Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), often simply referred to as Madrid Airport, is the main international airport serving Madrid, Spain. Located just nine kilometers (5.6 miles) northeast of the city center, it’s one of the busiest airports in Europe and a vital hub for travel to and from Spain, Latin America, and beyond. The airport is named after Adolfo Suárez, Spain’s first democratically elected Prime Minister after the Franco dictatorship.

Terminals and Layout

The airport boasts four terminals: T1, T2, T3, and T4. T4 is further divided into T4 and T4S (Satellite). T1, T2, and T3 are located together and are primarily used by Schengen area flights. T4, a more modern and spacious terminal, mainly handles international flights and flights operated by Iberia and its OneWorld partners. A free airport shuttle bus connects all terminals, ensuring easy transfer between them.

Airlines and Destinations

Madrid Airport is a major hub for Iberia, the flag carrier of Spain. Numerous other international airlines operate from MAD, connecting Madrid to destinations worldwide. You’ll find a comprehensive range of airlines, from budget carriers to full-service airlines, offering flights to major cities across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. The airport provides flights to almost all the world’s major airport locations, and offers a variety of connections and layover options.

Services and Amenities

MAD offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of travelers. These include:

• Shopping: A wide variety of shops, from duty-free outlets to designer boutiques, offering everything from souvenirs to luxury goods.
• Dining: Numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars provide diverse culinary options, catering to different tastes and budgets. You can find tapas, international cuisine, fast food, and more.
• Lounges: Several airline and independent lounges offer comfortable spaces to relax and work before or between flights, often with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
• Currency Exchange and ATMs: Easily accessible facilities for exchanging currency and withdrawing cash.
• Information Desks: Helpful staff at information desks are available to answer questions and provide assistance.
• Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate from the airport.
• Left Luggage: Storage facilities are available for luggage.

Transportation to and from the Airport

Madrid Airport is well-connected to the city center by various transportation options:

• Metro: Line 8 of the Madrid Metro connects all four terminals to Nuevos Ministerios station in the city center, providing access to the rest of the metro network.
• Cercanías (Commuter Train): The C-1 and C-10 lines of the Cercanías commuter train connect Terminal 4 to various stations in Madrid and the surrounding areas.
• Bus: The Airport Express bus (line 203) runs 24/7 between the airport and Atocha railway station in the city center. Regular bus lines also connect the airport to other parts of Madrid.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside all terminals.
• Ride-sharing Services: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify also operate at the airport.

Madrid Airport is a modern and efficient international airport that provides a gateway to Spain and beyond. With its extensive network of airlines and destinations, comprehensive services and amenities, and convenient transportation options, it offers a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers each year.