An Overview of Madrid Airport Terminals
Madrid Airport comprises five terminals divided into two areas:
- Terminals T1, T2, and T3: Located close together and primarily serving airlines in the SkyTeam and Star Alliance networks, as well as low-cost carriers.
- Terminal T4 and T4S (Satellite): A modern marvel of glass and natural light, home to Iberia, British Airways, and other Oneworld alliance members.
T1, T2, and T3 are approximately 5 kilometers south of T4 and T4S, connected by an efficient airport shuttle service.
Highlights of T4 and T4S
Opened in 2006, Terminal 4 and its satellite building (T4S) are celebrated for their innovative design, winning the Stirling Prize for architecture. The use of natural light and spacious interiors makes traveling through T4 an enjoyable experience.
- Airlines: Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, Emirates, and other Oneworld partners.
- Transport:
- A driverless underground train connects T4 to T4S in just 3 minutes.
- T4 is the central hub for check-ins, luggage collection, and onward transport options such as the Metro, buses, taxis, and car hire.
- Pro Tip: Even if your flight departs or arrives at T4S, all passenger processes, including check-in and luggage retrieval, are handled at T4.
Features of T1, T2, and T3
T1, T2, and T3 cater to a mix of full-service and budget airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, Delta, easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
- Connectivity: The three terminals are interconnected and walkable. However, the airport shuttle also stops at each.
- Check-In: Available at T1 and T2 only.
- Metro Access: The Metro station is conveniently located outside T2.
- Car Hire: Desks are situated in T1.
- Pro Tip: Plan extra time to navigate these terminals, especially during peak hours.
How to Identify Your Madrid Airport Terminal
To determine your terminal:
- Refer to the official Madrid Airport website by AENA for an up-to-date list of airlines and their respective terminals.
Traveling Between Terminals
The airport shuttle bus operates 24/7, making it easy to move between terminals. The service runs two routes:
- From T1 to T4 (via T2 and T3)
- From T4 to T1 (via T3 and T2)
Shuttle Bus Stops:
- From T1 to T4:
- T1: Floor 1 (Departures)
- T2: Floor 2 (Departures)
- T4: Floor 2 (Departures)
- From T4 to T1:
- T4: Ground Floor (Arrivals)
- T3: Ground Floor (Arrivals)
- T2: Ground Floor (Arrivals)
- T1: South Dock and Low-Cost Car Park, and Floor 1 (Departures)
For flight connections between terminals, a dedicated bus operates directly between departure lounges.
Madrid Airport Car Hire
Car hire desks are located in T1, and AENA provides a downloadable map detailing car hire pickup and return locations, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.
Exploring Madrid Airport and Beyond
Madrid Airport is your gateway to Spain’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the world-renowned museums and authentic cuisine of Madrid to nearby historic towns like Toledo, Segovia, and Aranjuez, there’s much to discover within an hour’s drive.
Madrid Airport combines functionality with cutting-edge design to deliver a superior travel experience. Whether you’re arriving for a city break or a broader exploration of Spain, this guide ensures a smooth journey through one of Europe’s premier aviation hubs.