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 five terminals: T1, T2, T3, T4 and T4S. T1, T2 and T3 are located in the same building, while T4 and T4S are connected by train and shuttle bus. 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.
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. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Madrid-Barajas Airport Guide.
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. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Terminal 4S has a few rest areas. A reader tells us, “There are two nice rest areas past gate 17, overlooking the flight control tower. They have padded reclined chairs with lamps, to outlets and 2 USB ports and are surrounded with a low barrier from traffic in the terminal. Two islands containing 6 seats each give 12 travelers a comfortable place to hang out for a bit.” Another reader says there are “Great padded recliners and long padded bench with no armrest in T4S near gates S34 and S35.” (October 2019)
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.
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 those of you who are looking to sleep at Madrid Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you will have to pass through immigration/security to access Air Rooms, which offer rooms that can be booked on a short-term or overnight basis. Several nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.
- Air Rooms – There are 21 rooms located inside Terminal 4 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. » 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
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Sala VIP Cibeles – Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, Airside, non-Schengen flights, between Gates B26 and 29. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Sala Puerta de Alcala – Location: Terminal 2, Level 1, Airside, Schengen flights, near Gate D62. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Sala VIP Puerta Del Sol – Location: Terminal 3, Level 2, Airside, Schengen flights, near Gate E69. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Mayor – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, Level 1, Schengen flights. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Landside, Arrivals Hall, Level 0. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Neptuno Lounge – Location: Terminal 4S, Level 1, Airside, Non-Schengen area. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Iberia Dalí VIP Lounge – Location: T4. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM • Velázquez Premium Lounge – Location: T4. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM.
Related Pages: Madrid Barajas Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us there are water fountains next to the bathroom.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminals operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours:
- 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)
There are several vending machines located in all terminals on all floors. Machines offer hot and cold beverages and, at some locations, an assortment of sandwiches and snacks.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
If you want to relieve yourself from the burden of heavy baggage, luggage can be stored at the Excess Baggage Company stores at the following rates: €9 per bag/item for up to 2 hours • €15 per bag/item for up to 24 hours or per 24-hour period. Rates are higher for oversized luggage. Locations: T1, Arrivals, Level 0, near Parking Area 1. (Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • T2, Arrivals, Level 0, walkway to Metro Station. (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T4, Arrivals Hall, Level 0. (Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM).
Mobile Charging
The airport has work desks with outlets for charging your devices. Locations: T4, Boarding Areas • T4, Baggage Claim • T4Sm Boarding Areas. A reader reports that the Mahoudrid coffee shop (T1) also has plenty of power outlets.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Air Rooms, located on the landside area of Terminal 4, offers a 30-minute shower and VIP Lounge access starting at €45. Location: Terminal 4, Floor -1.
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
- Changing table, microwave, cot, play area (for kids up to 6 years old), comfortable seating, and more are available in the Breastfeeding Lounge. Locations: (Temporarily closed) T2, airside, Boarding Area D, Level 1 • T4, Airside, Boarding Area, Level 1.
- Strollers are available for use in the terminals, free of charge, in the boarding area of all terminals. Some luggage trolleys are retrofitted with infant carriers for babies up to 6 months.
Banking Services – La Caixa provides full banking services. Locations: T4, Level 2, Check-in area. • T2, Level 2, Departures. Hours for both locations: 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri) • 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM and 4:15 PM – 6:30 PM (Thurs, from 1 October to 30 April only).
Business Centre – A variety of different-sized business centres/meeting rooms are available at the airport. Locations: Terminal 1 • (5) Terminal 2 • (1) Terminal 4.
Children’s Play Areas – Almost 20 play areas are located throughout the terminals.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange offices throughout the terminals operate with varying schedules. These are open 24 hours: Global Exchange (T1, Boarding Area C • T4, Check-In • T4S, Boarding Area S21-S22).
Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available throughout all terminals, along with a wide variety of retail shops. The Market (T4, Arrivals, Landside, Level 0) may come in handy for snack and drink needs. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Fast Track Service – Fast Track services are available in T1, T2, and T4. Travellers who purchase a pass will be given priority service to ensure that wait times are minimal. Passes can be purchased online. Rates: €15.00.
Food & Drinks – see “Food & Drinks” above.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
Information Desks – There is no shortage of information points at the airport. Virtual hostesses can be found in every Terminal near check-in/boarding areas. In addition, Skycap Teams are available at 18 different locations throughout the Terminals, most of which are open 24 hours.
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 outside throughout the airport. Fee: unknown.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic by Excess Baggage Company. Rates start at €7.00. Locations: T1, Arrivals, Level 0, near Parking Area. (Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • T2, Arrivals, Level 0, walkway to Metro Station. (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T4, Arrivals Hall, Level 0. (Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM).
Medical Services
- Medical Service – Medical centres are available if you feel unwell or injure yourself. Locations: T2, Arrivals Hall, Level 0 (Hours: Unknown) • T4, Arrivals Hall, Level 0 (Hours: Open 24 hours) • T4S, Airside, Boarding Area M, Level 0 (Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM).
- Pharmacy – Pharmacies can be found in five locations: T1, Landside, Arrivals, Level 0 (Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • T2, Landside, Departures, Level 2 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM) • T4, Departures, Boarding Area J, Floor 1 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM) • T4, Landside, Departures, Level 2 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • T4S, Departures, Boarding Area S, Level 1 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM).
Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailboxes available landside in T1, T2 and T4. A post office is also available. Location: Unknown.
Prayer Spaces – Barajas airport has a few spaces for religious services and prayer, which are open daily between the hours of 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM:
- Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Chapel – Location: T1, Landside, Level 2.
- Nuestra Señora de Loreto Chapel – Location: T2, Landside, Level 1.
- Chapel of Santiago – Location: T4, Level 1.
- Mosque – Location: T1, landside, 2nd Floor • T4, landside, Departures, 2nd Floor.
- Oratory – Location: T1, landside, 2nd Floor • T4, landside, Departures, 2nd Floor.
Printing / Fax – Need to send an outgoing fax or print important documents? The post office can assist. Rates: unknown. [ See Postal Services below ].
Rest Zones – see “Rest & Relaxation Zones” above.
Showers – see “Showers” above.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at the Betelphone store. Location: T1, Arrivals Area, Landside, Level 0. Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.
Work Areas – If you are looking for a quiet area to get your work done, the airport offers passengers work areas, which are desks equipped with charging points for all your devices. Locations: Terminal 4, Boarding Area & Baggage Claims • Terminal 4S, Boarding Area.
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.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
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.