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What to do with a 7 hour + layover at Madrid Airport

Overnight flight from Chicago at 7:45AM with a 7 hour 50 min layover. Would it be worth it to get a hotel room? Or what else would you do?? Flying on to Zurich at 3:40pm.

Posted by
11055 posts

Hotel room would be a treat but not necessary. Do you have airline club privileges with your ticket?

Posted by
2767 posts

If you get through immigration reasonably fast you have time for a trip into Madrid.

Let's say you are out the airport door by 8:45. The bus into the city will drop you at Atocha. Say it's 9:45. You can then go to the Prado, or Retiro Park, or Plaza Mayor or whatever. Hang out there, maybe get a fast lunch, head back to the airport by 1:00 (check bus times or get a cab to be sure). You are back to the airport by 1:30 - 1:45, in plenty of time for your flight to Zurich.

3 hours in Madrid is more fun than staying at an airport for 8 hours!

Posted by
2791 posts

Check to see if the airport has Day Rooms that rent by the hour, usually in 2 hour blocks, which are designed for transit passengers in your situation. Many international airports have them. Some have shower facilities too - guaranteed to help you feel human again.
The price can be pretty reasonable, especially if you've just staggered off a sleepless all night flight.

Posted by
16 posts

Thanks, the room for 3 or more hours sounds great plus our fright to Zurich leaves from Terminal 4, same location as the rooms. THANKS AGAIN, Jim