​​The art of arriving “just in time”: how much time you really need before your flight at Barajas or El Prat

There are two types of travellers: those who arrive at the airport three hours (or more) in advance and calmly have breakfast as if they didn’t have a flight to catch… and those who slide into the boarding gate just as the loudspeaker is calling their name. Because arriving “with plenty of time” is very relative, and everyone has their own theory. On top of that come the usual unexpected issues: traffic jams, queues at security checks, baggage problems, or last-minute delays. The result? Sometimes we arrive far too early and get bored, and other times far too late with our heart in our mouth.

We hope that after reading this article you’ll find the perfect balance. Because arriving “just in time” is truly an art.

What is the ideal time to arrive at the airport?

Ideally, you should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes in advance for domestic flights and between 2 and 3 hours for international flights, especially those outside the Schengen area.

This time frame applies both to Barcelona–El Prat Airport and Madrid–Barajas Airport, as both share similar passenger flows and very marked peak times during certain hours of the day and times of the year.

The idea is not to arrive so early that you end up wandering around the terminal with nothing to do, but to arrive with enough time to check in calmly, pass through security without stress, and reach the boarding gate without last-minute rushes.

• Circumstances to take into account

Beyond what the clock says, there are other factors worth considering when deciding what time to arrive.

• Airport size

Flying from a small airport is not the same as flying from major hubs like Barcelona–El Prat or Madrid–Barajas. The more terminals, flights, and passenger traffic there are, the more likely you are to encounter long queues at check-in and security.

• Type of flight and airline

As a general rule, international flights always require more time due to additional security checks. In addition, some airlines—especially low-cost carriers—require in-person verification even if you have already checked in online.

• Luggage

Travelling with only hand luggage is very different from checking in baggage. If you check a bag, you’ll need to go to the counter and wait in line, and the waiting time is unpredictable. The more bags, special items, or oversized luggage you carry, the more advisable it is to arrive with extra time.

• Time of day or time of year

Early mornings, public holidays like Christmas, summer… these are times when airports—especially large ones like Barcelona–El Prat and Madrid–Barajas—become extremely busy. The more “peak time” your flight is, the more time margin you’ll need.

• Language and unfamiliar airports

If you’re flying from an airport you don’t know well or where you don’t speak the language, getting around will take longer. Avoid unnecessary stress and arrive with plenty of time.

• Transport to the airport

How you get to the airport also has a big impact on the time you need. If you use public transport, you depend on schedules, breakdowns, and delays that can’t always be predicted. And if you travel by road, traffic jams appear when you least expect them. That’s why more and more travellers choose to drive their own car and leave it at a nearby parking facility: you decide when to leave, park without driving around in circles, and walk straight into the terminal. And if you park with us, it’s even easier—you leave your car at the door of your terminal, and we take care of the rest.

As you can see, arriving just in time doesn’t mean rushing—it means calculating well. The more factors you take into account, the fewer scares you’ll have before flying. Planning your arrival time properly, allowing for the unexpected, and choosing how to get to the airport makes the difference between starting your trip stressed… or happy. And if that plan includes leaving your car in good hands, you know that at aparca&go we make it easy from the very first minute.