Which Barajas terminal do I need? How to find out and get between them

The Barajas terminal you need depends on the airline operating your flight, and it is shown on your ticket, your boarding pass and the airline's app or website. As a general rule, Iberia and most of its oneworld alliance partners fly from T4 (and its satellite, T4S), while the other airlines are spread across T1, T2 and T3. Allocations change from time to time, so always check before you set off for the airport.

Getting it wrong has consequences, because Barajas is split into two separate areas: on one side, the T1-T2-T3 complex, whose buildings are connected on foot; on the other, T4, a separate building. Getting from one area to the other means taking a shuttle bus, and that time may be exactly what you are short of to check in.

Before you leave home, take a minute to confirm it in one of these ways. If two sources agree, you can set off with peace of mind.

Knowing how the airport is organised helps you find your way, although the definitive reference will always be your flight information.

T1, T2 and T3: a single complex

The three oldest terminals form one continuous block. You can walk from one to another inside, although with suitcases it is a long walk from one end to the other. If you are going by taxi, tell the driver the exact terminal so they drop you at the right departures entrance.

T4 and T4S: the Iberia terminal

T4 is the newest and largest terminal. Check-in and security take place in the main building; if your flight leaves from the T4S satellite, you will get there on an automated train after security. Because of its size, it is the terminal where you should allow the most time: we explain this in how early to arrive at T4.

If you have gone to the wrong area, or you have a connection between flights leaving from different terminals, these are the options:

• Free shuttle bus: it links T4 with the T1-T2-T3 complex. It is the usual way to change area; follow the signs for “Bus between terminals”.
• Metro: línea 8 has a station in both areas, although for a change of terminal the bus is usually more practical.
• Taxi: from the rank at each terminal, for a short trip between areas if you are heavily loaded.

On connections involving a change of area, allow for the transfer and for the possibility of having to go through security again. If your booking includes both flights, the airline will tell you the minimum connection time.

If you want to place Barajas within the wider region, in how many airports there are in Madrid we explain why all commercial flights operate here, and in how to get to Barajas Airport we compare metro, train, bus, car and taxi for each area of the airport.

In a taxi you only have to say the terminal: the driver drops you at the right departures level, with your luggage, with no changes. The price does not change with the terminal, because we work with a fixed fare by zone: from inside the M-30 it is €33 to T1, T2, T3 or T4, and you can see the price for your district or town under airport fares. If your flight leaves from T4S, the taxi's destination is T4.

To make sure of the time, you can book your airport taxi on the website itself or by phone. And on the way back, give us your flight number when you book your pickup at Barajas: we check which terminal you land at and confirm the meeting point. If your terminal or time is changed at the last minute, let us know by phone or on WhatsApp.