(Layover in Madrid) – Arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) with several hours before hotel check-in? Have a long layover between flights? Planning to explore Madrid before continuing your journey? Or perhaps you’re connecting to a high-speed train from Madrid Atocha or Chamartín Station and don’t want to carry your luggage with you?
Madrid Airport offers several baggage services designed to make your trip easier. Whether you need to store your luggage for a few hours while visiting the city, leave your bags during a layover, or ship your suitcase directly to another destination in Spain, there are convenient options available.
Many travellers use these services before heading to Madrid’s city centre, visiting popular attractions such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum or Retiro Park, or connecting to Spain’s extensive AVE high-speed rail network from Atocha or Chamartín.
In this guide, you’ll learn where to find the official left luggage facilities in each terminal, how the service works, when it makes sense to use luggage shipping instead, and which option is best for your travel plans.
Official Left Luggage Service at Madrid Airport
The official luggage storage service at Madrid Airport is operated by Excess Baggage Company, the airport’s authorised provider of left luggage services.
Passengers can safely leave suitcases, backpacks, sports equipment and other travel items while they explore Madrid, attend business meetings, wait for hotel check-in or enjoy a long layover.
Before being accepted, every item undergoes airport security screening.
The service is available every day of the year.
Left Luggage in Terminal 1 (T1)
The left luggage office in Terminal 1 (T1) is located on the Arrivals Level (Floor 0), outside the terminal building, next to the VIP Parking Area. After collecting your luggage and exiting the public arrivals hall, simply follow the signs toward the VIP Parking area. The facility is only a short walk from the terminal exit and is easy to reach on foot without needing any shuttle or additional transportation. It provides a convenient option for travelers who want to securely store their luggage before continuing their journey, exploring Madrid during a layover, or waiting for a later flight. The location is also easily accessible for passengers arriving by taxi or private transfer.
Passengers arriving at Terminals 2 and 3 can also use this left luggage facility. The office is within walking distance via the covered pedestrian walkways connecting Terminal 2 with Terminal 1. The walk from Terminal 2 typically takes 5–10 minutes, while passengers arriving at Terminal 3, which is directly connected to Terminal 2, should allow approximately 10–15 minutes. The route is well signposted, entirely within the airport complex, and does not require any shuttle bus or public transportation.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 05:00 – 23:00
Operator
- Excess Baggage Company
- Official website: https://www.consigna.es/en
Left Luggage in Terminal 2 (T2)
The luggage storage office in Terminal 2 (T2) is located in the Arrivals Hall (Floor 1), approximately 30 metres from the underground station that connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Its central location makes it one of the most convenient luggage storage facilities at Madrid Airport, especially for passengers arriving or departing from T2 or T3.
The office is easy to find by following the airport signs for Left Luggage or Consigna, and it can be reached within a few minutes on foot from the arrivals area. Thanks to its direct connection with the airport’s underground walkway, it is also a practical option for travelers transferring between Terminals 1, 2 and 3, as well as those planning to explore Madrid during a long layover before returning to the airport.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 07:00 – 22:00
Operator
- Excess Baggage Company
- Official website: https://www.consigna.es/en
Luggage Storage in Terminal 3 (T3)
Terminal 3 does not have its own luggage storage office. However, passengers can easily use the official luggage storage facility located in Terminal 2, which is directly connected to T3 by an indoor pedestrian walkway. The walk takes approximately 5 minutes, requires no shuttle bus, and is fully signposted within the airport. After leaving the arrivals area in T3, simply follow the signs toward Terminal 2, where the luggage storage office is located in the Arrivals Hall (Floor 1), near the underground passage linking Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This is the closest and most convenient luggage storage option for travelers using Terminal 3.
Left Luggage in Terminal 4 (T4)
Passengers flying from Terminal 4 (T4) or Terminal 4 Satellite (T4S) can use the official luggage storage office located on the Arrivals Level (Floor 0) of Terminal 4. The facility is conveniently situated within the public arrivals area and is easy to reach after baggage claim. Travelers arriving at T4S should first take the free underground automated train to the main T4 building, where the luggage storage office is located.
The transfer between T4S and T4 takes only a few minutes, making the service easily accessible for all passengers using Madrid Airport’s Terminal 4 complex. Whether you are planning to explore Madrid during a layover, attend a meeting, or simply travel without heavy bags, the office provides a convenient and secure luggage storage option.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 05:00 – 23:00
Operator
- Excess Baggage Company
- Official website: https://www.consigna.es/en
Shipping Luggage from Madrid Airport
If you don’t want to travel with heavy suitcases, Madrid-Barajas Airport offers several ways to ship your luggage instead of checking it in on your flight. Depending on the terminal you are using, you can choose between Correos’ Paq Maleta service or Excess Baggage Company, which also provides luggage shipping in addition to left luggage facilities.
Here’s what is available in each terminal.
From Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 offers both luggage shipping options, making it the most convenient terminal for travelers who wish to send their bags instead of carrying them.
Correos – Paq Maleta
The official Spanish postal service operates a post office in the public area of Terminal 1. Besides regular postal services, travelers can arrange Paq Maleta, a service designed specifically for shipping suitcases within Spain before or after their trip. Correos also offers home or hotel collection in many locations, meaning you may not even need to visit the airport office.
Excess Baggage Company
The Excess Baggage Company facility located outside Terminal 1 provides:
- Domestic and international luggage shipping
- Courier services
- Left luggage storage
- Travel accessories
This is often the preferred option for international travelers or anyone needing worldwide baggage delivery.
From Terminal 2 (T2) and Terminal 3 (T3)
Terminal 2 and 3 does not have a Correos post office, but reaching the one in Terminal 1 is quick and straightforward. Terminals T1, T2 and T3 are connected by covered pedestrian walkways, allowing passengers to walk between T2 and T1 in approximately 4–5 minutes without leaving the airport complex. For those who prefer not to walk, a free airport shuttle bus also operates between the terminals 24 hours a day.
Alternatively, passengers can use the nearby Excess Baggage Company facility in the T1–T2 complex, which offers both domestic and international luggage shipping, as well as left luggage storage. This is usually the most convenient option if you’re departing from Terminal 2.
From Terminal 4 (T4)
Terminal 4 has its own Excess Baggage Company office located in the public departures area.
Available services include:
- Domestic and international luggage shipping
- Courier services
- Left luggage storage
- Travel accessories
- SIM cards
This allows passengers flying from T4 (including most Iberia flights) to ship their luggage without changing terminals.
Please note that there is no Correos post office in Terminal 4. If you specifically want to use Paq Maleta, you’ll need to visit the Correos office in Terminal 1. T4 only has postal mailboxes, not a full-service post office.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Left Luggage if:
- You have a long layover at Madrid Airport.
- You’re returning to the airport later the same day.
- Your hotel check-in is several hours away.
- You want to explore Madrid without carrying your luggage.
- You’re attending a business meeting before checking into your accommodation.
Choose Paq Maleta if:
- You’re travelling to another city in Spain.
- You’re connecting to an AVE high-speed train.
- You don’t want to transport heavy luggage yourself.
- You’d rather have your suitcase delivered directly to your hotel or final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my luggage at Madrid Airport?
Yes. Official left luggage facilities are available in Terminals 1, 2 and 4.
Is luggage screened before storage?
Yes. All luggage is screened using airport security equipment before being accepted.
Can I store backpacks and sports equipment?
Yes. The service accepts various types of luggage, subject to airport security regulations.
Is luggage storage available every day?
Yes. The facilities operate every day of the year, although opening hours vary slightly by terminal.
What’s the difference between luggage storage and Paq Maleta?
Left luggage allows you to leave your bags securely at Madrid Airport and collect them later.
Paq Maleta is a luggage shipping service that sends your suitcase directly to another address in Spain, such as a hotel, private residence or selected post office.
Is luggage storage useful during a long layover?
Absolutely. Many passengers with layovers of several hours choose to leave their luggage at the airport before visiting Madrid or taking a private transfer to the city centre.
You might also be interested in:
- Closest Hotels to Madrid Airport
- How to Board the AVE High-Speed Train from Madrid Airport
- Madrid Airport Taxi Guide