cmf44

We are flying into Madrid from the U.S. arriving in Terminal 4S. We are *not* checking luggage, just carry ons, as we are going to numerous cities and don't want to risk lost luggage. We are arriving at 11 a.m. and trying to catch the 12:30 train to Barcelona.

I understand we will need to clear Passport Control within Terminal 4S (Floor 1 from the maps I've viewed), and we plan to take a cab to the train station to save time (I have read this is about 30 minutes). Can we exit straight from Passport Control at Terminal 4S to get a cab, or do we need to go to another area in the airport?

Thank you

ribeirasacra

you will need to go to one of the other terminals.
T1 to 4.
The following gives you plans of where the taxi stands are.
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Ae...997//Taxi.html
I would suggest you maybe very very tight on time think about getting another train.

Christina

I'm pretty sure there are taxis at every terminal, at ground level, even 4S. I don't think it's "straight" from passport control at any airport, though, you usually have to walk a bit, maybe go down some stairs/escalator because passport control is not usually at ground level. If that doesn't work, you'd probably have to go to terminal 4 as they share the baggage claim area with 4S.

Bedar

And, you'll have to go thru Customs even with carry on bags.

nytraveler

Yes, but Customs is just a walk through. It's Immigration that can take time depending on how many planes are landing at the same time.

Agree that your timing is very tight. What if your plane is 30 minutes late - not at all uncommon?

cmf44

Agreed our timing is tight, and frankly, having lived in Europe twice in my early 20's, I should have known better. But, the tickets have already been purchased, so I am attempting to develop a gameplan for what I am working with.

danon

Good luck
..hope your flight is on time and your seats are in front
( I ind it takes 10-15 minutes to deplane)
terminal 4 is huge...lots of walking
Madrid's traffic can be heavy....

ribeirasacra

****terminal 4 is huge...lots of walking***
But they land at 4s. However taxis seem to be located at 4 so s small shuttle train has to be taken.

lincasanova

Just follow "equipaje" little suitcase signs to get to customs and out of airport area to street. Can't get lost. Take elevators ALWAYS when available instead of the long escalators that go past several floors.

Jeff801

When you get to passport control, the non-EU kiosks are to your left. These are often less crowded and quicker than the EU lines. Be certain to have your Spanish landing documents, if any, placed in each passport rather than having the inspector sort them out. Also, it is preferred to have them all handed in at once rather than held by each person as is sometimes requested outside of the EU.

Then, you should head to the elevators, even with a wait they are always faster than the escalators, and take them to the bottom stop where the shuttle train is. Do not attempt to take baggage carts on the train. Be as far right as possible in the station so that you will be in the front of the train. The train takes only a few minutes to get to T4.

When you arrive at the T4 stop, only one, take the elevator again to baggage claim, and walk directly out into the street. The taxi line will be directly in front of you.

kimhe

The taxi ride from Barajas to the Atocha train station will normally be 20-25 minutes, and no reason there should be a serious traffic jam around noon. If you land on time, this will most probably work out just fine.

cova

Jeff has explained pretty well how to get out quickly from T4S into T4 and then outside. The way outside is well indicated- Get the elevators. You might think you are spending time but they are quicker.

The only thing that worries me if that I find that you are going to be into a bit of a hurry with only 1 hour and a half to get to the train, given that you will also have to clear security in Atocha station. At least you won´t be travelling during the peak time, so you won´t have traffic jams.

Let the taxi driver know that you are in a hurry so that he chooses the quickest route. it is a fixed price into Madrid, 30 euros (32 if he takes the toll road, but that´s more handy if you are going to the north of Madrid), so keep rhat money ready.

Bye, Cova

Robert2533

Passport control and customs are in T4, not T4S.

Americans do not require "Spanish landing documents", just a passport.

If your arrive time is 11:00, expect the plane to take up to 20 minutes to reach the gate at T4S.

Taxis will be available ourside the arrivals at T4. There are no taxi services at T4S.

As already noted, unless you're sitting in the front of the plane, in Envoy or First Class, it can take up to 30 minutes just to deplane. The best time we've been able to make the bus at T4, after passport control, was 40 minutes, and that was sitting in 1st Class.