Madrid-Barajas Airport Guide

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.

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

Sleeping at Madrid Barajas Airport is manageable if you can get airside, particularly in T4, T4S and parts of T1, where travellers have found quieter areas, armrest-free seating and a limited number of padded or reclining seats. Good spots can fill quickly, however, and bright lighting, hard floors, cleaning activity and early-morning noise can make a full night’s sleep difficult; T2 has received particularly poor feedback for seating. The airport remains open overnight, but from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM terminal access is restricted to ticketed travellers, their departure or arrival companions and airport workers. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in Madrid Barajas Airport.

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.

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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.

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.

Hotels at the Airport

Aerotel Madrid Airport
Terminal 4 on Floor 1, Landside.
There are 22 rooms which 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.

GettSleep Sleeping Pods
Terminal 4S, Floor 1, Airside.
GettSleep offers 32 soundproof sleep capsules. 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.

More Hotels Near the Airport

Hotel Barajas Plaza Madrid
(0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Budget hotel.

Hotel Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto
(0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Mid-range hotel.

Hotel Clement Barajas
(0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Mid-range hotel.

ibis Madrid Aeropuerto Barajas
(0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Budget hotel.

Melia Madrid Barajas
(0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Upscale hotel.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Barajas Airport on Expedia.

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.

Terminal 1

Altitude Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Non-Schengen boarding area, beside the Cibeles Lounge. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Cibeles Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Non-Schengen boarding area, 2nd Floor. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €51.26) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Terminal 2

Puerta de Alcalá Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, domestic and Schengen boarding area, 1st Floor. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €48.00) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Terminal 3

Puerta del Sol Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, domestic and Schengen boarding area, 2nd Floor. Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €48.00) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Terminal 4

Iberia Dalí Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, domestic and Schengen boarding area, after Security. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Business or First Class passengers on eligible Iberia and oneworld flights • oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members • Eligible Iberia Club status members.

Plaza Mayor Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, domestic and Schengen boarding area, 1st Floor. Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Retiro Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, boarding area, 2nd Floor. Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €48.00) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Terminal 4S

Gran Vía Lounge – Location: Terminal 4S, Airside, Non-Schengen boarding area, Ground Floor, near Gates S127–S128. Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €51.26) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

Iberia Velázquez Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 4S, Airside, Non-Schengen boarding area, 1st Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Business or First Class passengers on eligible Iberia and oneworld flights • oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members • Eligible Iberia Club status members.

Neptuno Lounge – Location: Terminal 4S, Airside, Non-Schengen boarding area, 2nd Floor. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from €51.26) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Eligible airline premium passengers and loyalty program members.

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.

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.

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.

Aerotel – Stand-alone shower use: approx. €25 for 30 minutes
Lounges – Lounge access packages available at €45.

WiFi/Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Madrid-Barajas Airport. Connect to the “AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the airport, both landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s withdrawal limits and international fees before travelling. You may also want to notify your bank in advance.
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.
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.
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.

Luggage
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.

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.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at a telecom shop in the arrivals area of Terminal 1. Hours are limited.
Work Areas – Designated work areas with desks and power outlets are available in Terminal 4 and Terminal 4S.

Airlines

Madrid Barajas Airport is served by the following airlines:

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.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

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

See 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: 2026-01-15

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.

Madrid Barajas Airport Guide