Madrid Airport Terminals

How Many Terminals Does Madrid Airport Have?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is divided into four passenger terminals, grouped into two main terminal complexes. Terminals T1, T2, and T3 are located close to each other and can be reached on foot, while Terminal 4 (T4) lies at a greater distance and is connected via free airport transport. In addition, a separate terminal exclusively handles cargo flights.

MAD Airport Terminal 1 (T1)

Terminal 1 mainly serves international and non-Schengen flights. It features six boarding areas and hosts several major airlines.

Departures and check-in counters are located on Level 1, while Arrivals and baggage claim are situated on the ground floor. Although T1 is relatively limited in seating and amenities compared to newer terminals, it provides all essential services. Terminals T2 and T3 are easily accessible on foot.

MAD Airport Terminal 2 (T2)

Terminal 2 primarily handles flights within the Schengen Area. Some domestic and intercontinental routes also operate from this terminal, but most flights are European.

T2 is the oldest terminal at Madrid Airport and is spread across three levels:

Ground floor: Arrivals and baggage claim
Level 1: Check-in counters
Level 2: Departures

Terminal 2 is directly connected to Terminal 3, allowing passengers to move between the two terminals easily.

MAD Airport Terminal 3 (T3)

Terminal 3 mainly serves domestic flights. It was originally built as part of the North Dock (Dique Norte) and now functions as an auxiliary terminal to T2, helping reduce congestion during peak hours.

Arrivals and baggage claim areas are located on the ground floor, which also serves as a connection point between T2 and T3. The first floor hosts departures and check-in counters, while boarding gates E81 and E82 are located on the second floor.

Our Tip: The check-in area at Terminal 3 is currently reported as not operational.

MAD Airport Terminal 4 (T4) and Satellite Terminal (T4S)

Terminal 4 is the newest and most modern terminal at Madrid Airport and serves as the main hub for Iberia and its partners. It consists of T4 and its satellite terminal T4S.

The two terminals are connected by a free automated underground train (APM), which runs every 5 minutes and takes approximately 3 minutes per journey.

Terminal 4 is a five-level building:

Underground levels: Airport train station (Aeropuerto T4), car rental services, and APM access
Level 0: Arrivals
Level 1: Boarding gates and duty-free area
Level 2: Check-in counters (including the Madrid–Barcelona air bridge “Puente Aéreo”)

Terminal 4S exclusively handles non-Schengen and long-haul flights. Arrivals are located on the ground floor, while departures, shopping, and dining areas are found on the first level. Some security checkpoints are situated on the second floor.

Transfers Between Terminals

Terminals T1, T2, and T3 are within walking distance of each other. However, Terminal 4 is not walkable from the other terminals.

A free airport shuttle bus connects all terminals 24/7, departing from:

Level 1 of Terminal 1
Level 2 of Terminal 2
Level 2 of Terminal 4

The shuttle runs every 5 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00 and every 20 minutes from 22:00 to 06:00.

FAQ

How many terminals does Madrid have?

Madrid Airport has four terminal buildings. The three of them (T1, T2, and T3) are located almost next to each other. However, T4 is 6km away from the three terminal buildings. What’s more, it is divided into two sections, T4 and T4S, with T4S being a satellite terminal.

How long does it take to get from terminal 1 to terminal 4 at Madrid Airport?

The free shuttle bus leaves from level 1 of T1 and heads to T4, stopping at the terminal’s level 2. The bus needs about 10 minutes to traverse the between-the-terminals distance.

How do I get from terminal 4 to 4S in Madrid?

Transfers from T4 to Satellite T4S are handled by the automatic train, APM. The underground train, operating without a driver, leaves the T4 Train Station every 5 minutes and gets to T4S in about 3 minutes. The APM train is free of charge.