If you’re facing a long layover, delay, or overnight stay, there are a few things to do at Madrid Barajas Airport to help pass the time and make the wait more manageable. Spain’s busiest airport is large and modern, with multiple terminals offering food, shops, lounges, and basic comforts — though experiences can vary widely depending on where and when you’re travelling.
This guide is written for tired, bored, or anxious travellers, including those trying to rest overnight. While Madrid Barajas isn’t designed as a destination airport, it does provide enough options to eat, recharge devices, freshen up, or take a short break from the crowds. With a bit of planning — and realistic expectations — your layover here can be more comfortable and less stressful.
1. Enjoy a meal
Madrid Barajas has a good spread of cafés, casual restaurants, and grab-and-go options, but overnight food availability can be uneven depending on the terminal and time of day.
You’ll find familiar chains alongside Spanish cafés serving coffee, pastries, bocadillos (sandwiches), and light meals. Terminal 4 and T4S generally offer the widest choice, including sit-down restaurants, while other terminals lean more toward cafés and kiosks.
Travellers looking for something more substantial may come across:
- Spanish-style cafés for espresso, pastries, and simple hot dishes
- Tapas-style bars offering small plates, cured meats, and tortilla
- International options such as burgers, sandwiches, or Asian-inspired dishes
If you’re arriving very late or overnight, plan for limited options and consider buying food earlier if possible.
2. Relax in a lounge
Airport lounges are no longer the exclusive enclave of First and Business Class flyers. Several lounges here cater to all travellers, regardless of your flight class or airline. Pay a one-time fee to access unlimited food, drinks, WiFi, TV, and comfortable seating. One lounge even offers shower facilities. Reserve your spot online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Madrid Barajas is strongest in Terminal 4 and T4S, where you’ll find a mix of international brands and Spanish favourites — handy if you want last-minute gifts before leaving Spain.
Alongside standard duty-free shops, travellers may want to look out for:
- Spanish fashion brands such as Zara and other local labels
- Gourmet food shops selling olive oil, Iberian ham products, tinned seafood, saffron, and Spanish sweets
- Wine and liquor stores featuring Spanish wines, cava, and regional spirits
- Real Madrid shops, popular with football fans for jerseys and souvenirs
Most stores are aimed at quick browsing rather than destination shopping, and prices can be higher than in the city. That said, the airport is a convenient place to pick up packable Spanish food items or branded gifts if you didn’t have time earlier in your trip. Of course, you’ll also find several convenience stores, electronic and travel shops, pharmacies, and Duty-Free areas.
4. Take a shower
Shed that last flight with a refreshing shower. The Air Rooms in Terminal 4 has a shower-only package, which includes 30-minute access to the shower facilities plus access to their lounge (WiFi and free snacks), with packages starting at €45.
5. Go sightseeing
Are you stuck on a seemingly endless layover? Take the opportunity to explore Madrid! Public transit makes it easy to reach the city center, so depending on your sightseeing goals, you’ll want at least 7-8+ hours until your next flight.
Store any unnecessary bags in the Left Luggage Office in the Arrivals area of Terminals 1, 2, or 4. Then, choose how to reach the city centre. We like Metro Line 8, which connects all airport Terminals with Nuevos Ministerios station in central Madrid, where you can then change to other lines to reach the city centre at Sol station. Or, ride the Renfe Line C1 from Terminal 4, where you can also switch. Both options take about 25-30 minutes. Taxis are also affordable and relatively inexpensive; just be sure to hail an officially licensed one from an airport taxi stand.
In Madrid, visit world-class museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s monolith Guernica. Stroll or rent a rowboat to get around the lush Retiro Park. Visit Plaza Mayor for classic Spain – enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine. Stroll along Gran Via to eye soaring examples of Art Deco architecture and pop into the many jamon (ham) eateries that dot the streets. Football fans will want to tour Stadio Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid FC.
Whatever you get into, leave plenty of time to return to the airport for your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Madrid.
6. WiFi
WiFi is free and unlimited for your social media perusing.
7. Sleep
Sleeping here is generally acceptable, but whether you can find any comfortable spots in this modern, sleek airport is up to you. You’ll find plenty of wooden or metal seats, though only a few are armrest-free. You may be better off stretching out on the floor. (Terminal 1, the budget carrier terminal, has fewer seats.) The McDonald’s in T4 reportedly has soft, cushioned seats and power outlets. If you are camping out overnight, have your boarding pass ready for Security checks – without one, you’ll have to exit the airport for the night. Eyeshades, earplugs, and an extra layer will help make this airport more comfortable. [ read more ]
Would you prefer to hotel it up for some proper sleep? Air Rooms inside Terminal 4 has 22 rooms for rent overnight and during the day, or you can choose the shower-only package. Two traditional hotels run free shuttles to and from the airport. Locations and details are available in our Madrid Barajas Airport Guide. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Barajas Airport. Visit our Madrid Barajas Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.