Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
Madrid, ES 🇪🇸 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
LEMD
IATA
MAD
Elevation
1998 ft
Region
ES-MD
Local Time
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GPS Code: LEMD
Local Code: Not available
Location: 40.471926° N, -3.56264° E
Continent: Europe
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Leganés Madrid Barajas International Airport
About Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
Updated: Jan 1, 2026Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the primary international gateway to Spain and a major European hub, serving as a key connecting point between Europe and Latin America. First opened in 1931, the airport was officially renamed in 2014 to honor Spain's first democratically elected prime minister. A significant milestone in its history was the 2006 opening of the architecturally distinct Terminal 4 and its satellite building, T4S, which greatly expanded its capacity. Located approximately 12 kilometers (8 miles) northeast of Madrid’s city center, the airport is well-connected. Travelers can reach the city via the Metro (Line 8), RENFE Cercanías commuter train (Lines C1 and C10), the 24-hour Airport Express bus, taxis which operate on a flat-rate system to the city center, and ride-sharing services.
As Spain's busiest airport, it handles a high volume of traffic, serving over 60 million passengers in 2023. It is the main base for Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier, and Air Europa, facilitating a dense network of domestic, European, and intercontinental flights. The airport is comprised of four passenger terminals: T1, T2, and T3 are located in one complex, while the newer T4 and its satellite T4S are situated separately. A free, 24-hour shuttle bus connects all terminals. Facilities for travelers are extensive across all terminals, including a wide array of duty-free shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Multiple VIP lounges, free Wi-Fi, pharmacies, and currency exchange services are also available.
For a smooth travel experience, passengers should verify their departure terminal in advance, as T1/T2/T3 and T4 are in different locations. Those flying from Terminal 4 should be aware of its large size; ample time is required for walking to gates. Flights departing from T4S require a short journey on an automated, driverless train from the main T4 building, adding to the total transit time. It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic or Schengen-area flight and three hours before other international departures to allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and reaching the gate.
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler reviews for Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (LEMD (MAD)) indicate a mixed but generally satisfactory experience. While the airport is recognized as a 4-Star facility and a significant international hub, common pain points remain, particularly concerning clarity of navigation and efficiency during peak times. Overall sentiment suggests appreciation for its modern aspects and connectivity, offset by frustration with certain operational challenges.
What Travelers Love
- Modern Infrastructure: Newer terminals like T4 and T4S are praised for their appealing, contemporary architecture and spacious design.
- Connectivity Hub: The airport is an excellent transit hub, especially for Latin American destinations, offering a wide range of international flights.
- Public Transportation: Madrid–Barajas boasts convenient and efficient public transport links to the city center, notably the Metro Line 8, which reaches the center in about 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available.
- Shopping and Dining Options: The airport provides a good selection of shops and food & beverage options, contributing to a good overall convenience for travelers.
- Dedicated Cleaning Staff: Several reviews commend the cleaning staff for maintaining reasonable cleanliness in many areas of the airport.
Common Complaints
- Confusing Signage and Wayfinding: Many travelers report weak, confusing, and contradictory signage, making it easy to get lost, especially when navigating between terminals or finding specific gates/exits. The sheer size of the airport exacerbates this issue.
- Inadequate Seating and Charging Facilities: There is a frequent complaint about the woeful inadequacy of seating at departure gates, forcing many to sit on the floor. Furthermore, a significant number of USB terminals and power outlets are reported as non-functional or poorly placed.
- Security and Immigration Wait Times: Experiences are inconsistent; while some find security quick, others describe long and chaotic lines for both security and passport control. Staff shortages at passport control in July 2025 led to wait times of up to an hour and missed flights. A security strike in September 2025 also caused waits up to 95 minutes. Current reported security wait times can vary significantly.
- Staff Language Barrier and Helpfulness: Some passengers report encountering unhelpful staff who do not speak English, particularly at security and information desks, which is frustrating in an international airport.
- Baggage Claim Delays: Several travelers experienced excessive wait times for baggage retrieval, with some reporting waits of 1.5 hours.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport offers strong connections and modern facilities in its newer sections, but travelers should prepare for potential challenges with navigation, especially due to its large size. It is advisable to arrive with ample time for security and immigration, particularly during peak travel periods, and be aware that amenities like seating and charging points might be limited or non-functional in some areas.
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Airport Routes
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) offers 480 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Iberia, Ryanair, Air Nostrum and others. Popular destinations from Madrid include Leonardo da Vinci Int'l (Fiumicino Int'l), General Humberto Delgado Airport, Palma de Mallorca (or Son Sant Joan), Gran Canaria Int'l and El Dorado Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Leonardo da Vinci Int'l (Fiumicino Int'l) (FCO) 9
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) 8
- Palma de Mallorca (or Son Sant Joan) (PMI) 8
- Gran Canaria Int'l (LPA) 8
- El Dorado Int'l (BOG) 7
- Porto / Oporto (OPO) 7
- Marco Polo Int'l (Marco Polo Venice) (VCE) 7
- Jose Marti Int'l (HAV) 7
- Zurich (Kloten) (ZRH) 7
- Malpensa Int'l (MXP) 7
- Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) (TFN) 7
- Munich Int'l (MUC) 6
Newly Discovered
- Alicante (ALC) new
- Frankfurt Int'l (FRA) new
- Malaga (AGP) new
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) new
- Marco Polo Int'l (Marco Polo Venice) (VCE) new
- Gran Canaria Int'l (LPA) new
- Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) (TFN) new
- Ibiza (IBZ) new
- Bilbao (BIO) new
- Barcelona Int'l (BCN) new
- La Coruna (LCG) new
- Vigo-Peinador (VGO) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Iberia
IBE
/ IB
|
79 | 650 | 79 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Ryanair
RYR
/ FR
|
59 | 544 | 59 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Air Nostrum
ANE
/ YW
|
52 | 430 | 52 | Feb 2, 2026 |
|
Air Europa
AEA
/ UX
|
47 | 307 | 47 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
Swiftair
SWT
/ WT
|
4 | 226 | 4 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
Iberia Express
IBS
/ I2
|
20 | 209 | 20 | Feb 5, 2026 |
|
Air Europa Express
OVA
/ X5
|
19 | 139 | 19 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Lufthansa
DLH
/ LH
|
2 | 76 | 2 | Feb 5, 2026 |
Air France
AFR
/ AF
|
1 | 70 | 1 | Feb 5, 2026 |
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM
/ KL
|
1 | 63 | 1 | Feb 5, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
14L/32R |
11483 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
14R/32L |
13084 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
18L/36R |
11483 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
18R/36L |
13711 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | MADRID APP | 127.5 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 118.25 MHz |
| ATIS DEP | ATIS Departure | 130.85 MHz |
| CLD | Delivery East | 130.075 MHz |
| CLD | Delivery West | 130.35 MHz |
| EMR | FIRE | 122.975 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.85 MHz |
| TWR | TWR 36L | 118.07 MHz |
| TWR | TWR 14R | 118.15 MHz |
| TWR | TWR 36R | 118.67 MHz |
| TWR | TWR 14L | 118.975 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official city taxis are available 24/7 from the taxi ranks outside the arrivals areas of all terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4). They are white with a red stripe on the door. A flat rate of €33 applies for trips to or from the city center (any destination inside the M-30 ring road). Ride-sharing services like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are also available and have designated pickup areas.
Rental Cars
Major car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt, have desks in the arrivals halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 4. It is advisable to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak seasons. After completing the paperwork at the desk, you can collect your car from the nearby parking facilities.
Public Transportation
The airport has excellent public transport links.
- Metro: Line 8 (pink line) connects all terminals to the Nuevos Ministerios station in the city center in about 15-20 minutes. An airport supplement fee is required in addition to a standard ticket.
- Bus: The 24/7 'Exprés Aeropuerto' (Airport Express Bus) provides a direct service between the airport (T1, T2, T4) and Atocha train station (daytime) and Plaza de Cibeles (nighttime) for a flat fee of €5. Regular city buses (like Line 200 to Avenida de América) also serve the airport.
- Train (Renfe Cercanías): Lines C-1 and C-10 connect Terminal 4 to key city train stations, including Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, and Atocha.