Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is organized into two terminal complexes: T1–T2–T3 on the southern side and the newer T4/T4S on the north. T1 handles most non-Schengen and low-cost carriers, T2 is home to many intra-Schengen operators, and T3 is a small extension primarily serving check-in space. Iberia and oneworld carriers operate out of T4 (main building) and T4S (satellite) connected by an automated underground train. Moving between T1–T2–T3 takes about 5–10 minutes on foot, while a free green-labeled shuttle links the T1–T2–T3 zone to T4 in roughly 12–15 minutes depending on traffic. Within T4, walk times from check-in to the far gates (K/J) average 10–15 minutes thanks to long moving walkways, but reaching the satellite T4S for non-Schengen departures requires a 3-minute APM ride plus another 5–8 minutes to the furthest S gates. Signage is bilingual (Spanish/English) and color-coded by gate letter, and minimum connection times reflect the need to clear security and Schengen border checks when switching travel zones. Security checkpoints sit upstairs from the main T1 and T2 check-in halls and at three entry points in T4 before the boarding piers. Morning bank departures (07:00–09:30) and evening waves (18:00–20:30) can create 20–30 minute waits, though TSA PreCheck equivalents do not exist; fast-track lanes are available for eligible premium customers and EU Fast Track vouchers. Immigration for non-Schengen arrivals is handled in T1 and T4S with e-gates for EU/EEA/Swiss passports; typical processing runs 10–25 minutes, while manual counters can stretch longer on holiday weekends. Customs screening uses a Red/Green channel after baggage reclaim, with random inspections common on flights from the Americas. Amenities are spread across every concourse: T4/T4S offers the widest selection of Spanish tapas bars, Iberico ham shops, and fashion boutiques, while T1–T2–T3 hosts international chains and duty-free stores at each pier entrance. Lounges include Iberia’s Velázquez Lounge in T4S with direct boarding gates, the Dalí Lounge in T4 main, and Plaza Premium/ALA lounges in T1 and T2. Showers are available in the main Iberia lounges and at select airport-run lounges. Accessibility provisions include step-free routes via elevators at all pier junctions, accessible restrooms, and designated assistance points at each terminal entrance. Family services feature the “Ludoteca” play zone in T2 near gates C, baby-changing rooms in every terminal core, and strollers on request at Iberia customer service desks in T4. Prayer rooms are located landside in T1 and airside in T4S, and a 24-hour medical clinic sits between T2 and T3.