How Long Does It Take to Change Terminals in Madrid?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and have a connecting flight, you might be wondering how long it takes to change terminals at Madrid Barajas Airport. The answer is that it depends on a few factors, such as the distance between the terminals, your mode of transportation, and whether or not you’ll need to go through security again.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

Madrid Barajas Airport has four terminals, but the most common connection is between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). These two terminals are connected by a shuttle bus that runs every 5-10 minutes.

The journey takes around 15 minutes each way. If you have a connecting flight between T1 and T2, you should allocate at least 30-45 minutes for this transfer.

Terminal 4

If your connecting flight is between T1 or T2 and Terminal 4 (T4), then you’ll need to take the metro. There are two metro lines that serve Madrid Barajas Airport: Line 8 (pink line) and Line 4 (dark blue line). If you’re transferring from T1 or T2 to T4, you’ll need to take Line 8.

The journey takes around 20-25 minutes each way. If you’re transferring from T4 to T1 or T2, you’ll need to take Line 4. The journey takes around 15 minutes each way.

Security Checkpoints

If you’re transferring from one terminal to another within the Schengen Area (which includes most European Union countries), then you won’t need to go through security again. However, if your connecting flight is outside of the Schengen Area (such as a flight to the United States), then you will need to go through security again at your new terminal. This can add anywhere from 15-45 minutes to your transfer time, depending on how busy the security checkpoint is.

Conclusion

In summary, the amount of time it takes to change terminals at Madrid Barajas Airport depends on a few factors. If you’re transferring between T1 and T2, you should allocate at least 30-45 minutes for the shuttle bus journey.

If you’re transferring between T1 or T2 and T4, you should allocate at least 40-50 minutes for the metro journey. And if you’re transferring to a flight outside of the Schengen Area, be prepared to go through security again, which can add another 15-45 minutes to your transfer time. By planning ahead and allowing enough time for your transfer, you can avoid missing your connecting flight and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.