I will be traveling to Spain next month and would like to fit Barcelona into my itinerary for a couple of days. I was thinking the best way is to fly directly to Barcelona after landing in Madrid from the U.S., since I'll already be at the airport with luggage. I have looked into Vueling and Spanair flights and I can get one 3 hours after landing in Madrid. Is this enough time to clear customs in Spain and get to whatever terminal I would need to get to so as not to miss the flight to Barcelona? Thanks!!!
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Admission into Spain at Madrid has not been a problem for me timewise, and I have been traveling there every six months or so. You will most likely enter into Terminal 1, which is a long hike from the other terminals. If you move steadily you should make it well within your time frame IF you arrive on schedule. That is the big IF!
Posted by
Provo, UT
13 posts
Amanda that should be more than enough time. If it were anything under 2 hours I may be worried but if your plane is on time 3 hours is plenty. I've been though Barajas twice and had short waits through customs both times. Have a great trip!!!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I agree that three hours should be fine. To prepare yourself, be aware that the new Terminal 4 is acros the airport from T 1, 2, and 3. American/Iberia flights arrive there, and Vueling flights leave from there. Depending on the airlines you're using, you may have to take the airport shuttle bus from one side of the airfield to the other to switch terminals. Otherwise, T 1-3 are all connected together in one big long line.