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Madrid Barajas International Airport |
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Located just northeast of the city center of Madrid, the Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) is not only considered to be the most important
international as well as domestic gateway in Spain, but it is generally
thought of to be the most important center of aviation in the entire
Europe. MAD is certainly one of the largest and busiest airports in the
European continent.
MAD has four terminals. The first three terminals, Terminals 1, 2 and 3, are used mainly by Air Europa as well as airlines belonging to the SkyTeam
and Star Alliance. These three terminals are adjacent to each other.
Terminals 1 and 2 handle mostly international flights while domestic
flights fly from Terminal 3.
Terminal 4 is the newest addition to the facilities of MAD. Inaugurated only on February of 2006, Terminal 4 and its satellite building, T4S, is
the largest single terminal area in the entire world, with an area of one
million square meters. Terminal 4 is used exclusively by Iberia Airlines,
which calls MAD its primary hub and maintenance base. Sixty percent of air
traffic coming to and from MAD is brought about by Iberia Airlines.
Ground Transport
It is possible to travel through the first three terminals by walking, as
they are adjacent and interconnected. Terminal 4, on the other hand, is
connected to T4S by an automated passenger transport system. A free
shuttle bus service takes passengers between Terminal 4 and the other three
terminals. Transport service between the remote parking areas and the four
terminals is also provided through free shuttle buses.
As for transport between the airports and the rest of Madrid, this is possible through rail, bus and taxi service. The airport is connected to
the City of Madrid itself through the Madrid Metro Line. Via the Madrid
Metro Line, passengers using the rail route can also access stations on the
Spanish rail network.
The Madrid Municipal Transport Company deploys regular EMT buses between the Madrid city center and the airport. The bus bays are located just
outside the baggage reclaim section of Terminals 1 and 2. Another bus bay
is outside the Arrivals area of Terminal 4.
Taxi cabs authorized to operate within the airport are officially stationed in front of the Arrivals areas of all terminals.
Car Parks and Car Hire
MAD has seven public car parking facilities, with some providing long-term
parking and some giving short-term parking services. P1, an outdoor
parking facility, is found in front of Terminal 1. An indoor parking
facility, P2, provides direct access to Terminals 2 and 3. Terminal 2 is
also featured with a parking express facility for both short-term and long-
term parking. VIP car parks are also available. All remote parking
facilities are provided with free shuttle service to transport passengers
to and from the airport.
Car rental desks are found in Terminals 1, 2 and 4. Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National Atesa are among the companies providing car rental services
from MAD.
Hotels within the Airport
MAD does not have an on-site hotel, but there are a number of hotels in the
vicinity, such as Sofitel Madrid Campo de las Naciones, Tryp Alameda and
Tryp Diana.
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