Sleeping in Airports

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 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 located in T1, T2, T4 and T4S, and vending machines throughout. Travellers also have access to free, unlimited WiFi. Otherwise, amenities here are fairly 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. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Madrid Barajas Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a guest traveller/29Mar2019)

Sleeping in Madrid Airport

Madrid-Barajas Airport offers a bare-bones sleeping experience for those who qualify. Around 11PM, security will begin checking paperwork, evicting those without valid boarding tickets. Assuming you do qualify to sleep overnight, it’s best to come here prepared. The layout doesn’t offer much privacy, and the tiled floors can be cold. The lights are also left on overnight, so an eye mask is a must. There are rest zones located in T4S with padded recliners, and some soft seats at the McDonalds in T4, the Mahoudrid Coffee Shop benches in T1, and around E82 in T3. Otherwise, T2, T3 and T4 have a sprinkling of armrest-free wooden benches. Explore our guide to sleeping in Madrid-Barajas Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips. 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.

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 web site 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.

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. A number of 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 (3 or 6 hours) between the hours 10:00AM – 6:00PM 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 to also find out how you can gain lounge 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: 6:00AM – 11:00PM • Velázquez Premium Lounge – Location: T4. Hours: 6:00AM – 01:00AM.

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: 5:00AM – 11:00PM) • T2, Arrivals, Level 0, walkway to Metro Station. (Hours: 8:00PM – 8:00PM) • T4, Arrivals Hall, Level 0. (Hours: 5:00AM – 11:00PM).

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.

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 precaution 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.

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.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside in all Terminals except T3, which only offers an Airside ATM.

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: 8:15AM – 2:15PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri) • 8:15AM – 2:15PM and 4:15PM – 6:30PM (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: 8:00AM – 8:00PM.

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 kept to a minimum. 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 available 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 your bags wrapped in plastic by Excess Baggage Company. Rates start at €7.00. Locations: T1, Arrivals, Level 0, near Parking Area. (Hours: 5:00AM – 11:00PM) • T2, Arrivals, Level 0, walkway to Metro Station. (Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM) • T4, Arrivals Hall, Level 0. (Hours: 5:00AM – 11:00PM).

Medical Services

  • Medical Service – If you feel unwell or injure yourself, medical centres are available. 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: 7:00AM – 11:00PM).
  • Pharmacy – Pharmacies can be found in five locations: T1, Landside, Arrivals, Level 0 (Hours: 7:00AM – 11:00PM) • T2, Landside, Departures, Level 2 (Hours: 6:00AM – 10:30PM) • T4, Departures, Boarding Area J, Floor 1 (Hours: 6:00AM – 10:30PM) • T4, Landside, Departures, Level 2(Hours: 6:00AM – 11:00PM) • T4S, Departures, Boarding Area S, Level 1 (Hours: 6:00AM – 11:30PM).

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 6:00AM – 10:30PM:

  • 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: 10:00AM – 7:00PM.

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.

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. 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 located in Terminal 1 (Floor 0) and Terminal 4 (Floor -1).

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Axor Barajas HotelAxor Feria HotelHilton Madrid AirportHotel Nuevo BostonMadrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference CenterMaydrit HotelMelia BarajasNH BarajasTRYP 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. These are the pick-up locations: T1, Car Park 1 • T1, Car Park 4, Level 4 • T2, 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 6:05AM – 02:00AM.

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.