Expedia’s guide to Madrid Airport

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The recently renamed Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the largest airport in Spain and one of the busiest in Europe. Serving the country’s capital city, it is located only a short journey away from the city centre and a quick train ride from the southwest of Spain. We’ve put together this handy guide to bring you all the information you’ll need to make your journey to Madrid airport as easy as possible.

General information
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The airport is located just 13 km outside of the city centre and has four terminals for arrivals and departures, T1, T2, T3 and the newly introduced T4. The airport has more than 20 information counters including touchscreen kiosks in Terminal 4.

Transfer between terminals
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MAD airport runs a 24 hour shuttle bus that runs between terminals and the long-stay car park. This service is completely free and buses come and go every 5-10 minutes. In addition to this, T4 is accessible via a monorail that links to the airport’s main building.

Transport to and from Madrid Airport
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There are numerous public transport and private hire options for travelling to and from Madrid Airport. Check out the information below for your preferred method of travel.

### Taxi

Taxis are a comfortable option from the airport: the journey only lasts approximately 20 minutes and costs about €20-25. Taxis are available from each terminal and can be found outside the arrivals area. Passengers should make sure the meter is turned on at the beginning of the journey and are advised not to accept any other offers of taxis inside the terminal building – official taxis are white in colour with a red stripe. AeroCity-Ares Mobile (tel: 91 7477 570) provides chauffeur-driven cars.

### EMT Bus

Buses run regularly between the airport and central Madrid. Bus 200 will take you to Avenida de America station in the city centre in about 30 minutes for a small fare of €1.50. If heading to Atocha station, take the Linea Expres 203 – journey time is estimated at 40 minutes and costs €5.

### Metro

The metro is probably the quickest and easiest way to travel from the airport to Madrid city centre. Line 8 will take you to Nuevos Ministerios which is located right in the heart of Madrid’s financial district. The journey time is only 15 minutes and costs €4.50. You can jump on the train from underground stations at T2 and T4.

### Rail

The airport operates a RENFE train station situated at T4. The line operates along the C1 route which runs between the airport and Principe Pio station. If heading to Principe Pio expect about 40 minutes for the journey and a fare of €2.55. The service also stops at Atocha and Chamartin stations.

Terminal facilities
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### Money

Madrid-Barajas airport has many bureaux de change and ATM’s throughout the airport and two banks in T2 and T4.

### Wi-Fi

Each guest gets 15 minutes free Wi-Fi which is available in all terminals. If you run out, there are numerous internet points throughout the airport.

### Food

With over 30 cafes, bars and restaurants across the airport there are plenty of options whether you fancy grabbing a quick snack or an elegant sit-down meal.

### Shopping

Madrid Barajas airport has over 100 shops that you can take a stroll through whilst waiting to board your flight. Duty-free is also available for anyone flying outwith the European Union.

### Car hire and parking

Car hire companies are situated in T1 and T2 – these include Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.

Long and short stay car parking facilities are available within six public parking areas at Madrid airport. A free shuttle service runs between the long stay car park and the airport terminals.

Once you’ve completed your journey, why not take a look at some of the fabulous eateries and elegant bars around the city to refuel?

Images by Chris, Daniel and Ricardo, used under the Creative Commons Licence.

*All prices are as of December 2014 and approximate only.”