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Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) can be tricky to navigate. However, knowing your departure terminal in advance can make a difference. I was flying from Madrid to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and my Iberia flight departed from Terminal 4S (T4S). I had to check in and go through security in Terminal 4 (T4). Although the only difference is the letter “S,” transferring from T4 to T4S can be quite a process, especially during busy times at the airport. Here’s how to do it:
How to get from Terminal 4 to Terminal 4S in Madrid?
Although Terminal 4 (T4) and Terminal 4S (T4S) differ by just one letter, the “S” stands for Satellite. The distance between the two terminals is so far that it requires a train ride to travel between them. While Madrid Airport provides clear and easy-to-follow signage, it’s important to allow yourself ample time to navigate between the terminals, especially during peak travel periods.
You can follow the step-by-step guide below:
- Go to Terminal 4 (T4) and check in.
- Look at the monitor screen to see which counter is for your flight check-in.
- Please note that if you are flying Iberia business class, there’s a dedicated business class counter (Counter number 780 and so on) that the information monitor does not display.
- After receiving your boarding pass, head to the security check.
- Suppose you have an American Express Platinum Card or American Express Business Platinum Card, or you are flying business class. In that case, your boarding pass gives you fast-track access, allowing you to use the expedited security section.
- Note that the Platinum card privilege is only for the cardholder.
- The expedited security screening allows you to keep your shoes on, your toiletries, and your electronics can remain in the carry-on.
- After clearing security, look for the T4S sign and follow the series of escalators until you reach the bottom level where the free underground airport train, Automated People Mover (APM), is.
- Get on the train to T4S.
- The information displays that the journey takes approximately 5 minutes. But I thought it was faster than that.
- Upon arrival at T4S, pay attention to the signs for passport control. There are separate lanes for all passports (non-EU) and EU passports.
- Clear immigration passport control to arrive at the duty-free area.
- After that, follow the signs to your gates or lounges that you can access.
Madrid Airport Terminal 4 to Terminal 4S Security
- You check in for your flight and clear security in Terminal 4 at Madrid airport.
- Then, you take the underground train as described in the steps above to Terminal 4S.
- Upon arriving at Terminal 4S, you need to clear passport control using your eligible passport to exit Spain.
- There will be no more security you have to go through.
Therefore, the only security you must go through between Terminal 4 and Terminal 4S is the one that is in Terminal 4.
How long does it take to get from Terminal 4 to Terminal 4S at Madrid Airport?
The official sign at the train station states that the trip between the two terminals takes about 5 minutes. However, in my experience, it was quicker than that.
Moreover, it is important to note that you must go through a series of events to get from T4 to T4S, such as airport check-in, security screening, waiting and boarding the train, clearing passport control, and finally arriving at your departure gate. If your flight leaves for the United States, there’s also an additional security check at the gate. Therefore, give yourself plenty of time to travel from T4 to T4S at the Madrid airport.
Based on my experience, I was traveling in the morning, and it took me almost an hour from the airport hotel (more below) to the Iberia Premium Lounge Velázquez. I was flying Iberia business class and had fast-track security access. The gist of it is to give yourself enough time to travel between the two terminals, as it can take time if the airport is busy and you don’t have many bypass privileges.
Madrid Airport Terminal 4 to 4S Map
If you prefer visual, Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) provides a PDF file regarding connections between all terminals that may be helpful to you.
See the following Map:
Does Madrid Airport have a hotel inside Terminal 4?
Yes, there’s an airport hotel inside the Terminal 4 at Madrid airport called HelloSky Air Rooms Madrid, a.k.a Air Rooms Madrid Airport by Premium Traveller.
HelloSky Air Rooms Madrid is not part of any hotel rewards program. As a result, you can use your preferred online travel booking platform to make a reservation. The TripAdvisor site will let you compare the price across all booking websites to score the best deal. If your credit card offers annual travel credit benefits, you might be able to find and book the hotel through suitable travel portal sites like Capital One Travel, Chase Travel, and others.
As far as room conditions go, HelloSky Air Rooms Madrid is a clean, no-frills airport hotel with an excellent, convenient location on the lowest level of Terminal 4 at Madrid Airport. However, you would not want to stay there for more than one night or use it as a base to visit Madrid.
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