Have a layover in Madrid? Spain’s vibrant capital will not disappoint! 

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is one of Europe’s largest and best-connected airports, located just 13 km from the city center. Whether your stop is two hours or an overnight stay, there’s plenty to do both inside and outside the airport.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Tips for a short layover
• Tips for a long layover
• Our recommendations for things to do around MAD Airport
• Activities available at MAD Airport
• Things to do with kids during a layover in Madrid
• Hotels and lounges near Madrid Airport
• A quick guide to connections at Madrid Airport

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

Tips for a Short Layover

Got a Madrid Airport layover under six hours? Here are our top tips:

1. Stay airside and make the most of the airport facilities  

If your layover is under four hours, it’s best to remain within the terminal. Madrid–Barajas is large, and transferring between terminals can take time. Use this opportunity to relax, freshen up, and enjoy the airport’s many shops and restaurants.

2. Hang out in one of the VIP lounges

Free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and charging points are available throughout all terminals. But, if you have a 2 hour to 4 hour layover in Madrid, booking into one of the VIP lounges is 100% worth it. There, you’ll have a faster Wi-Fi connection, televisions, work areas, a terrace, and showers to freshen up after your flight.

3. Try the local cuisine between flights

Madrid Airport is a great place to sample local delicacies like jamón ibérico, tortilla española, or churros con chocolate at cafés such as La Barra de la Bientirada, Mahou Sports Bar, or Oliva & Bellota. If you’re flying on from Spain, this is the perfect time to get a taste of its famous cuisine without leaving the airport.

Tips for a Long or Overnight Layover

Stopping for a 6+ hour layover in Madrid? We recommend heading to the city to explore. Here are our recommendations:

1. Store your luggage

Madrid Airport has luggage storage available in the Arrivals Halls of all four Terminals. You can store your luggage here so you don’t need to worry about it while you explore the city. In some cases, you may be able to check in your luggage for your next flight early, but this depends on the airline. 

2. Book a Madrid layover tour

With a longer layover, you can see many of the city’s top attractions:

• Retiro Park: A calm green escape perfect for stretching your legs.
• Prado Museum: Home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
• Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol: Iconic central squares lined with cafés and shops.
• Royal Palace (Palacio Real): One of Europe’s most impressive royal residences.

To make things even easier, you can book one of our Madrid tours that is completely tailored to your needs. Your friendly, professional driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall and take you on your personalized tour of the sights in Madrid. After the tour, you won’t have to worry about how you’ll get back to Madrid Airport in time for your flight. Your Madrid Airport transfer will whisk you back to the terminal after your tour with plenty of time to spare. 

3. Overnight layover in Madrid? Book a nearby hotel

For overnight or very long layovers in Madrid, we recommend staying close to the airport so that it’s easy to get back to the terminal buildings for your next flight. Nearby, Hotel Barajas Plaza, Hilton Madrid Airport, and NH Madrid Barajas Airport Hotel all provide free shuttles to and from the terminal.

4. Plan transport back to the hotel

Madrid’s metro and train services run until around 01:30, but late-night arrivals may require a private Madrid Airport taxi. By booking with a trusted international transfer company like Welcome Pickups, you ensure that you arrive at the airport on time for your flight.

Things to Do Near Madrid Airport

If you have a 6 to 8 hour layover in Madrid, and you don’t want to venture too far, there are several options close to Barajas.

• Madrid layover tours: Booking a sightseeing tour is one of the best ways to pass the time and see as much as you can before your next flight. Our customizable “Best of Madrid tour” is a great choice.
• El Capricho Park: Just 10 minutes by taxi from the airport, this historic park features romantic gardens and quiet walking paths.
• Plenilunio Shopping Center: This is one of Madrid’s largest malls, only a 10-minute drive away. It’s a great choice for shopping and driving.
• Real Madrid City (Valdebebas): Football fans can visit the training grounds of Real Madrid, located near Terminal 4.
• IFEMA Madrid Exhibition Center: A short taxi or metro ride away, the Exhibition Center often hosts cultural and business events that might be worth a visit during your layover.

Getting to Madrid city and back

There are five ways to get from Madrid Airport to the city (and back): taxi, private transfer, train, metro, or bus. The most convenient methods are by Madrid Airport taxi or private transfer, as these services are door-to-door. If you plan on using Madrid’s public transportation system, there are a few choices. The quickest is the pink metro line (Line 8), taking 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Madrid Airport train to the city. That’s the cheapest option. Finally, you can use the airport express bus, which takes 45 minutes.

Note: You’ll need to arrive at Madrid Airport at least 3 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic flight. 

Things to Do at the Airport

Madrid–Barajas Airport is one of Spain’s best for amenities, offering a wide range of restaurants, shops, and services to make any layover more comfortable.

• Shopping: From Spanish brands like Desigual, Adolfo Domínguez, and Massimo Dutti to international favorites such as Boss, Michael Kors, and Swarovski, there’s plenty of choice.
• Dining: Enjoy tapas and local cuisine at La Barra de la Bientirada, Mahou Sports Bar, or Oliva & Bellota. There are also fast food options like Burger King and coffee shops like Paul and Pret A Manger.
• VIP Lounges: There are six VIP lounges at Madrid Airport, all offering fast Wi-Fi, work spaces, showers, comfy seating, and complimentary food and drink.  

Things to Do with Kids

There are children’s playgrounds in all of the terminals, with slides, games, and soft play equipment to keep your little ones happy.

There are also quiet zone for feeding and plenty of baby-changing facilities throughout the airport.

If you have time to go into the city, Madrid Río Park is a great option. It’s a riverside area with playgrounds, picnic spots, and bike paths, just 20 minutes by taxi from the airport.

Hotels and Lounges at Madrid Airport

If you have a long layover at Madrid Airport, here are some places where you can get some rest:

Hotels near Madrid Airport:

• Hotel Barajas Plaza: Three-star hotel ideal for short stays and overnight layovers.
• Hilton Madrid Airport: Luxury option with pool, restaurant, and free shuttle to all terminals.
• Hotel Clement: Four-star hotel with comfortable, stylish rooms.
• Hotel TaCH: Modern, comfortable, four-star hotel.

Sleeping pods and rest zones

Madrid Airport doesn’t currently have dedicated sleeping pods, but quiet corners can be found near the gates. For overnight rest, nearby hotels are the best option.

Lounges

Madrid Airport offers at least one VIP lounge in each of its four terminals, along with two exclusive Iberia lounges. Each lounge is equipped with everything you need for a relaxing wait, from quality dining and showers to TV areas, workspaces, and terraces. 

You can purchase lounge access directly through the airport’s official website.

Practical Info

Visa required: Schengen visa (for non-EU nationals).

Average flight connection time: 1.5-2 hours for international connections or 60–90 minutes for domestic or Schengen transfers.

Minimum time needed to leave the airport: 6 hours (recommended to visit Madrid city center).

How to Connect Flights

Madrid–Barajas is a large, multi-terminal airport with four main terminals (T1–T4) and a satellite terminal (T4S). If arriving from a non-Schengen country and connecting to a Schengen flight, you must pass through immigration before proceeding to your next gate.

Here’s how to navigate connections efficiently:

If you already have your boarding pass and checked luggage:

• Follow signs for “Flight Connections / Conexiones.”
• Pass through security screening if required.
• Heck your gate information on the screens.
• Proceed to your gate area.

If You Need to Recheck Luggage or Collect a New Boarding Pass:

• Go through passport control (if applicable) and customs. 
• Collect your bags from baggage reclaim. 
• Exit into the Arrivals Hall.
• Proceed to the airline’s check-in counters in Departures (upstairs).
• Allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to go through check-in and security.

Transferring between terminals:

• A free airport shuttle bus connects all terminals 24/7, with departures every 5–10 minutes.
• Transfer between T4 and T4S is via an automatic underground train (APM), taking around 3 minutes.
• Walking between T1, T2, and T3 is possible (they’re connected), but allow time for security checkpoints.

FAQs

Is a 1-hour layover enough in Madrid?

If you have a 1 hour layover in Madrid, it’s best to stay airside at the airport so you have enough time to board your next flight.

How long of a layover do I need in Madrid?

If you want to explore Madrid city during your layover, we recommend having 6+ hours. 

Can you leave the airport during a layover in Madrid?

Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Madrid. There are luggage storage options in the Arrivals Halls of the terminal buildings.

What to do in Madrid Airport in layover?

If you have a 7 hour layover in Valencia, you could book a sightseeing tour to see the city before returning to your flight.

Do you have to go through customs on a layover in Madrid?

It depends on your flight. If you have traveled to Madrid from a non-schengen country, then you will need to go through customs before your next flight.

Can I wait in Madrid Airport overnight?

There are no sleep pods at Madrid Airport. If you have an 11 hour layover or an overnight layover, it may be worth booking into a local hotel to rest before your next flight.