If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is which airport to fly into. Luckily, Madrid has a few options when it comes to airports, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a look at what airport is closest to Madrid and which one might be the best option for your travel needs.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
Located just 9km from the city center, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the closest airport to Madrid. It’s also the largest and busiest airport in Spain, serving over 61 million passengers per year.
If you’re flying into Madrid from another country or another part of Spain, there’s a good chance you’ll be landing at MAD. The airport has four terminals and is served by dozens of airlines from all over the world.
Pros
- Closest airport to Madrid
- Served by many airlines from all over the world
- Four terminals with plenty of amenities
Cons
- Can be very crowded and busy
- Taxi rides into the city center can be expensive during peak hours
- Parking can be difficult and expensive at times
Madrid–Torrejón Airport
Madrid–Torrejón Airport (TOJ) is located about 24km northeast of central Madrid. It’s a smaller airport that primarily serves military and private flights, but it does have some commercial flights as well.
Pros
- Less crowded than MAD
- May offer cheaper flights depending on your destination
- Potentially shorter wait times for security and boarding
Cons
- Fewer amenities than MAD
- Not as convenient to get to the city center from TOJ
- Limited flight options compared to MAD
Other Options
If neither MAD nor TOJ are the right option for you, there are a few other airports within driving distance of Madrid:
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport T4 Satellite Terminal
This is a satellite terminal located away from the main terminals of the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. It is mainly used by Iberia for their long-haul flights.
Salamanca Airport (SLM)
This airport is located about two hours west of Madrid by car. It has a few commercial flights, but primarily serves general aviation.
Valladolid Airport (VLL)
This airport is located about two hours northwest of Madrid by car. It has a few commercial flights but primarily serves general aviation.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing an airport near Madrid, there are a few options available depending on your travel needs. If you’re looking for convenience and plenty of flight options, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is likely your best bet.
If you’re looking to save some money or avoid crowds, Madrid–Torrejón Airport might be worth considering. And if neither of those options work for you, there are a few other airports within driving distance to choose from.