Madrid-Barajas Airport

Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) is a record-breaking airport: first national airport, one of the top five airports in Europe and among the top ten airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic. Although still known as Madrid-Barajas Airport, it changed its official name to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas in 2014.

From this ultra-modern airport people travel to and from Spain for domestic, European and intercontinental flights: Madrid is in fact one of the main airports for flights to South America, but also serves many destinations in other continents.

The expansion and modernisation of the facility in recent years to cope with the expansion of air traffic has meant that passengers can enjoy numerous services and comforts. Despite the size of the airport, which has as many as four passenger terminals, you will not find it difficult to find your way around.

Inside the public area/ground floor of Terminal 4 of Madrid Airport is HelloSky Air Rooms Madrid, a 4-star hotel that is certainly the most comfortable option for sleeping in the area. However, it is not certain that your flight departs from terminal 4, in which case you will have to plan for a transfer with the free shuttle.

Connections from the airport to the centre of Madrid

Located just 12 km from the centre of Madrid, Barajas Airport is well connected to the city by bus, train, metro, taxi and private transfers. From the centre of Madrid to the airport takes about 20 minutes by car, under normal traffic conditions.

Underground

Alternatively, you can use metro line 8, which runs from the Nuevos Ministerios station north of the centre. To get from the centre to Nuevos Ministerios station, you can use lines 6 and 10, which run from Atocha station, Puerta del Sol and Gran Via. Therefore, if you are in the city centre and want to get to the airport by metro, you will have to make at least one change. In all, the journey takes about 40 minutes.

Bus

Similarly, you can use bus 203, the Expres Aeropuerto, which costs more than the regular urban transport ticket, but has the convenience of making only two intermediate stops, one at Plaza de Cibeles and one at Atocha station. The journey takes about 30-35 minutes, and the line runs 24 hours a day every day of the year, departing from Atocha during the day (6.00 to 23.30) and from Cibeles day and night (23.30 – 6.00).

Another option to get to Madrid Airport is to use the city bus 200, which departs from the intercambiador (a kind of transport hub) in Avenida de America, accessible via metro lines 4, 6, 7 and 9.

Private transfer

An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Madrid-Barajas Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.

It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Madrid-Barajas Airport airport visit this site.

Car hire

Renting a car is not usually essential for visiting Madrid, but it is compulsory if you intend to travel around the area or go on a Spanish tour.

To rent a car in Madrid we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Madrid-Barajas Airport.