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Trains between Portugal and Madrid

Hi, is there a difference between the train choices going from Santiago de Compostela and Madrid, safety-wise, number of stops, etc.? How far is the train stop from the airport in Madrid and is 2 hours ahead of the flight time long enough to do international travel check in (going to Miami)? Thank you!

Posted by
7277 posts

Hi!
This route is entirely in Spain, yet you posted in the Portugal section and you mention Portugal in the title.

I will assume your question is indeed related to the Santiago de Compostela - Madrid train.
Some trains (Alvia) have more stops and are slower. Some connections involve a transfer in Orense (easy).

The destination in Madrid is Chamartín station, which is a direct suburban train (Cercanías) ride away from Madrid Barajas airport T4 (allow 40 minutes including possible wait), but it requires a transfer connection for other terminals.

Under no circumstances would I consider travelling from Santiago in the morning of a flight out of Madrid. Sleep in Madrid.

Posted by
6 posts

Oh gosh you're right. Our hike is in Portugal but we finish in Spain in Santiago de Compostela. Maybe I should move the post to Spain. thanks!

Posted by
6 posts

Thanks so much for the suggestion about not trying to make the train trip and flight same day.

Posted by
3263 posts

Just go to the Renfe Website. You’ll see the schedule and you can purchase your tickets. This is the official site of Renfe.

Posted by
7062 posts

Personally, I would allow closer to an hour to get from Chamartín station to the airport.

For planning purposes, the train station in Santiago is a mile downhill from the cathedral. It is small and there will be a security check before boarding the train. How thorough it is is a separate issue since the majority of passengers are pilgrims with their backpacks. The line moved quickly.