How to get to terminal 1,2 and 3 of Madrid Airport

Are you wondering how to get to Terminal 1, 2 and 3 of the Madrid airport from the city? This is a very common question. After all, the airport Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) receives and sends millions of passengers a year. Throughout this text, we will give you the answers you need.

The public transport options to get to Terminal 1, 2 and 3 of the Madrid airport

As you will see, there are several possibilities for public transport, so you must choose the one that best suits your needs, your desires and your preferences. The most relevant are:

1. Train  (Renfe). The C1 Cercanías line connects the Nuevos Ministerios station with Terminal T4 (T4S) of the airport . Travel time from Nuevos Ministerios to T4 is about 25 minutes, and tickets cost approximately €2.60. Once you arrive at T4, you can make use of a very useful service, as there is a free connection bus ( Express Airport ) that will take you from T4 to the different terminals.
2. Subway . Metro line 8 connects the Nuevos Ministerios station with Terminal T4 (T4S) of the airport . Travel time from Nuevos Ministerios to T4 is about 30 minutes, and tickets cost approximately €2.00. On this line, the free Express Airport bus can take you, as in the previous case, to each of the remaining terminals.
3. Airport Express Bus . The Express Aeropuerto bus connects the center of Madrid with each of the airport terminals . Journey time is about 45 to 60 minutes, and tickets cost approximately €5.00.
4.  Taxi . Going by taxi from the center of Madrid to the airport is a popular option for those who want comfort and speed in their trip. The approximate price of a taxi ride from the center of Madrid to the airport varies depending on the time of day and traffic, but in general it can cost between 30 and 40 euros. It is important to note that this price is an estimate and may vary.

The private vehicle option to go to the airport

You can go by car to the various terminals of the Madrid airport following the signs from the city centrer. Once there, you can move between terminals using the aforementioned free bus service.

The advantages of using your own vehicle to get to Madrid airport

Are several advantages of using a car to go to Madrid airport compared to public transport:

• Comfort. It can be more comfortable and allows you to carry more luggage. It also gives you the flexibility to choose your own schedule and not be dependent on train or bus schedules.
• Speed. It's faster than using public transportation, especially during peak traffic hours.
• Flexibility. With a car, you can choose the most convenient route for you and avoid delays caused by traffic or problems with public transport.
• Privacy.  Travelling by car gives you the privacy and personal space that cannot be found on public transportation, especially on a long or uncomfortable journey. As well as in cases where there is a lot of luggage.

We give you directions to get to the Madrid airport terminals

To go by car from the center of Madrid to the Madrid - Barajas airport, there are several options:

1. Take the M-14 highway, also known as the Autovía de Barajas, which connects the city center with the airport . This is the most direct and fastest option to go by car to the airport.
2. Take the M-40 road and then connect with the M-14 to go to the airport .
3. Take the A-2 road and then connect with the M-14, which we have already told you about.

The travel time from the center of Madrid to the Madrid -Barajas airport can vary depending on traffic and the route chosen, but in general it can be around 30 to 40 minutes.

Do not forget the restrictions that currently exist regarding the possibility of entering or not with the private vehicle inside the ring of the M-30. Be that as it may, we have told you about three routes that do not require going through the city center, so you can choose the one you want the most without worrying about receiving a sanction as a consequence of not respecting a low-emission zone. We encourage you to consult the existing information in this regard beforehand.

How to solve the parking problem at the Madrid airport?

Once at the airport, you can choose to park in one of the airport car parks, such as Aparca&Go, which offers convenient rates and a transfer service from the car park to the terminal. This is a parking service at the Madrid airport that gives to travellers the option of leaving their vehicle in a car park near the airport while they are travelling.

The advantages of using this service include the convenience of being able to go directly to the airport without having to worry about parking, the security of leaving the vehicle in a closed and guarded place 24 hours a day, and the possibility of choosing between different parking options that suit your needs and budget. In addition, aparca&Go usually offers additional services, such as car washing and cleaning, which can be very useful for travellers.

In conclusion, when in doubt about how to get to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of the Madrid airport, the most recommended transportation options depending on your personal preferences and the time you arrive at the airport. Using Cercanías or the Metro are fast and cheap options, while the Airport Express Bus is a more comfortable option. If you prefer to use a car, Aparca&Go is a convenient and affordable option to park your vehicle. Opt for the one that convinces you the most!