Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Information

Spain's largest airport currently handles more than 34 million passengers per year, and is undergoing an expansion in order to accommodate an estimated 50 million passengers per annum by the year 2010. Madrid-Barajas Airport is located about 13 kilometres northeast of Madrid. There are three terminals: Terminal 1, the largest, handles most international arrivals and departures; Terminal 2 is for domestic flights as well as service to major destinations in central and southern Europe; Terminal 3 is primarily for regional shuttle services. Moving walkways and a free transfer bus connect the terminals. Be sure to check out our 24hr guides to Barcelona, Ibiza and Madrid.

Airport parking at Madrid

Nearly 9,000 long- and short-term spaces are available in five public parking areas. An outdoor car park located in front of Terminal 1 holds 2,392 vehicles. A 4,600-space, seven-storey indoor car park is connected to the terminals by corridors. Parking is free for less than 30 minutes, then €1.40 per hour or part thereof up to a 24-hour rate of €12.15. Long-term parking (1,655 spaces) is €9 per day, €4 per day after the first week. A free shuttle operates between the long-stay car park and all three terminals. An express car park near Terminal 2, consisting of 39 spaces, charges rates of €1.20 for 30 minutes, €3 for one hour and €8.40 for two hours. A 162-space VIP car park costs €50 for the first day and about €10 per day thereafter.

Getting to and from Madrid

Driving time to central Madrid and the M-30 motorway is about 25 to 30 minutes by way of the A-2 or N-11 Madrid-Barcelona roadways. The Madrid Metro line connects the airport (Terminal 2) with the Nuevos Ministerios station in the city's financial district, a 12-minute journey. Trains run from approximately 6:00 until 2:00; a one-way ticket is €1.15. Buses to Canillejas or Avenida de Am�©rica run about every 15 minutes, leaving from all terminals (€1 one-way). Official taxi stands are located outside each terminal's arrivals area. The 20- to 30-minute trip to central Madrid costs about €22. Passengers are advised not to accept any offers of taxis from anyone inside the terminal buildings.

Amenities at Madrid Airport

The airport has several ATMs and currency exchange booths, as well as three banks, including one open 24 hours on the upper level of Terminal 1. There is a post office in Terminal 1 as well, on the lower (arrivals) floor. A vast array of shopping and dining establishments can be found at the airport: more than 100 shops (including duty-free), and some 30 restaurants, caf�©s and bars. Other facilities include two pharmacies, a nursery and a medical centre in Terminal 1. For business travellers, seven fully equipped meeting rooms are available, with the main conference and business centre located in Terminal 2 (telephone +34 (0) 913 936 797, or +34 (0) 913 936 808).

Twenty-two information counters are situated throughout the terminals. Additionally, tourist information booths can be found in Terminals 1 and 2.