Transportation from MAD to Puerto del Sol

There's a metro station in the Atocha train station. I think it's the blue line that goes to Sol. The station is not called Puerto del Sol, but rather Vodaphone Sol. The locals just say "Sol."

But it's better to take the Cercanías commuter train from Atocha. It's faster (fewer stops) and from the platform at Sol, you have escalators or elevators to street level. Using the metro, you will have a flight of stairs to climb. I think that if you take the train from the airport (that's where you are arriving), the Cercanías ticket is included or free. Ask when you buy the ticket to Atocha. The Cercanías is run by Renfe, the metro is separate - that's why.

Easy-peasy. I did it solo with a suitcase and a backpack. Unfortunately I didn't know about Cercanías until I got to Sol on the metro.

Taxi from the airport costs a flat fee €30, not unreasonable for 4 people. The Cercanías train departs only from Terminal 4 of Madrid airport, handy if that's your terminal, whereas shuttle buses leave from all terminals.

I like the idea of taking the cercanias train from the airport. Does it require you to change
at Nuevos Ministeros to another train to Sol??? Do you know how much the senior fare is if there is such a thing. The train appeals because with luggage we can use elevator or escalator .