights. In 1998, a new control tower was constructed, and in 1999, the South Dock opened. By that time, the South Dock and most of the international terminal served as T1, while the rest of the international terminal and the domestic terminal were known as T2. The North Dock was T3.
In 2000, construction began on Terminal 4 and its satellite terminal, along with two parallel runways. T4 opened its doors in 2006, being one of the largest terminal buildings in the world. With the addition of the two runways, the airport had a total of 4 runways and could handle up to 120 operations per hour. At the time, the Puente Aéreo (Air Bridge), the air route connecting Madrid and Barcelona, was the busiest route linking two airports in Europe. However, the high-speed train that began operating between the two Spanish cities in 2008 led to a reduction in available air routes. In 2015, the airport began accommodating the Airbus A380, operated on the Dubai route by Emirates.
The airport was renamed in 2014 as Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, in tribute to Adolfo Suárez, the politician who led Spain’s transition to democracy after Francisco Franco’s dictatorship and who died that same year. Currently, the company operating the airport, Aena, is carrying out renovations, modernization, and expansions, planning to extend the airport’s total capacity to 80 million passengers.
Madrid Airport’s Layout
MAD Airport is a large airport. In fact, it is the second largest European airport by land area, and a complex consisting of five terminal buildings, including the fourth terminal and its satellite facility. The three of them are located close to each other. Thus, passengers can walk their way from one terminal to the other. Conversely, T4 lies within a further distance. Therefore, it is connected to terminals 1, 2, and 3 via an airport shuttle bus. Moreover, it features four runways and an air cargo warehouse.
T1 primarily handles international flights, whereas T2 mostly serves Schengen destinations, although a few domestic and intercontinental flights depart or land at that terminal as well. On the other hand, T3 is considered a domestic terminal. Finally, T4 is divided into the actual terminal building 4 and a satellite terminal (T4S). Both domestic and international flights arrive or depart from T4, while T4S is dedicated to flights to non-Schengen destinations.
Flights to and from Madrid Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the busiest airport in Spain and one of the busiest in Europe. Thus, it serves as Spain’s main entry point and handles flights to numerous domestic and European destinations, as well as intercontinental connections. In fact, it serves several routes linking Spain (and Europe) to Latin America, making it an important air hub for this intercontinental connection. Moreover, MAD Airport is a hub for many airlines, including Air Europa, Iberia, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, and World2Fly, and an operating base for Iberojet, Wamos Air, and Ryanair.
Domestic Departures from MAD Airport
Madrid Airport is well-connected to many Spanish destinations, both on the mainland and the islands. Indeed, flights depart daily heading to Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and Barcelona.
In general, domestic passengers are advised to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before their upcoming flight. The check-in area at T1 can be found on its 1st Level, while the check-in zones at T2 and T4 are located on the terminals’ second floors. Self-service check-in kiosks are also available from some of the airlines operating at MAD Airport, located right next to the check-in desks, while web check-in is the most popular option in most cases. Almost all airlines offer online check-in services. In fact, some of them charge a small fee to passengers checking in through the check-in counters. Passengers who have checked in and dropped off their hold luggage must proceed to the security screening. Once they go through that process, they enter the airside area and must head to their departing gate, where they’ll be asked to display their boarding passes and identification documents to board the aircraft. Please keep in mind that boarding gates often change unexpectedly. Therefore, you must always check the flight information screens.
Our Tip: There are information screens at the security control area, displaying the estimated waiting time.
International Departures from MAD Airport
Madrid Airport offers many connections to international and even intercontinental destinations. Therefore, there are available flights to Rome, Brussels, London, Lisbon, and even Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Hangzhou.
The procedure for international travelers, especially those traveling to non-Schengen destinations, is more time-consuming. Thus, they are advised to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before the departure time of their flight. As soon as they check in (online, through the check-in desks located on Level 1 of T1, and Level 2 of T2 and T4, or via the self-service kiosks lying next to the check-in counters), they must go through the security screening to enter the post-security zone of the airport. Afterwards, those heading to a non-Schengen destination must proceed to the passport control before reaching their gate. Please note that you must display your boarding pass and ID or passport at the boarding gate as well, and always check the flight boards for any last-minute gate changes.
Our Tip: Not all airlines allow self-service check-in, and some charge extra fees for checking in at the check-in desk.
Domestic Arrivals to MAD Airport
Passengers arriving at MAD Airport from a domestic destination must proceed to the baggage reclaim area to retrieve their hold luggage. Those landing at T1 must reach the Baggage Reclaim Hall 2 at the Ground Level, while those arriving at T2 must head to the Baggage Claim Hall 6 at the Ground Level. Finally, travelers whose flights land at T4 or T4S must proceed to the Baggage Reclaim Hall 10 to collect their luggage, located at the terminal’s Ground Floor. If you travel with no checked luggage, all you’ll need to do is exit the airside area and proceed directly to the Arrivals Hall.
International Arrivals to MAD Airport
International passengers must go through passport control (if arriving from a non-Schengen country) and customs (if arriving from a non-EU country) before reaching the baggage reclaim area. The Baggage Reclaim Hall for international travelers from non-Schengen destinations is Hall 1, on T1’s Ground Level, while those arriving from Schengen destinations to T2 should proceed to the Baggage Claim Hall 6, also on the Ground Level. Moreover, the Baggage Hall 10 of T4 and T4S is located on the terminal’s Ground Floor as well. Once they collect their luggage, they’ll need to exit the Arrivals and proceed to the landside part of their terminal.
Connecting Passengers at MAD Airport
Madrid Airport has four terminal buildings (five, including the satellite terminal T4S). Therefore, transit passengers should check their arrival terminal as well as the departure terminal for their upcoming flight. Are they the same? In that case:
- Passengers who have a boarding pass to their final destination simply need to reach the boarding gate for their next flight.
- Passengers without a boarding pass must exit the airside area and check in for their connecting flight at the check-in counters or, if available (depending on the airline operating the route), at self-service kiosks. Alternatively, they can also check in online.
- Passengers who have hold luggage checked through to the final destination don’t collect it at MAD Airport. Conversely, if that isn’t the case, they must retrieve their luggage from the baggage claim area and complete the check-in procedure, including dropping it off again.
On the other hand, those arriving at one terminal and departing from another must exit the airside area, transfer between terminals, and check in again at their departing terminal. Fortunately, MAD Airport offers free transport between terminals.
Luggage at Madrid Airport
Are you flying with hand luggage, hold luggage, or both? Various restrictions apply in all cases, with strict rules regulating the permitted and prohibited items to ensure the airport’s and passengers’ safety.
- Hold Luggage: Weight restrictions apply to hold baggage. Overall, each airline has its own policy regarding permitted luggage allowances and the handling of bulky, overweight, and oversized baggage. Moreover, there is a list of prohibited items for checked luggage as well.
- Hand Baggage: Hand luggage is carried inside the aircraft cabin. Therefore, there are restrictions on the items allowed to be packed in carry-on luggage, along with strict regulations on the luggage’s size, since carry-ons must fit into the aircraft’s overhead compartments.
MAD Airlines
The main airport in Madrid houses a vast number of airlines. Verily, domestic air carriers and foreign providers are present at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. Whether conventional or low-cost, the majority of airlines offer their services at MAD Airport. Expectantly, Madrid International Airport, the major air hub in the country, is considered a hub for Iberia (and Iberia Express and Iberia Regional). Moreover, it serves as a hub for Air Europa, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, and World2Fly, as well as a focus city for Ryanair, Wamos Air, and Iberojet.
The Necessary Documents
Do you have an upcoming flight from Madrid Airport? Wonder which documents you should have available? That mainly depends on your destination. Overall, the necessary documents are:
- the boarding pass
- ID or Passport (based on the departure and arrival countries)
- Visa (needed for certain countries)
- Vaccination certification (for specific destinations)
- other necessary documents (e.g., requested documents when traveling with a minor, travel authorization forms (ESTA (US), ETA (UK), etc.)
Madrid Airport Services and Amenities
The bustling Madrid Airport is a modern hub that provides all the necessary services to ensure a smooth, pleasant, and safe travel experience for its passengers. Moreover, it features additional amenities to elevate the comfort and convenience of travelers, such as premium lounge facilities, a diverse shopping scene, various dining options, and VIP services, while special assistance is provided for families, disabled travelers, elderly passengers, and unaccompanied minors.
The MAD Airport Shops
MAD Airport houses numerous retail stores, offering a highly regarded shopping experience for its passengers. Shopping facilities can be found in all terminals, varying from casual stores to luxury brands and exclusive boutiques. Moreover, Aena Market offers the “Shop to Fly” service, which allows travelers to purchase products online and collect them conveniently at the airport before their flight. Some of the most popular Madrid airport shops are:
- Betelphone
- Corner by Real Madrid
- El Market España
- Tobacconist
- Kausi
- Hard Rock
- Parfois
- WHSmith
- The Gallery in Madrid (retail space)
- Sunglass Hut
- Boss
- Campos de Ibiza
- Desigual
- Lacoste
- Fútbol Club Barcelona
- Causi
- La casa de las carcasas
- Mango
- Majorica
- Mr. Blue
- Samsonite
- Rituals
- Swarovski
- The Body Shop
- Victoria’s Secret
- Tous
- Armani and Max Mara
- Carolina Herrera
- Longchamp
- Marc Jacobs
The MAD Dining Facilities
Madrid Airport offers a wide range of dining options, catering to all passengers’ tastes and budgets.Fast-food stores, along with restaurants, bars, and cozy cafes, can be found within the MAD airport terminals. Some of the most widely favored are:
- Cañas y Tapas – Café Pans
- Corner by Real Madrid
- La Barra de la Bientirada
- Pret a Manger
- Burger King
- Starbucks
- Chök
- StrEat
- Flax & Kale
- Bareto
- Beher
- Tutti Frutti
- Enrique Tomás experience
- Hungry Club
- Viandas
- Sibarium
- Pannus
- Dehesa Santa María
- Betelsweet
- Bottega Prosecco Bar & Caffè
- Central Café
- Foodies’
- Kirei by Kabuki
- La Bottega del Tartufo
- Ritazza
- Arzábal
- Madrí
- Coffee Republic
- Aloha
- Levadura madre
- MasQMenos
The Duty-Free Facilities
Madrid International Airport houses Duty-Free facilities as well. Hence, international passengers flying to a destination outside the EU can benefit from low prices, exclusive of taxes and VAT. A wide variety of products is available, from alcoholic drinks and beauty products to tobacco, perfumes, and accessories.
In detail, duty-free stores can be found:
- on T1’s Boarding Area C (Level 1)
- on T1’s Boarding Area B (Level 1)
- on T1’s Arrivals (airside, Ground Level)
- on T2’s Boarding Area D (Level 1)
- on T3’s Boarding Area E (Level 1)
- on T4’s Boarding Area J (Level 1)
- on T4S’s Boarding Area S (Level 1)
The MAD Lounges and Hotels
Choosing to settle in one of the MAD airport lounges or the landside Madrid airport hotel (Air Rooms by HelloSky) is one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways to spend your layover. The airport houses the following lounge areas:
- New VIP Lounge (T1)
- Cibeles Lounge (T1)
- Puerta de Alcalá VIP Lounge (T2)
- Puerta del Sol VIP Lounge (T3)
- Retiro VIP Lounge (T4)
- Plaza Mayor VIP Lounge (T4)
- Iberia Velázquez Premium Lounge (T4)
- Iberia Dalí Premium Lounge (T4)
- Neptuno VIP lounge (T4S)
Family Services at Madrid Airport
Madrid Airport takes good care of families. Indeed, passengers traveling with children enjoy special services that facilitate airport procedures and optimize layovers. Several play areas are available within the MAD terminals, along with breastfeeding zones, children’s restrooms, and baby changing rooms. Microwave ovens can also be used to heat baby food, and cots are available as well. Additionally, families are entitled to priority security screening through designated security control points. Finally, the airport offers strollers and pushchairs that can be used inside the terminal buildings free of charge.
The Accessible Services at MAD Airport
Travelers with temporary or permanent disabilities are also entitled to dedicated services and amenities designed to reduce hassle and make the airport experience more comfortable. Whether it concerns passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) or mental disabilities, the airport provides the necessary amenities to enhance their comfort throughout their journey. Designated information points and service desks are located throughout the airport, from check-in to boarding areas. Accessible restrooms are also available, while passengers with hidden disabilities, such as autism, are provided with a special badge that allows airport staff to offer all the assistance they need.
Services and Amenities
MAD Airport is regarded as a friendly to passengers aviation hub, featuring all the necessary services and amenities. Some of the most important ones are:
- Baggage wrapping
- Luggage storage
- Baggage trolleys
- Meeting rooms
- Work areas
- Pharmacies
- Medical service
- Banks
- ATMs
- Currency exchange areas
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapels / Mosque
- Spa facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
Pet Facilities at MAD Airport
Madrid Airport highly welcomes pets. Being pet-friendly, the airport features a pet zone outside the Arrivals area of T1, where pets can relieve themselves or play. Water fountains and other amenities are also available. Additionally, pet zones can also be found within the T2, T4, and T4S terminals. However, pet owners must comply with certain conditions. Pets must stay with their owners at all times, be fully vaccinated, and dogs must be kept on a leash. Additionally, pets should be accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Contact Info
Official Name: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Address: Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Phone Number: (+34) 913 211 000
Opening times: 24/7
Official Website: https://www.aena.es/
Transit Options
MAD Airport lies 13km/8 miles from Madrid city center. Various transit options connect the Madrid Airport to the city center, other parts of Madrid, and long-distance destinations. Airport taxis and private transfers offer door-to-door service, while buses provide an affordable way to reach downtown or travel to other locations in Spain. What’s more, the Pink Line M8 heads to downtown, while two train lines also depart from Madrid Barajas Airport. Last but not least, various car hire companies offer their services at the major airport in Spain.
Madrid Airport Taxis
Madrid airport taxis offer direct services from the airport to the exact location of the passenger’s destination. Overall, the taxi fare system is rather complicated, with a total of seven fare categories. Two types of fares apply to airport rides: journeys to destinations inside the M-30 zone of Madrid are set-price, at 33€/33$, whereas rides to other locations are metered. All terminals feature official taxi ranks, where taxis are available around the clock.
Madrid Airport Bus Lines
Several bus lines offer connections from MAD Airport. The fastest bus line is definitely the Madrid Airport Express (Bus 203), running to Atocha Train Station, while Buses 101 (to Canilleja) and 200 (to Avenida de América) are convenient yet more time-consuming. On the other hand, four intercity buses also depart from Madrid Airport, and long-distance coaches link it with other cities across Spain.
Madrid Airport Metro
The Pink Metro Line 8 serves Madrid International Airport. Running from the two airport subway stations, one serving terminals 1, 2, and 3, and the other located in the underground level of T4, Metro Line 8 travels from MAD Airport to Nuevos Ministerios from 06:05 am to 01:33 am. While it is a fast and affordable option for the ride to Madrid, it doesn’t reach the historic city center and requires a line change at its terminal station.
Train Lines from Madrid Airport
Two train lines connect the airport to Madrid. Lines C1 and C10 of the suburban RENFE rail network depart from Aeropuerto T4, the airport’s railway station located in Level -1 of terminal 4. Hence, passengers arriving or departing from the other MAD terminals have to use the free airport shuttles traveling between terminals. Although C1 and C10 are suburban lines, they don’t make many intermediate stops and conveniently offer designated luggage storage areas.
Madrid Airport Car Rentals
Various car rental companies are present at Madrid Airport. As a result, travelers have access to a wide selection of vehicles and car models, and can take advantage of special deals and offers available from time to time. Overall, Madrid airport car rentals are a popular transit option, especially among travelers looking to fully explore the Spanish capital and even discover destinations beyond its limits. The car hire desks at MAD Airport are located at terminals 1 and 4 and their parking facilities.
Private Madrid Airport Transfers
The most lavish way to travel from MAD Airport is to book a private Madrid airport transfer. Private airport transfers offer top-class services, allowing passengers to customize their rides and enjoy seamless and hassle-free journeys to their final destination. Highly skilled drivers offer smooth, door-to-door rides in well-maintained, luxurious vehicles. Many additional amenities are also available. While they are more expensive than regular taxis, their higher cost reflects the quality of service provided.
Transfers Between Terminals
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 lie close to each other. Thus, passengers can transfer between them on foot. On the other hand, terminal 4 is located at a longer distance, linked to the other terminals via free airport shuttles. The complimentary airport shuttle service is available around the clock, at a 5-minute frequency from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm, and every 20 minutes at other times. Finally, T4 is connected to its satellite terminal (T4S) by an automated train (APM) that runs every 5 minutes and takes 3 minutes to travel between them.
Parking Facilities
All MAD terminals have the necessary parking facilities to cope with their passengers’ needs. As a matter of fact, Madrid Airport provides its visitors with more than 17000 parking spaces. Thus, there are short-term options as well as low-cost car parks and parking lots ideal for long stays. Moreover, VIP services are also provided. Finally, the airport features designated areas ideal for pick-ups and drop-offs.
The City of Madrid
Madrid is actually a magnificent blend of history and modern amenities. Its deep historical background has given the city a rich cultural legacy imprinted in the city’s architecture and various sites and landmarks. On the other hand, Madrid is a modern European capital, and this fact is clearly evident in the artistic events that take place around the city, but also in its fashion and nightlife. A visit to Madrid will almost immediately immerse you in the Mediterranean hospitality and make you feel at home.
FAQs
What is the biggest airport in Spain?
MAD Airport is the busiest hub in Spain, followed by El Prat Barcelona Airport. In fact, it figures at the first position among Spanish airports, concerning both passenger traffic and cargo services.
Are there 2 airports in Madrid?
The main airport in Madrid is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. In fact, it is the only airport serving the area while being the busiest Spanish airport and one of the most important airports globally.
When was Madrid Airport built?
Suárez International Airport dates back to 1931. However, despite its official opening on 22 April of this year, its commercial use didn’t begin until 1933.
How far is Madrid from the airport?
Madrid Airport is located within a 13-km distance from Madrid downtown. The airport is connected to the city via taxis and private transfers, or by public transportation means (metro, bus, and train).
How many terminals does Madrid Airport have?
Madrid Airport has 4 terminals, T1, T2, T3, and T4. The T4 building is divided into two sections, the T4, and the T4S, with the T4S being the satellite terminal of MAD Airport.
Which terminal is international in Madrid?
The Madrid airport T4 is the terminal handling international flights from and to the Spanish capital’s airport. The T4 section hosts flights from the Schengen zone, whereas flights concerning non-Schengen destinations arrive and depart from the satellite terminal T4S.
Is Madrid Airport easy to navigate?
Madrid Airport may be a large and busy airport. Still, it is easy to use and is considered to provide passenger-friendly services. It is divided into 4 terminal buildings, efficiently interconnected, and offers cutting-edge technology amenities.
How early should I get to Madrid Airport?
Flying from Madrid Airport, you should be at the airport 2-3 hours before your departure scheduled time. MAD Airport is a busy aviation hub. Therefore, you should have enough time for the check-in, passport control, etc. procedures.
What are the transportation options from MAD Airport?
Transferring from Madrid Airport to city or elsewhere should be an easy task. Apart from the comfy airport taxis, the luxurious private airport transfers, and the handy airport car rentals, Madrid Barajas Airport is also connected to the city of Madrid via public transportation. Thus, buses, subways, and trains are at your disposal as soon as you land at MAD Airport.