Madrid Airport Terminals

Know Before You Fly Important Facts About Madrid Airport (MAD) Terminals

Madrid, Spain’s capital city, has for decades been a top tourist destination because it boasts a perfect mix of the old and new. Visitors can see religious and other historic architecture from centuries ago while also enjoying all of the exciting dining, drinking and leisure attractions. And these attractions are all on offer in a place that has a beautiful year-round climate.

No matter where in the world you might live, it’s very easy to travel to Madrid thanks to the many domestic, European and other international connections provided by Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, commonly known as just Madrid Airport. This is Spain’s busiest airport and was used by almost 62 million passengers in 2019, with further growth expected in future years.

Below you’ll find all the information that you need to know about the airport when planning a trip to Madrid, including key facts about the airport and its buildings, what services you can expect at its four terminals, and more. Use these details to prepare in advance for your holiday, so that your arrival and eventual departure at Madrid Airport will be as smooth as possible.

Different Types Of Flights To And From Madrid Airport

Flights both to and from Madrid Airport are split into three categories and handled at different terminals: Schengen countries, non-Schengen counties, and other countries.

Schengen countries

These are 26 countries that have signed what’s known as the Schengen Agreement, through which they abolished border controls and made it easier for citizens of member countries to move between the various nations. The current Schengen country members are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Non-Schengen countries

These are flights to and from countries that are members of the European Union but that have not signed the Schengen Agreement and so do not enjoy the same freedom of movement. They are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom.

Other countries

These are flights that are to and from countries that are not members of the European Union and that did not sign the Schengen Agreement, covering most of the rest of the world.

Important Information About Madrid Airport’s Terminals

Each of the five terminals at Madrid Airport serve different airlines departing and arriving to Spain’s capital city, and the buildings all have various amenities for passengers. Be sure to check which airline you are traveling with so that you know which terminal you’ll be using.

Terminals 1, 2 and 3

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are all located within the same large building, but Terminals 4 and 4S are located in their own buildings further away. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to get between that terminals with free airport transportation that is explained in further detail below.

Terminal 1 primarily serves international flights, including to the Middle East and Asia.

Terminal 2 primarily serves Schengen country flights and journeys around Europe.

Terminal 3 primarily serves the same airlines as Terminal 2

The full list of airlines using Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is: Aegean Airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Arabia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Transat, Alitalia, Almasria Universal Airlines, Blue Air, Brussels Airlines, China Eastern, Cubana Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Easyjet, Egyptair, Enter Air, Estelar Aerolíneas, Ethiopian Airlines, Fly Egypt, Hainan Airlines, IranAir, Israir Airlines, KLM, Korean AIr, Laudamotion, LOT-Polskie Linie Lotnicze, Lufthansa, Middle East Airlines, Nesma Airlines, Nile Air, Norwegian Air, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, Saudia, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd, TAP Air Portugal, Tarom, Transavia.com, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Voltotea, Wamos Air and Wizz Air.

Terminal 4

This is the newest terminal at Madrid Airport and it was opened to the public in 2006. It is divided into two main buildings: Terminal 4 and Terminal 4S, which is a nearby satellite building to Terminal 4. Both of the terminals serve a number of international and domestic flights

The full list of airlines using Terminals 4 and 4S is: Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Algerie, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Air Nostrum, American Airlines, Avianca, Boliviana de Aviación, British Airways, Bulgaria Air, Cathay Pacific, Ceiba Intercontinental, Czech Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Evelop, Finnair, Iberia Express, Iberia, LATAM Airlines, Luxair, Plus Ultra, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines and Vueling Airlines.

Transportation Between Terminals

If you are flying in and out of Terminals 1, 2 or 3 then you will find them all in the same building and you can connect between the various terminals by foot in a short amount of time.

For those passengers flying out of Terminal 4 or Terminal 42 there is a free automated train that operates between the two buildings with a journey time of about three minutes. All you need to get on the train is your boarding ticket for your flight, and the ride is free.

There’s also a free shuttle bus available on the airport grounds that stops at all five terminals, so no matter which terminal you need for your flight you will be able to get there. The shuttle bus operates 24 hours a day and buses typically run between every 15 to 40 minutes. Buses run more frequently during the airport’s peak hours and less frequently overnight.

If you have driven to Madrid Airport and want to park your car, free bus services are also available that connect both the low-cost and long-term car parks to the airport terminals.

Services Available At Madrid Airport Terminals

All five of Madrid Airport’s terminals offer important services for passengers that you’d expect from such a major transportation hub. These include:

• ATMs
• Baby care (including strollers)
• Chargers for mobile devices
• Currency exchange
• Food and drink
• Free internet (Wi-Fi)
• Luggage storage and wrapping
• Pharmacy
• Religious services (including a chapel and mosque)
• Shopping