Hi - we are thinking of signing up for a highlight's tour of the Prado in Barcelona. The tour ends at 1:15 and our train, out of De Atocha train station, leaves at 2:35pm. The guide that I am in contact with has twice asked me if I think we have enough time to make our train and has noted that the museum is about 15 minutes away from the station. To me, with carry on luggage that will be stored at the Prado while we are on the tour, it seems like enough time. Am I missing something?
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
The museum is huge. Unless the tour ends near an exit which is near the taxi stand you need to allow time for that and retrieving your bags. Find a taxi. Then you need to get to the station. 15 minutes assumes no traffic which can add time. Then, navigating the station which is huge. You have to find your train, get to it. The guide is right, it’s tight. Doable, but tight.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Alan, thanks for this reply! This is the perspective I needed to make a decision! Best, Jen.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7160 posts
Walking distance from the Prado to the train station is 7/10 of a mile. It is a direct walk down the Paseo del Prado past Retiro Park.
Posted by
Texas
125 posts
Maybe you could leave your luggage at Atocha before you go to El Prado, so it will be easier for you to travel quickly back to the station after your tour.
from website madrid-atocha.com:
luggage lockers (consignas in Spanish)
located in the Embarcadero area of the station, which is where passengers board the trains. They’re on the other side of the tropical gardens to the platforms. You’ll find them underneath the Samarkanda restaurant (the raised section against the glass windows at the end of the old station). Alternatively, look for the Burger King, which is also close to it. When you are in front of these doors, you should be able to see the “CONSIGNAS” sign clearly to your left at the end of the passageway.
small, medium and large lockers per day: Pequeñas: 3,10 €, Medianas: 3,60 € y Grandes: 5,20 €
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I wouldn’t rely on being able to store carry on luggage at a museum. My experience is they will only store carry bags and day packs, no suitcase, no matter how small.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
These are all such good suggestions! We shortened the tour a bit, with the guide and I'm going to take the luggage to the train station before we go to the museum, as was suggested! thanks so much, everyone!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Maybe do some homework for your guide beforehand, research the Prado site to determine which works interest you most of all.