The new Terminal 4 opened in February 2006.
Under Aena's direction, the architects Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers, and Initec and TPS engineers have overseen the construction of the new terminal building (T4) and its satellite (T4S). These are full-fledged modern, functional and versatile masterpieces where sunlight is a leading player. The new terminal has a capacity to handle 35 million passengers a year, more than 10,000 during peak hours.
A pleasant and very sunny terminal with a modular design with an array of entertainment and shopping options designed through a global approach, where one can shop, enjoy good food or relax with a massage. To this end, two Shopping Centres have been built, one in the T4 and one in the T4S. The shops have been perfectly integrated with the restaurants and new concepts in entertainment, health and beauty have been included.
The new terminal building (T4), with 39 aircraft stands adjacent to the terminal building, comprises three large modules on six levels. The first block is for check-in, the second for security control and the third for boarding of domestic and Schengen country flights.
The Satellite Building -the T4S- has been built to enable more efficient international boarding and disembarking operations in the new T4 and it has more than 26 aircraft stands with air-bridge access. It is located between the runways and its architectural style and cutting-edge design are identical to those of the new terminal.
The transport of passengers to and from the T4 and the T4S is conducted by means of an Automated Passenger Transport System. This is a driverless train that covers the distance slightly over 2 km separating the two terminals in just 4 minutes. It will operate 24 hours a day and it will run every 2 minutes during peak hours, making 30 second stops at each station. In 1 hour, it can transport up to 13,000 travellers.

Liquids bags
If you do not have the bag necessary to hold the liquids you want to carry in your hand luggage, you can acquire them in several airport shops. You will find them in the Relay and Divers shops in the shopping area of the Bulevar (T2 check-in) and in Relay, Aeroboutique and Travel Mate located on the T4 check-in floor, on both sides of the security filters.
Remember that you are only allowed to carry in your hand luggage small quantities of liquids which must go in containers with an individual maximum capacity of 100 ml. Each passenger has to pack these containers in a clear, zip-top plastic bag with maximum capacity of no more than one-litre (bag approximately 20 x 20 cm).

Smoking areas
The airport has installed smoking areas, located in the boarding, check-in and arrivals areas, equipped with modern technological resources that absorb the smoke and purify the air.
Besides, some restaurants and cafés in T1, T2, T3 and T4 have set up smoking areas.
You can consult the location of these smoking areas on the airport maps
Transfer Between Terminals
A free shuttle bus transfers passengers between the terminals and the long-stay car park. The new terminal building (T4) is linked to its satellite building (T4S) through an automated passenger transport system (APM). There is also a free shuttle bus which connects T4 with the other terminals (journey time - 10 minutes).

Taxis
Please note that Madrid Airport Taxis can normally only accommodate a maximum of 4 people including any young children, if there are more than four people then it may be preferable to book a private Madrid Airport Transfer.
You can get the Madrid airport taxis from outside each Terminal building and they operate on a queue system. Generally the queues move quickly but there can be delays during peak times.

Underground
From 3rd of May the airport has two Underground stops: one at T2, first floor (with access to T1,T2 and T3) and another at T4, floor -1
Remember that it is necessary to pay extra to enter and exit the airport stations (T1,2,3 and T4). The import is 1 Euro extra.
There is more information about timetables and fares at metro de Madrid

Car Hire
You can hire your car at a lowcost car rental broker called Rentspain.com.
Rentspain.com is a companie established in 1.999 in Alicante and it over more than 5.200 destinations all over Spain and Europe.

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