A free shuttle bus transfers passengers between the terminals and the long-stay car park.

The airport has several information counters, located throughout the three terminals, with a team of over 100 ‘Skycaps’ on hand to assist passengers and provide information. There are also two tourist information counters in Terminals 1 and 2.

Money and communications: Facilities include three banks, several bureaux de change, ATMs and a post office. There is a 24-hour bank in Terminal 1. Eating and drinking: There are more than 30 restaurants, cafés and bars. Shopping: There are over 100 shops at the airport, including duty-free. Luggage: There are two left-luggage offices at the airport, in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Other facilities: There are pharmacies, nurseries and a medical service centre in Terminal 1. Travel agencies and tour operators are also represented.

The airport is fully accessible to wheelchair users and all airlines can provide wheelchairs upon request; passengers should request this service when booking their ticket. There are reserved car parking spaces for disabled travellers.

There are seven fully equipped meeting rooms available at the airport. A conference and business centre is located in Terminal 2. Rooms are available to hire (tel: (0)913 936 797 or 913 936 808). There are also VIP lounges in all terminals. The Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry (tel: (0)913 058 807) has a small office in Terminal 1, with copy, fax and telephone services, which are available for a fee.

Companies include Atesa International, Avis, Hertz and Europcar, with desks located in Terminals 1 and 2. Ares Mobile provides chauffeur-driven cars.

Long- and short-term car parking is provided at the airport with over 10,000 spaces. There are five public parking areas. P1 is an outdoor car park, located in front of the terminal building; P2 is an indoor car park with direct access to the terminals. A Parking ‘Express’ facility, for short periods only, is located at Terminal 2 and dedicated long-term parking is also available; a free shuttle operates between the long-stay car park and all three terminals. There is also a VIP car park.

From the city centre and M30, go on the A2 (road to Barcelona) and exit at km12.

Rail: Underground: The Madrid Metro Line connects the airport with Madrid’s city centre station Nuevos Ministerios in the heart of Madrid’s financial district (journey time: 12 minutes). The Barajas metro (line no. 8) provides a fast route into central Madrid, via Mar de Cristal; the metro also provides links to stations on the Spanish railway network. Road: Taxi: Taxis are available from the airport (journey time: 20-30 minutes); passengers should make sure that the meter is turned on at the beginning of the journey. Passengers are advised not to accept any offers of taxis made inside the terminal building. Taxi ranks are situated in front of the Arrivals areas of all terminals. Bus: Bus no.101 runs to Barajas-Canilejas, and bus no.89 to Colón, both from all terminals. A new public bus service also runs between the airport and Madrid (Avenida de América station): bus no. 200 (red bus) stops outside the baggage reclaim area of Terminals 1 and 2.

Hotels close to the airport include the Hotel Barajas (tel: 91 747 7700), Alameda (tel: 91 747 4800) and Diana Tryp (tel: 91 747 1355).