Madrid Airport Departures

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Madrid International Airport is the main airport in Spain. In fact, it is the busiest Spanish airport and one of the five busiest air hubs in Europe, ranking among the most active airports in the world. Located about 13km/8 miles from downtown Madrid, the airport is often called Barajas Airport after the district where it is located. However, its official name, adopted in 2014, is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, honoring Spain’s former prime minister. MAD Airport handled more than 66 million passengers in 2024, serving flights to and from 158 destinations. As a result, it can often get crowded, leading to longer departure procedures.

The MAD Terminals

Madrid Airport has four terminal buildings. That being said, terminal 4 includes a satellite terminal (T4S), while terminal 3 operates only during times of congestion in terminal 2. Terminal 1 serves non-Schengen flights, operated by airlines outside the OneWorld alliance. Departures are on the building’s First level. On the other hand, terminal 2 is dedicated to domestic and Schengen destinations, although it also handles a few non-Schengen flights. Departures are spread over two floors, with Floor 1 housing the boarding gates and Floor 2 the check-in area. All flights operated by airlines that are members of OneWorld, including Iberia, depart from terminal 4 and its satellite building. Departures are located on T4’s First and Second floors. The boarding gates and duty-free area lie on the First Floor (El Dique), and the check-in zone is on the Second level. T4S, connected to terminal 4 via an automated people mover, handles non-Schengen flights, with departures located on its First floor and some security checkpoints on its Second level.

Airlines at Each Terminal

How Early to Arrive at Madrid Airport

Planning your ride to the airport for your upcoming flight? While taking into account the usual travel time from Madrid, you should also consider how early to arrive at Madrid Airport. Is your flight domestic? Are you traveling to a Schengen destination? A 2-hour time frame before the scheduled flight departure should be enough. On the other hand, if you’re flying to a non-Schengen destination, you must also go through passport control, in addition to the usual check-in and security screening. Therefore, allowing up to 3 hours before your flight is recommended to ensure you have plenty of time to complete the departure procedures, even if there are long waiting lines.

Madrid Airport: The Departure Procedures

To begin with, MAD terminals are no longer accessible to everyone. In an effort to confront the problem of homeless people entering the terminals to spend the night, Madrid-Barajas Airport implemented access controls at the terminal gates, allowing only passengers with tickets and boarding passes, their companions, and airport staff to enter. Although the measure was initially applied only at night, it now appears to be in effect around the clock.

Once you go through access control and enter the terminal you’re departing from, you’ll need to check in for your flight. The check-in desks at terminal 1 are located on the First floor, while the check-in counters at terminals 2 and 4 can be found on the Second level. However, most passengers prefer checking in online to save time at the airport and avoid waiting in line at the check-in counters. The majority of airlines offer web check-in services, typically available 1 to 2 days before the flight. As long as you have your boarding pass printed or saved on your phone or in the airline’s app, and you don’t need to drop off luggage, you can skip the check-in process and proceed directly to security screening. Alternatively, you can use the self-service check-in machines. They lie next to the check-in desks and are accessible, designated for passengers with disabilities as well. The service is available only for journeys operated by certain airlines. You can use the self-service check-in counters at terminal 1 if you’re flying with Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, Saudia, or Turkish Airlines. At terminal 2, the service is available if you’re traveling with Air France or KLM, and at terminal 4 if your flight is operated by Avianca or Iberia. The self-service machines can save you considerable time, as the procedure usually takes no more than 5–10 minutes.

Which is your departing terminal? Make sure to arrive at the correct terminal for your flight. While terminals 1 to 3 are within walking distance of each other, you’ll need to take the airport shuttle bus to reach terminal 4. Moreover, if you’re flying from T4S, you’ll need to use the automated people mover to travel from terminal 4 to the satellite building. Be sure to take this transfer time into account when planning your departure from Madrid Airport.

All passengers must go through security screening after checking in, regardless of nationality or destination. After displaying their boarding passes, they pass through metal detectors, while their personal items—placed inside trays—and carry-ons go through X-ray machines. Overall, security screening takes about 15-30 minutes. Information screens are scattered around the area and are updated every three minutes, displaying the average waiting time. If you want to keep the security control short, make sure you’ve packed properly, following the airport’s rules on liquids and restricted items. Additionally, fast-track services are provided to the airlines’ first-class and business travelers, or for a fee.

If your destination is a non-Schengen country, you must go through passport control once you complete security screening. You’ll be asked to present your passport. Ensure you’re properly informed about the regulations of the country you’re flying to. For example, some countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date. Moreover, depending on the destination, additional documents may also be required, such as a visa, vaccination certificates, etc. As soon as you access the airside part of your terminal, you can explore the various shopping and dining facilities, along with the services provided. However, keep in mind to check the location of your departing gate. If it is at the far end of your terminal, you should factor in the walking time to ensure you arrive at the gate once it opens, ready to show your passport or ID and boarding pass, and join the line for boarding. Keep in mind that Madrid Airport is a silent airport. Therefore, no announcements are made. Flight information screens are available throughout the terminals. Check them regularly to confirm that your boarding gate hasn’t changed unexpectedly.

Our Tip: Are you traveling to the USA? You’ll be required to go through a second passport control. This is why travelers to the USA are advised to allow extra time at the airport—around 4 hours before the flight.

How to Spend Your Time Until Your Flight

Wondering how to spend your free time until your flight? Shopping is one of the most popular options, as MAD terminals house numerous brands, international and domestic chains, boutiques, and casual stores. From clothing and shoes to accessories, souvenirs, and electronics, you’ll find tempting deals and a satisfying variety. The same goes for dining options. Enjoy delicious tapas, a light snack, street food, or fine Mediterranean meals during your layover. Naturally, some terminals are better equipped than others. Overall, terminal 4 offers the greatest selection. Alternatively, you can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi, visit its chapels, indulge in beauty treatments at the salons, or relax in one of the luxurious lounges. Are you traveling with children? All terminals feature playgrounds, which are highly favored by the airport’s young travelers. Finally, the airport offers accommodation facilities. However, Air Rooms are located landside, in the pre-security area of terminal 4. Shower services are also provided there.

How to Get to Madrid Barajas Airport

You should also take the travel time to the airport into consideration when planning your journey. If you want to be at MAD Airport on time to go through the departure procedures stress-free, you should allow for the duration of the journey as well. The car ride from Madrid to the airport typically lasts approximately 20 minutes, but can be significantly longer during rush hours. Do you plan to take a taxi or a private airport transfer to the airport? Then you should factor in traffic conditions. Ride-hailing companies, such as Uber, also operate in Madrid. Alternatively, the Airport Bus 203 travels from Atocha Train Station to the airport, while two urban buses link other parts of the city to Madrid-Barajas Airport as well. Finally, you can catch a train or hop on the Pink Metro Line 8 to reach the airport for your flight.

Parking at Madrid Airport

Where can you park your vehicle once you arrive at MAD Airport? The airport features several parking facilities spread across the complex, serving all terminal buildings. Car Parks P1, P2, and P4 are located next to their respective terminals. Long-stay parking areas are available near the terminals. VIP services are also provided. Additionally, a low-cost parking lot serves the needs of travelers flying from terminal 1.

Where to Drop-Off Passengers

Pick-up and drop-off zones differ depending on the terminal. Passengers flying from terminals 1 and 2 can be dropped off at the Express Car Parks, located next to each terminal building. They are close to the terminals’ entrances and are free for the first 10 minutes. However, you should keep in mind that parking is allowed for up to 2 hours, and parking fees apply after the 10-minute free period. On the other hand, terminal 4 doesn’t have an express car park. Therefore, the near-terminal parking lot is the most convenient option for drop-offs. However, it does not offer free parking.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Why arrive early at the airport if your flight is delayed? Stay updated on every change in your flight status and adjust your journey to the airport accordingly. On the other hand, if your flight is cancelled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. That’s why keeping track of the flight timetable is important. You can check our arrivals table to stay informed about all flight delays and cancellations. Alternatively, you can use the airport’s website and its flight status table or contact the call center at (+34) 913 211 000. Have you already arrived at Madrid Airport? There are information screens throughout the Departures area, which are constantly updated.

FAQs

Which terminal is International Departures at Madrid Airport?

All Madrid airport terminals feature Departures. Terminal 1 handles non-Schengen flights operated by airlines that aren’t members of the OneWorld alliance, while terminal 2 serves domestic and Schengen flights, along with a few non-Schengen destinations. Terminal 4 is used by OneWorld airline members. Departures for Schengen destinations are handled in terminal 4, while non-Schengen flights depart from its satellite terminal, T4S.

How early should I arrive at Madrid Airport for an international flight?

If you are flying from Madrid Airport to a non-Schengen destination, you’ll need to go through passport control, in addition to check-in and security screening. Although the time required for departure procedures depends on various factors, such as the check-in method, whether you’re traveling with checked luggage or not, and the time of the year, international travelers are generally recommended to arrive at Madrid Airport three hours before their flight.

How long does it take to get through Madrid airport security?

Overall, security screening at Madrid Airport isn’t usually time-consuming. It typically lasts around 15–30 minutes, at least when the airport isn’t congested. Information screens display the average waiting time, helping passengers plan the departure procedures. Fast-track services are also available, either for VIP airline members or for a fee.