Four hours to kill at Madrid airport?
 

Hi

I have a 4 hour layover in Madrid before heading to Malaga... Is it enough time to get out of the airport and see the city??

How far is it to get somewhere for a nice breakfast? I'm there from 5 to 9 a.m.... Or should I just tough it out at the airport?

Thanks

Is that 4-hours from scheduled arrival to scheduled departure? If so, that's not have much time to 'play' with, especially if you have to make your way from Terminal #1 (International Arrivals) and Terminal #2 or #3. If you are not coming in from an EU Country you'll have to Clear Passport Control (Immigration) claim your checked baggage and clear Customs. This is usually no big deal but it will be 'eating up' your 4-hour 'layover.'

Last year, Cafeterias in the Departure lounges in Barajas airport didn't open until 07:00 so you may have to 'tough that one out.

Last June, I planned to use my 3-hour layover to go into Barajas pueblo and have Churros con chocolate at Toribio's Churreria on the Plaza; but everything seemed to go wrong (a huge queue at my airline check-in and long walks between the Terminals): I didn't risk it!

How many people do you need to kill during these four hours?

In my opinion, it's not enough time to leave but the airport itself has a lot of good stores in it as well as a couple of decent eateries.