If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, you’ll most likely fly into the city’s international airport. But what is the full name of this airport? Let’s take a closer look.
The Basics
The airport in Madrid is officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. It is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the city center and serves as one of Spain’s busiest airports.
The History
The airport was originally built in 1927, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it began to see significant traffic. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
In 2014, the airport was renamed in honor of Adolfo Suárez, who served as Spain’s prime minister from 1976 to 1981. Suárez played a key role in Spain’s transition to democracy after decades of dictatorship.
The Terminals
Madrid-Barajas Airport has four terminals: T1, T2, T3, and T4. Each terminal serves different airlines and destinations.
- Terminal 1: This terminal serves mostly domestic flights within Spain.
- Terminal 2: This terminal is used by low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet.
- Terminal 3: This terminal serves international flights within Europe.
- Terminal 4: This terminal is divided into two main buildings (T4 and T4S) and serves both domestic and international flights.
The Amenities
As one of Spain’s busiest airports, Madrid-Barajas offers a wide range of amenities for travelers. These include:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Duty-free shops
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Luggage storage
- Meeting rooms and business lounges
- Chapel and prayer rooms
Getting There
There are several ways to get to Madrid-Barajas Airport from the city center. The most convenient options include:
- Metro: Line 8 of the Madrid Metro connects the airport with the city center. It takes about 30 minutes to travel between the airport and Nuevos Ministerios station.
- Bus: Several bus lines connect the airport with different parts of Madrid.
The most popular is the Express line (Airport Exprés), which runs between Atocha station and all four airport terminals.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside all four terminals. The ride to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it – Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is the full name of the international airport in Madrid. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this busy airport offers plenty of amenities and easy access to the city center.