Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Madrid-Barajas Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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Madrid Barajas best place to sleep is in the departure area, upstairs, about 20 people here right now between checkin point nr.153 and 130. No seats but with a coat on the floor and the backpack as a pillow is quite confi! And best thing, Free WiFi :)-Мичаи on Facebook
MAD Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Madrid-Barajas Airport.
What to Expect
Madrid-Barajas Airport (Code: MAD) is one of Europe’s largest and busiest airports. It has four terminals plus a satellite: T1, T2, T3, T4 and T4S. T1, T2 and T3 are located in the same complex interconnected by walkways. T4 and T4S are connected by an underground people mover and shuttle buses. T4 is the newest and most modern of the bunch, and T4S is its satellite terminal. The airport has a decent range of restaurants and shops, with 24-hour options in T1, T2, T4 and T4S, and vending machines throughout. Travellers also have access to free, unlimited WiFi. Otherwise, amenities here are pretty run-of-the-mill. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges, some of which have showers that economy-class passengers can pay to access.
Sleeping in Madrid Airport
Madrid-Barajas Airport offers a bare-bones sleeping experience for those who qualify. Around 11:00 PM, security will begin checking paperwork, evicting those without valid boarding tickets. Assuming you qualify to sleep overnight, it’s best to come here prepared. Keep your eyes peeled for the few benches that are armrest-free. Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 4S are comparable, but Terminal 1 services low-cost carriers, so expect far fewer seats. The airport layout is simple and straightforward, but private corners and nooks few and far between. In case you need to spread out on the floor, bring an extra layer because the ground is mostly cold, unforgiving tile.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- T1 – Mahoudrid cafe is probably your best bet for some comfort.
- T3, airside, Gate E82 – may have some armrest-free benches.
- T4 – McDonald’s has soft seating.
- T4, airside – head to the top floor. Behind the Iberia lounge is a small, private corner on the floor.
- T4, airside – K boarding area has some sofas, and the children’s play area offers a softer floor surface.
- T4S, airside, Gate 17 – a few comfortable rest areas with padded reclining chairs each, fitted with lamps, power outlets, and USB ports
- T2, T3 and T4 have a sprinkling of armrest-free wooden benches.
The lights are also left on overnight, so an eye mask is a must. Keep your valuables close to you at all times as thefts have occured.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep rooms available in Terminal 4 with showers and hotels nearby connected by shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Madrid-Barajas Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Madrid–Barajas Airport is open 24 hours, both landside and airside. Security checkpoint availability depends on flight schedules and may vary by terminal and time of day.
What this means for airport sleepers:
You can stay in the airport overnight, but access is not the same for everyone. If you arrive late at night on the landside, you generally won’t be able to pass through security until check-in opens for your flight and your bags are accepted. Be prepared to spend the night landside, where seating may be limited and conditions are less sleep-friendly. If you already have airside access, options are usually better, but areas may still be consolidated overnight. Always have a backup plan in case your preferred spot isn’t available.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
A reader reports that the dedicated rest areas in Terminal 4 (airside, near Gates J50–J51) were removed as of September 2025. No official replacement rest zones have been confirmed.
Travellers have also reported using informal seating areas, including:
- Terminal 1, airside near Gate B26 (padded seating)
- Terminal 2, landside near Arrivals (standard benches)
Availability and comfort vary, and these areas are not designed for overnight rest. If you spot any designated rest areas, click here to update the guide.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
Madrid Airport Hotels & Day Rooms
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for airport sleepers at Madrid Airport. There are sleep capsules on the airside (T4S) and Air Rooms, in the public zone. Several nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.
- Air Rooms Aerotel – There are 22 rooms located inside T4 on Floor 1, Landside. Rooms can be booked for day use (three or six hours) between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM or overnight. Showers are available. A shower kit consisting of a towel, gel and slippers is provided. Rates: €45/$48 USD/3 hours, €100/$107 USD/overnight. » Check Rates
- GettSleep Sleeping Pods – There are 32 soundproof sleep capsules located in Terminal 4S, Floor 1, Airside. Cabin options are: Single Capsule, Double Capsule, and Superior Suite Capsule. Each capsule comes equipped with a bed and WiFi. Facilities include showers and a co-working area. Cabins can be booked for 3-6 hours or 6-12 hours. Rates from: €45 for 3 hours or €97 for 8 hours. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Madrid Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Whether you’re looking to relax, work, or refresh before your flight, Madrid Barajas Airport offers a variety of lounges to enhance your travel experience. From premium airline lounges to accessible public lounges, there are options for every traveller. Access is available through multiple methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible airline passengers and frequent flyers.
Iberia Velázquez Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 4S, Airside, 2nd Floor, Non-Schengen boarding area. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Business or First Class tickets on Iberia or oneworld airlines • oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status (regardless of cabin class) • Iberia Plus Platinum, Gold • Singular passengers on Iberia Group or oneworld flights • LATAM Premium passengers.
Iberia Arrivals Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Landside, Arrivals Hall, Level -1 near the Metro / Premium Air Rooms area. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (day-use rooms via Premium Air Rooms). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
Neptuno Lounge – Location: Terminal 4S, Airside, 2nd Floor, Non-Schengen boarding area. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €49.76) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Business or First Class tickets on non-Schengen flights (e.g., Emirates, Etihad, El Al) • Select airline loyalty programs.
Plaza Mayor Lounge (La Revoltosa) – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, 1st Floor, next to the AENA Exhibition Room, Schengen boarding area. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €33.90) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Business or First Class tickets on Schengen flights.
Retiro Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, boarding area. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €46.60 per adult) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Drinking Water
Free water fountains and refill points are available airside. On the landside, free refill points are limited; most travellers rely on purchased bottled water, typically priced around €2.
Food & Drinks
Food options operate on reduced overnight schedules, and 24-hour availability can change without notice. At the time of writing, these are the 24-hour options:
- Terminal 1 – Dehesa Santa María (Arrivals, Landside, Level 0) (Temporarily closed) • La Place (Departure Area, Boarding B, Level 1).
- Terminal 2 – Espression Lavazza (Departures, landside, Level 2) • Rodilla (Departure Area, Boarding Area D, Level 1).
- Terminal 4 – Eating Point (Departures, Airside, Level 1, Boarding Area J) • Mahoudrid (Arrivals, Landside, Level 0) • McDonald’s (Departures, Landside, Level 2 and Departures, Airside, Level 1, Boarding Area J).
- Terminal 4S – Barril Express Airport (Airside, Level 1, Departures, Boarding Area S)
Vending machines with hot and cold drinks and packaged snacks are available throughout all terminals and floors and are often the most reliable overnight option.
[ read more ]Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is available through Excess Baggage Company counters.
Rates start at approximately €9 (up to 2 hours) or €15 per 24 hours, with higher fees for oversized items. (subject to change)
Locations include:
- T1 Arrivals, Level 0 (near Parking Area 1)
- T2 Arrivals, Level 0 (Metro walkway)
- T4 Arrivals Hall, Level 0
Hours vary by terminal; overnight access is limited.
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations are available airside, though they can be busy during peak periods. Some cafés also offer outlets, but access may depend on seating availability and staff discretion. One reader reported that the Mahoudrid coffee shop (T1) also has plenty of power outlets.
Bring a European plug adapter and a portable power bank if possible.
Showers
Showers are available at Air Rooms (Terminal 4, Landside) and several lounges.
WiFi/Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Madrid-Barajas Airport. Connect to the “AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA” network.
Security & Safety
Airport staff seem to tolerate airport sleepers. Overnight travellers should expect checks or wake-ups around 11:00 PM-midnight, as security guards confirm IDs and tickets. Anyone without a ticket won’t be able to stay in the airport. There may be processes regarding where overnight travellers can spend the night, varying in each terminal.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Madrid Barajas Airport. However, thefts have occurred. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Baby Care Facilities –
- Family-friendly facilities include a breastfeeding lounge with changing tables, seating, and basic amenities.
- Strollers are available free of charge in boarding areas, and some luggage trolleys are fitted with infant carriers for young babies.
Banking Services – Full banking services are available through La Caixa at select terminals. Hours are limited and vary by day.
Business Centre – Meeting rooms and business centres are available in multiple terminals for travellers needing workspace or meeting facilities.
Children’s Play Areas – There are almost 20 Children’s play areas located throughout the terminals.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange counters operate throughout the airport, with limited locations open 24 hours. Availability varies by terminal.
Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free stores and a wide range of retail shops are available across all terminals. A small market in Terminal 4 can be useful for snacks and drinks during daytime hours. [ read more ]
Fast Track Service – Fast Track security access is available in select terminals for a fee. Passes can be purchased online and may help reduce wait times during busy periods.
Food & Drinks – see “Food & Drinks” above.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
Information Desks – Information points are available throughout the airport, including staffed desks and virtual assistance screens near check-in and boarding areas. Support teams are present in many terminals, including overnight.
Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your bags? Luggage carts are available throughout the terminals; fees may apply.
- Luggage Wrapping – Bag wrapping services are available in arrivals areas to help protect luggage.
Medical Services
- Medical Service – Medical centres are available in multiple terminals, including limited 24-hour coverage.
- Pharmacy – Pharmacies are located throughout the airport, with extended daily hours depending on terminal.
Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.
Postal Services – Mailboxes are available landside in several terminals for posting letters and postcards. A post office is also available; hours and exact location vary.
Prayer Spaces – Madrid-Barajas offers several spaces for prayer and reflection, including chapels, a mosque, and multi-faith oratories. These are generally open daily during daytime and evening hours.
Printing / Fax – Basic printing and fax services are available through the airport’s postal services. Availability and pricing vary.
Rest Zones – see “Rest & Relaxation Zones” above.
Showers – see “Showers” above.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at a telecom shop in the arrivals area of Terminal 1. Hours are limited.
WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.
Work Areas – Designated work areas with desks and power outlets are available in Terminal 4 and Terminal 4S.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Madrid Barajas Airport
Terminal 1: Aeroflot • Aerolíneas Argentinas • Aeroméxico • Air Arabia • Air Cairo • Air Canada • Air China • Air Europa • Air Horizont • Air Malta • Air Serbia • Alba Star • AMC Aviation • Beijing Capital Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • Cubana De Aviacion • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • Egyptair • Enter Air • Estelar Latinoamerica • Ethiopian Airlines • Fly Egypt • Fly Play • Hainan Airlines • IberoJet • Korean Air • Kuwait Airways • Middle East Airlines • Nesma Airlines • Pegasus Airlines • Privilege Style • Ryanair • Saudia • TAROM • TunisAir • Turkish Airlines • United • Wizz Air.
Terminal 2: Aegean Airlines • Air Europa • Air France • Brussels Airlines • Ita Airways • KLM • LOT • Lufthansa • Privilege Style • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Transavia • Volotea.
Terminal 4: Aer Lingus • Air Baltic • Air Nostrum • American Airlines • Avianca • Boliviana de Aviación • British Airways • Bulgaria Air • Cathay Pacific • Czech Airlines • El-Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Etihad • Finnair • Iberia • LATAM • Luxair • Plus Ultra • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian Airlines • TAAG • Taca International Airlines • Vueling Airlines • Word2fly.
Buses
Several bus lines run from MAD airport to central Madrid, nearby locations and the rest of Spain. The estimated travel time to Atocha-Renfe is 40 minutes. Bus options include intercity buses, city buses, and long-distance coaches.
Car Rentals
The following car rental companies are available at Barajas Airport: Avis/Budget • Europcar/Interrent • Hertz/Firefly • Enterprise • Goldcar/InterRent • Record Go • Sixt. Locations: Car Rental counters are in Terminal 1 (Floor 0) and Terminal 4 (Floor -1).
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Axor Barajas Hotel • Axor Feria Hotel • Hilton Madrid Airport • Hotel Nuevo Boston • Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Center • Maydrit Hotel • Melia Barajas • NH Barajas • TRYP Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto Hotel.
You should contact each hotel directly for shuttle details, hours and rates (if applicable).
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Connections
Do you need to transfer terminals or get to your car at the parking lot? The airport has a variety of options for you. Shuttle buses and the Automatic People Mover train will get you where you need to go. For schedule information, visit the Madrid Barajas Airport website.
Ride Apps
Uber is authorised to pick up passengers from MAD. The pick-up locations are T1, Car Park 1 • T1, Car Park 4, Level 4 • T2, and Car Park 2. A ride to Madrid City Centre will cost you approximately €23.
Trains
From Terminal T4, Line C1 of Renfe Cercanias connects travellers directly from the airport to key locations throughout Madrid. Travel time from the airport to Chamartin is approximately 15 minutes. You can purchase tickets at the ticket counter or machines at the train stations.
Taxis
Taxis can be found outside the arrivals area of all terminals. It is advised to only take rides in official taxis, which are white with a red stripe and the coat-of-arms of Madrid City Council on the doors.
Underground
The underground Metro Line 8 runs from T1, T2, T3, and T4 to the Nuevos Ministerios station in central Madrid. Travel time to the city centre should take approximately 22 minutes. The metro runs from 6:05 AM – 2:00 AM.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Madrid Barajas Airport
Last updated: 2025-11-28
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.