Hi and thanks in advance to everyone/anyone who answers. I will arrive MAD Terminal 2 at 19:25 in early March/2023, so it'll be dark. Older female solo traveler who cannot run fast, especially with luggage (even if it's only carry on). Looking for the easiest, hassle-free way into Madrid but taking a taxi direct from the airport to accom is not an option. I see the Madrid Airport Express departs T2 and ends at Atocha. Am I better on/near Plaza del Sol or Plaza Mayor and taking a taxi from Atocha or staying near Atocha? And, if one of the Plazas is a better choice, are there an abundance of taxis, Ubers or Lyft at Atocha waiting for passengers? Thanks very much!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6532 posts
The Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Mayor are only a couple minutes walk from each other. The Puerta Del Sol (currently under construction) is pedestrian only so even with a taxi you might have a couple minutes walk to your hotel depending on the hotel’s location. If a direct taxi is not an option, then the bus, train, or metro from the airport are your options. From Atocha you can take the short taxi ride to the Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor areas. From Atocha, the Plaza Mayor is a 15 minute walk. There are a number of hotels near Atocha. My wife and I tend to stay in the Puerta del Sol area and take the metro, but it does require metro line changes.
Posted by
OP
Victoria on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
111 posts
Thanks for the info Jaime - I did not know Plaza del Sol was under construction. I stayed right on that Plaza last time. I'm torn...I think I prefer a hotel on Plaza Mayor but the convenience of Atocha after a very long flight from Canada's west coast. No option found for a flight arriving daylight. Given I have to transfer at Pearson International Toronto, I may very well arrive in the daytime seeing as it's just been voted the worse airport in the world, gulp. Hope they get their act together before next March. Thanks again!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6532 posts
Believe whatever it is they’re doing to the Puerta Del Sol is supposed to be finished next spring. The construction began in early June. We stayed at Hotel Europa and it was still fun to sit out front at the cafe and people watch.