Located conveniently close to the city, compared with some major airports, Madrid Barajas is not immune from that intractable problem of urban life, heavy traffic. Delays at peak hours and in the evenings, to and from Madrid, are not uncommon.
The airport's three terminals stand side by side, linked by corridors and moving walkways. This ribbon development presents its own challenges even to those who enjoy physical exercise and, sensibly, there is a transfer bus service for those passengers changing flights and terminals.
Terminal 1 is the biggest and least complicated, but it is easy to lose your sense of direction in Terminal 2, and even the small Terminal 3, where facilities are spread unevenly over either two or three levels. On the landside, those in search of a meal need persistence to track down some of the more desirable places.
Teerminal 2 is redeemed by a pleasant lounge area where you can relax and watch the planes come and go.
Among the airport's other plus points are convenient parking and cheap, frequent bus links with Madrid - more direct than the Metro rail service which involves at least two changes to connect with the heart of the city.
Barajas operates a no smoking policy in the terminals, except for designated areas in the food outlets. Contrarily, in today's tobacco-resistant environment, it provides cigarette machines.
