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 and 50.6 million passengers in 2022, after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic) 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 Layout
MAD Airport is a complex consisting of 4 terminal buildings. 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.
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.
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 being conventional or low-cost, the majority of airlines offer their services at MAD Airport. Moreover, Madrid Airport is considered a hub for Iberia (and Iberia Express and Iberia Regional) and Air Europa, as well as a focus city for Ryanair and Iberojet.
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, whereas there are designated areas ideal for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Transit Options
What are the transit options from MAD Airport? Passengers who want to travel from Madrid Airport to the city center can pick one of the following alternatives:
- an airport taxi / a Madrid airport transfer
- a car rental
- the airport express bus
- a train ride
- the Pink Metro Line 8
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:
- Many retail stores and Duty-free areas
- Various eateries and bars
- Baggage wrapping / Luggage storage / Baggage trolleys
- Meeting rooms / Work areas
- Pharmacies /Medical service
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services / Playgrounds
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapels / Mosque
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Air Rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
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
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. Sill, it is easy to use and is considered to provide passenger-friendly services. It is divided into 4 terminal buildings efficiently inter-connected 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 proven 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.