Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is a major hub airport near Madrid in Spain. This page covers the essentials — IATA + ICAO codes, location, live flight status, and hotels nearby.
Getting to + from the city
Metro Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios in 30 min for €5 (includes the €3 airport supplement). Renfe Cercanías C1 to Chamartín or Atocha in 25 min for €2.60. Express bus to Atocha runs 24/7, €5. Taxi is a flat €33 to inside the M-30 ring road + 25–40 min.
Terminals
T1: most non-Iberia international. T2: SkyTeam domestic + Europe. T3: regional + smaller carriers. T4 + T4S: Iberia + oneworld hub (T4 is the modern Richard Rogers-designed showpiece). T1-T3 connected; T4 + T4S need a free bus (10 min) — confirm in advance.
What's actually good
Iberia Velázquez Lounge (T4S, Business) is top-tier. Sala Cibeles (T4 Priority Pass) is the realistic non-status option. Food: skip the chains, eat jamón ibérico at the airside 5J Sánchez Romero Carvajal outlet (real). Mahou beer + Spanish wine at most bars. El Mostrador at T4 has actual paella.
Avoid
Booking T1↔T4 transfers under 90 min (free bus is 10 min + security re-screen). Skipping the lunch nap-time confusion (MAD restaurants don't always serve full menu 4-8 PM). Currency exchange at the airport (Wise card + ATM is half the cost). Driving in central Madrid even if you've rented (use the airport-direct Metro).