Last month I flew back to Madrid from Barcelona and landed at T1, but my connecting flight was at T4 with only 90 minutes between flights - I was genuinely worried. It turned out that transferring from T1 to T4 was simpler than expected, so I’m sharing my experience here.
Distance Between Terminals
At Madrid Airport, Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are relatively close to each other, but T4 and T4S form a separate area located approximately 3-4 kilometers from the other terminals. First-time visitors can find this confusing, especially when pressed for time. T4 primarily serves Iberia and Oneworld alliance flights, so if you’re flying with Spanish airlines or British Airways, you’ll most likely be at T4.
Free Shuttle Bus
The most recommended option is the airport’s free shuttle bus, which operates 24 hours a day, so late-night arrivals aren’t a concern. After exiting T1, follow the “Inter-Terminal Bus” signs - the bus stop is easy to locate. Buses run approximately every 10-15 minutes, more frequently during peak hours.
The journey from T1 to T4 takes about 15-20 minutes, including waiting and travel time. If you have multiple bags, there’s dedicated luggage storage underneath the bus - no need to carry everything onboard. I took the shuttle bus that time, and despite some traffic, I still made my connecting flight comfortably.
Comparison of Transportation Options
Besides the shuttle bus, there are theoretically several other options, each with pros and cons:
| Transportation | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|
| Free Shuttle Bus | 15-20 minutes | Free | Most recommended, suitable for everyone |
| Metro Transfer | 25-30 minutes | €4.5-5 | When you have plenty of time and want to save money |
| Taxi | 10 minutes | €15-20 | Tight schedule with lots of luggage |
| Walking | Not recommended | Free | Essentially impractical |
Taking the metro requires traveling from T1 to Nuevos Ministerios station, then transferring back to T4 - quite roundabout. Plus, navigating Madrid Airport to Plaza de España metro transfers with luggage is exhausting. Unless you have ample time or want to explore the city center, I wouldn’t recommend it.
While taxis are faster, airport taxis must use designated routes, sometimes making them slower than the shuttle bus. Moreover, spending over ten euros for such a short T1-to-T4 distance doesn’t seem worthwhile unless you’re extremely pressed for time.
Practical Tips
If you’re making a connection and need to return rental car at Madrid Airport, allow at least 90 minutes or more to be safe. While one hour is normally sufficient, delays in shuttle service or security queues at T4 can create tight situations. My 90-minute connection had me reaching the gate just 5 minutes before boarding - my heart was racing.
Also worth noting: there’s additional distance between T4 and T4S. If your gate is in T4S, you’ll need to take an internal train after reaching T4, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Many people overlook this and realize they must continue only after arriving at T4, so always check which area your gate is in beforehand.
Transferring from T1 to T4 isn’t difficult - just follow the signs and take the free shuttle bus. Madrid Airport’s signage is quite clear, with both English and Spanish, and if you’re unsure, the staff are very helpful. I hope this information assists anyone transferring at Madrid Airport.
