What to Do at Madrid Airport

Madrid Airport boasts one of the largest airport shopping complexes in Spain. Avolta and Shop to Fly manage the major retail operations of duty-free stores which are distributed across T1, T4 and T4S. Visitors can shop for high quality perfumes and cosmetics, Spanish wine, international liquors, gourmet chocolate, tobacco, electronics, sunglasses and travel products. Lots of shops accept online reservations and collection ahead of leaving. (shoptofly.aena.es)

The plus side of the Madrid duty-free is its Spanish character. In addition to the international luxury brands, you'll find olive oils produced in the area, Iberian specialties, Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines, gourmet chocolate and high-quality Spanish fashion accessories. These are great gifts for the last minute.

For travellers with a passion for beauty products, you can expect to see some of the world's top brands, as well as European skin care brands. The biggest duty-free space is typically in the long-haul international traffic in Terminal 4 and T4S.

One nifty strategy: premium Spanish wine and gourmet foods are good buys, and are probably not necessarily much cheaper than the city you're in.

In recent years, the food scene in Madrid airport has come a long way from the usual airport food and drink.

• The Corner by Real Madrid (T1 and T4) is a mix between club goods and food, where the food theme was based around the renowned football club. Very popular among football fans, it's a restaurant and retail business.
• Classic Spanish style sandwiches, tapas and snacks at 100 Montaditos (T2). A good choice for visitors who want to try some local cuisine but don't want to stay for too long.
• Rodilla offers freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries, coffee and light bites, perfect for an early release.
• Coffee, breakfast and known food options are still popular at Starbucks throughout the airport.
• Kabuki (T4) serves high-end Japanese food at the airport. It is planned with efficiency of service to the travellers and serves sushi, fusion food and premium food in Terminal 4.
• Created by popular chef Dabiz Muñoz, Hungry Club (T4S) offers inventive international dishes tailored to today's adventurous tourists.
• Paul Bakery serves coffee, French pastries and sandwiches, which are very popular among travelers who leave early in the morning.
• Lavazza Cafés offer fast espressos in various terminals.

Madrid Airport offers more than 100 different brands in some 200 outlets.

• Adolfo Domínguez features Spanish fashion and accessories—it's a great choice for a last-minute outfit.
• It is one of the most unique shops of all time in Spain, the Corner of Real Madrid, a shop that mixes product with services.
• The airport is home to luxury fashion boutiques, convenience stores, electronics shops, travel accessory stores and souvenir outlets throughout the airport, especially in T4 and T4S.

Cibeles VIP Lounge (Terminal 1) is designed for travellers from abroad who are not from the Schengen area and provides showers, refreshments, work spaces and comfortable seating. Eligible airline status programs, Priority Pass and paid entry are the ways to access.

There are also a number of other VIP lounges at Terminal 4 which are available for Iberia and other partner airlines. Hot food, high-quality beverages, showers, charging stations and business facilities are common amenities.

The majority of international airline flights are processed in Terminal 4 and the priority pass holders have the most flexible lounge access.

• It's worth taking a look at the architecture of Terminal 4. It is one of the most striking airport terminals in Europe thanks to its colourful roof supporting, natural lighting and bamboo ceiling.
• Passionate flyers love to gaze down the runway from picked seats close to the bigger international gateways.
• Alternatives to travellers with longer waiting times: Art displays, seasonal exhibits, children's areas and quiet seating zones.

Madrid Airport has an excellent connection with the city.

• Metro: This is line 8 that runs directly from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios station, accessible by the rest of the metro network.
• Train: Cercanías commuter rail lines C1 and C10 are directly connected to Terminal 4, and transport passengers to the city centre and other regions.
• Airport Express Bus: Airport 203 runs 24 hours and links to key centre locations in the city.
• Taxi: Official taxi service is available at marked-off taxi stands outside all terminals. The time taken to get to central Madrid is usually 20-35 minutes, depending on the traffic.
• Car Rental: Large international car rental firms operate desks all across the airport complex.

• All terminals have currency exchange services and ATMs.
• There are also pharmacies, medical and first-aid services within the airport, catering to those travellers who need medication or assistance.
• Tourist information is available in the vicinity of the baggage reclaims, especially in Terminal 4.
• Wireless Internet access is available throughout passenger terminals.