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When you arrive in Madrid, you will almost certainly come through Barajas Airport.  The majority of flights go through either terminals 1 or 4 and each one has it’s ups and downs.

One of the best things about the airport is that it is so near to town, around just 15mins on the metro. There is a special ticket which costs just 2euros each way (or a 1eur supplement to an existing metro ticket) and is clearly signposted, especially from Nuevos Ministerios where the line starts. Taxi’s cost from around 25euros  to/from terminals 1, 2, 3, and from 30euros to/from terminal 4. There are also buses from 1euro from Avenida de America which are meant to be efficient as long as it isn’t rush hour.

Terminal 4 is fairly new and has excellent facilities. It is where many of the bigger airline fly from but is also a bit of a pain to fly from there as it is a little further out than the other terminals and enourmous to get around. I almost missed a flight as the gate was so far away – the furthest one from the terminal is 25mins so make sure you leave enough time! The good news is that there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied if you do get there early. Arriving in terminal 4 can also take some time as it takes longer for bags to come through.

The metro has one stop for terminals 1,2 and 3 and they are basic but functional. Terminal 3 is the nearest to the metro, with terminal 1 the furthest and a good 6-8minute walk. These terminals don’t have the same number of shops and facilities as terminal 4 but they are usually quick to get through.  Terminal 3 is a bit of a mystery as only one airline (Lagun Air seems to use it)

Everything you need to know is available on: www.madrid-mad.com

To track a specific flight go to: www.flightview.com/traveltools

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