Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain, is a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world. The city is home to many historical landmarks, museums, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, one of the first things you need to know is which airport you’ll be flying into. In this article, we will discuss the main international airport in Madrid.
The Main International Airport in Madrid
The main international airport in Madrid is called Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. It’s located just 9 km northeast of the city center and has four terminals: T1, T2, T3, and T4.
History of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
The airport was opened on April 22nd, 1931, as a military airbase. It wasn’t until 1933 that it began operating commercial flights. Over time, it grew to become one of the busiest airports in Europe and underwent several renovations and expansions.
In March 2014, the airport was renamed Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in honor of Spain’s first democratically elected prime minister after the death of Franco’s dictatorship.
Terminals at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
As mentioned earlier, there are four terminals at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport:
- Terminal 1: This terminal serves airlines such as Air Europa and Ryanair.
- Terminal 2: This terminal is now closed.
- Terminal 3: This terminal serves Iberia flights.
- Terminal 4: This terminal has two buildings – T4 and T4S. It serves many airlines including American Airlines, Emirates and British Airways.
Transportation Options from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to the City Center
There are several transportation options available to get from the airport to the city center:
- Metro: Line 8 of the Madrid Metro runs from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios in the city center. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Bus: There are several bus services that operate between the airport and the city center, including express buses that take around 30 minutes and local buses that take longer.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside all terminals, and it takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the city center depending on traffic.
Conclusion
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is a modern and well-equipped airport that serves millions of passengers every year. With its convenient location and easy access to public transportation, getting from the airport to the city center is a breeze. We hope this article has given you some useful information about Madrid’s main international airport.