Madrid Airport or Madrid Barajas is the busiest airport in Spain with over 49 million passengers per year. The city of Madrid is 15 km away from the airport and just a 20 minute drive with car hire at Madrid Airport. Madrid is a bustling city with lots to see and has the largest number or bars, per capita in Europe.
Madrid Airport has 4 terminals with glass panels and domes to increase light. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are used for Star Alliance and Skyteam flights whilst terminal 4 is used for One World Alliance and Iberia flights. There are 2 banks and ATMs for all your money needs and virtual hostesses will provide you with airport information. Business and first class passengers may use any of the 7 executive lounges, to work or relax before your flight. The airport has over 50 shops, to keep you busy whether you are looking for last minute souvenirs or the latest designer fragrance. There are also 15 Aldeasa and The Shop duty free shops with everything from toys and confectionary to cosmetics and watches. When you get hungry, there are 48 cafes and restaurants available with tapas and pizza or fast food and sandwiches.
Madrid is a grand city that never sleeps and has much to offer. Starting at the Plaza Mayor, you can enjoy some tapas whilst admiring the painted facades and frescoes. Nearby is the statuesque Royal Palace, a must see in the city. The Museo de Prado has one of the finest art collections in the world with modern art from artists such as Miro, Picasso and Dali. The Reina Sofia National Museum is worth visiting to find out more about the city’s culture and heritage. The historic Barrio de las Letras area is known for its literary past and rich history. The magnificent Gran Via is a busy thoroughfare that never sleeps and bustling with shops and cafes by day and nightclubs and restaurants by night. Puerto del Sol is a famous meeting spot in the city; look out for the statue of the climbing bear, a symbol of Madrid. Of course, there are also the local pursuits of flamenco, football and bullfighting to be discovered.
Out of the city, take a drive with your car hire in Madrid and visit the UNESCO world heritage sites at Toledo and Aranjuez or head for the majestic mountains of Sierra de Guadaramma.
