How to Go from T4 to T1 (and Other Terminals): Guide to the Free Transit Bus
To travel the 4-kilometer distance between Terminal 4 and Terminals T1, T2, or T3 at Madrid Airport, you must use the free green Transit Bus (Bus Tránsito), which operates 24 hours a day and connects the terminals in about 15 to 20 minutes.
At Madrid-Barajas Airport, making a mistake with your terminal can be a major headache. Because the T4 complex was built years after the original terminals, it is physically separated from T1, T2, and T3 by the runways and highway infrastructure. You simply cannot walk between them. From our daily operations assisting travelers at the curbside, we frequently see panicked passengers who parked at the wrong terminal or arrived at the wrong check-in area and are desperately trying to figure out how to cross the airport without missing their flight.
This guide breaks down exactly how to find the free inter-terminal shuttle, how to distinguish it from city buses (so you don’t accidentally end up in a remote parking lot or downtown Madrid), and the exact timetables you need to keep in mind to manage your transit time smoothly.
1. Which Bus Should I Take? (Look for the Green One)
You must board the bright green (pistachio/lime) bus with a digital screen displaying “T1-T2-T3-T4”; this service is entirely free, requires no ticket, and runs continuously 24/7.
The arrivals curb at any Barajas terminal is a chaotic mix of taxis, private transfers, and various bus lines. Boarding the wrong vehicle is a very common mistake that will cost you precious time. To ensure you are heading to the correct terminal, memorize these details:
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The Correct Bus (Transit Bus): It is distinctively light green. You do not need to show a boarding pass or buy a ticket to get on.
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What NOT to board: Do not get on the yellow buses (these go to the AENA Long-Stay remote parking lots) or the blue buses (these are the Express buses heading into the city center of Madrid).
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2. Stops and Route: Where to Wait
The Transit Bus operates on a circular route; you can catch it right outside the Arrivals level (Floor 0) at T4, T1, and T2, at the stops clearly marked as “Bus Tránsito.”
Navigating the stops is straightforward once you know which level you need to be on. Since it is a shuttle designed to connect arriving passengers with other terminals, the stops are always located on the Arrivals curb (the ground floor).
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From Terminal 4: Go down to Floor 0 (Arrivals). Walk outside through the sliding doors and cross the first lane to the dedicated bus and taxi lanes. Look for the yellow totem sign reading “Bus Tránsito”.
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From Terminals 1 and 2: Similarly, exit the Arrivals hall on Floor 0 and wait on the outer curb at the designated stops.
Important Time Factor: The physical drive between the T1/T2/T3 complex and T4 takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on airport traffic. Always factor in an extra 30 minutes for the transfer to avoid sprinting to your gate.
3. Timetables and Frequencies
The bus runs 24 hours a day without interruption, arriving every 5 to 8 minutes during daytime hours and every 20 to 40 minutes during the early hours of the morning.
While the service never stops, the frequency changes drastically depending on the time of day. If you have a red-eye flight or a very early departure, you must plan accordingly so you aren’t left waiting in the cold:
| Time Shift | Bus Frequency |
|---|---|
| 06:00 – 22:00 (Daytime) | Every 5 to 8 minutes |
| 22:00 – 01:00 (Night) | Every 10 minutes |
| 01:00 – 06:00 (Early Morning) | Every 20 to 40 minutes |
4. What if I Miss the Bus or Am in a Huge Hurry?
If you cannot afford to wait for the green bus, your fastest paid alternatives are taking a fixed-rate taxi (€20) or using the Metro Line 8, though the Metro requires a ticket and airport supplement.
Sometimes, waiting 10 minutes for the next bus is the difference between making your flight and watching the plane push back without you. If you are in a genuine emergency, you have two backup options:
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Taxi: Taxis have a fixed rate of €20 for terminal-to-terminal transfers. It is the absolute fastest way to get from T1 to T4, as the driver will take you directly to the Departures level.
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Metro (Line 8): You can take the pink Metro line from the T1-T2-T3 station to the T4 station. The ride takes 5 minutes, but you must buy a Metro ticket plus the airport supplement (around €4.50 – €7.50). We do not recommend this if you are carrying heavy luggage, as navigating the station stairs wastes time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Transit Bus
Can I take an airport luggage trolley onto the green Transit Bus?
No, airport luggage carts are strictly prohibited inside the buses; you must take your bags off the cart, load them onto the bus manually, and grab a new trolley when you arrive at your destination terminal.
Does the Transit Bus stop directly at Terminal 3 (T3)?
T3 is primarily a check-in and boarding area (mainly for Air Europa) physically connected to T2. The bus usually stops near the T2 Arrivals / T3 Departures border, so you will just need to walk a few meters indoors.
Do I need to show my passport or boarding pass to the bus driver?
Not at all, the Transit Bus is completely free and accessible to the general public, meaning you do not need to show any travel documents, tickets, or IDs to board the vehicle.
