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Airport Transportation

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

Also known as: Madrid Airport, Barajas Airport, Madrid Barajas Airport. Formerly Madrid-Barajas Airport.

MAD · LEMD · Madrid

Airport facts

Name
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
IATA code
MAD
ICAO code
LEMD
City
Madrid
Country
Spain
Coordinates
40.4895, -3.5643
Time zone
Europe/Madrid

About Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the main airport for Madrid and Spain's busiest airport, handling about 68 million passengers in 2025. It sits about 13 km (8 miles) northeast of the city center at Puerta del Sol, and about 9 km from the financial district around Nuevos Ministerios.

Iberia has its hub here and, with Air Nostrum and the other oneworld airlines, uses Terminal 4. SkyTeam and Star Alliance airlines, along with many others, use Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Flights reach every part of Spain and Europe, and Madrid is the main European gateway for Latin America, with many nonstop routes across the Atlantic.

The airport has two separate terminal areas. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 stand side by side and are linked on foot. Terminal 4, with its satellite Terminal 4S, is a separate building a few kilometers away; a driverless train under the apron links T4 and T4S.

From the airport, most travelers head into central Madrid, to the business districts along the Castellana, or on by high-speed train from Atocha and Chamartín to Toledo, Segovia, Seville and Barcelona.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Aena

Runways

Four, in two parallel pairs

Passengers per year

About 68.2 million in 2025

Terminals

T1, T2, T3, T4 and the T4S satellite

Main airline

Iberia (hub, Terminal 4)

Arrival tips for Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

Check your terminal before anyone comes to meet you: Iberia and oneworld flights arrive at Terminal 4 or its satellite T4S, and most other airlines at Terminals 1, 2 or 3, which are a separate building. If you land at T4S, you take the driverless train to T4 to reach baggage claim.

Flights from other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. If you come from outside the Schengen area, such as the Americas or the UK, you queue at passport control, where non-EU visitors are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System; queues can be long when several long-haul flights land in the morning. After baggage claim you pass through customs into the arrivals hall.

Follow the signs to your transport. Metro Line 8 runs from Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 to Nuevos Ministerios, Cercanías C-1 trains run from Terminal 4 to Chamartín and Atocha, and EMT buses run into the city, including a 24-hour express to Atocha. Official taxis, white with a red stripe, wait at the ranks outside each terminal. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

Spain is on Central European Time (CET) and uses the euro.

Ground transportation

Metro and train are cheap and quick into the city; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage, late at night or for addresses away from the stations.

  • Metro Line 8

    From Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 to Nuevos Ministerios, with connections across the Metro network. Includes an airport supplement.

  • Cercanías train from Terminal 4

    Line C-1 runs from Terminal 4 to Chamartín and Atocha, where you can change to high-speed trains.

  • Express bus to Atocha

    EMT's 24-hour airport express runs to Atocha, the main option at night.

  • Taxi from Madrid airport

    Official white taxis with a red stripe wait at the ranks outside each terminal. Door to door into the city.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and trips to Toledo, Segovia or the suburbs.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walking between Terminals 1, 2 and 3

    Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are side by side and connected inside the building.

  2. Free shuttle bus to Terminal 4

    A free airport bus links Terminals 1, 2 and 3 with Terminal 4, which is a separate building.

  3. Metro Line 8

    Line 8 stops at Terminal 2 (for T1–T3) and Terminal 4.

  4. T4 to T4S train

    A driverless train runs about 2 km under the apron between Terminal 4 and the satellite T4S; it is the only way between them.

Terminals

Terminal 1

Next to Terminals 2 and 3, used by SkyTeam, Star Alliance and other airlines.

Terminal 2

The middle of the three linked terminals, with the Metro station that also serves Terminals 1 and 3.

Terminal 3

Next to Terminal 2, used by SkyTeam, Star Alliance and other airlines.

Terminal 4

A separate building used by Iberia, Air Nostrum and the oneworld airlines, with its own Metro and Cercanías stations.

Terminal 4S

The satellite of Terminal 4, reached only by a driverless train from T4. Used for many long-haul and non-Schengen flights.

Airlines and destinations

This directory lists the main airlines at Madrid; SkyTeam and Star Alliance airlines use Terminals 1–3, and Iberia and oneworld use Terminal 4.

American Airlines T4

US hubs

Airline guide

British Airways T4

London

Airline guide

Iberia T4

Cities across Spain, Europe and the Americas

Airline guide

Qatar Airways T4

Doha

Airline guide

Airport lounges

  • Dalí and Velázquez lounges, Terminal 4

    Iberia's lounges in Terminal 4, renovated in 2018–2019, for eligible Iberia and oneworld passengers.

Parking

P1

Outdoor parking lot in front of the terminal building.

P2

Indoor parking garage with direct access to Terminals 2 and 3.

Express parking

Short-stay parking at Terminal 2.

Long-stay parking lot

About 1,655 spaces, with a free shuttle bus to all terminals.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Madrid airport from the city center?

Madrid-Barajas is about 13 km (8 miles) northeast of the city center at Puerta del Sol, and about 9 km from the business district around Nuevos Ministerios. Metro Line 8, Cercanías trains from Terminal 4, buses, taxis and pre-booked cars all run into the city.

Which terminal does Iberia use at Madrid?

Iberia uses Terminal 4 and its satellite T4S, together with Air Nostrum and the other oneworld airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines and Qatar Airways. SkyTeam and Star Alliance airlines use Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

How do I get from Terminal 4 to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Madrid?

Terminal 4 is a separate building a few kilometers from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. A free airport shuttle bus links them, and Metro Line 8 stops at both Terminal 4 and Terminal 2. Allow plenty of time if you need to change between them.

How do I get from Madrid airport to Atocha station?

Take a Cercanías C-1 train from the station at Terminal 4 straight to Atocha, or the 24-hour EMT express bus from the terminals. From other terminals, take the free shuttle bus or Metro to Terminal 4 for the train.

What is Terminal 4S at Madrid airport?

T4S is the satellite building of Terminal 4, used by Iberia and oneworld airlines for many long-haul and non-Schengen flights. It is about 2 km from T4 and reached only by a driverless underground train. Arrivals at T4S take the train to T4 for baggage claim.

What do official taxis look like in Madrid?

Madrid's official taxis are white with a red stripe. They wait at the signposted ranks outside each terminal. Use only these ranks rather than accepting offers inside the terminal.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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