Madrid airport to Cordoba train station

"How am I doing?"

Just fine - you get a gold star for research and preparation!

"And why is this so hard?"

It isn't. You just outlined all the steps very well. As with many things, it takes more work to describe than to do. Just think of driving; if you were to write out all the steps involved in pulling out of the driveway, it would take paragraphs (close car door; put on seat belt; start car; release parking brake; look around including all mirrors for anyone in the way; etc, etc). But actually doing it, once you've done it a few times, isn't so hard. Well, going from MAD to Cordoba is the same. You'll see - after taking a few train trips, you'll be able to give train tips to others.

"On the RENFE site I don't see which platform this would be leaving from - is this because they change regularly?"

Yes, even if certain platforms are regularly used, they can change. Once you get into the lounge where you wait for the train (after the security check), there are TV monitors showing all the train departures. Find your train by train number as well as final destination. The tracks will be posted about 10-15 minutes before departure; don't panic if it's earlier than that and your track isn't posted yet. There is also an information desk in the lounge, where you can ask questions if you are unsure.

As at an airport, don't spend too much time wandering around the station if you're lost - ask for help sooner rather than later.

I never needed to switch from a Cercanias train to an AVE at Atocha Station, but I think they use different sets of platforms. The upper (ticket-booth) level of Atocha Station can be confusing, so if it turns out you need to go through there to get to the platform for Cordoba, do heed the suggestion to ask for help. There is often a uniformed Renfe employee wandering around up there, and if you simply ask, "AVE--Cordoba?" [that's "ah-vay"], he or she should point you in the right direction. You may see someone you can ask shortly after getting off the Cercanias train from the airport--even better.

Eeamartinez,

I agree with Harold... You've done a good job!

Please note: The C-1 Cercanias train will take about 25 minutes to reach Atocha station, which is the 5th stop from Terminal 4, not the 3rd stop.

Here is a diagram of the Atocha train station which as you may have heard is pretty BIG.
As Acraven has mentioned, don't hesitate to ask for directions. The Renfe staff wear purple vests.
As you can see on the diagram (#6 & 82 in red), there are "Atención al Cliente Renfe" offices (Customer Service Renfe offices) on Planta 0, where the tropical gardens are located.

As far as I remember (suffering from exhaustion and jet lag), we had to go up to Planta 1, to wait for our train platform to be displayed on the digital monitors; then once our tickets were scanned by a Renfe representative, we took another escalator down to the train platform.

Keep in mind that the train doors close 2 minutes before the train departure time.

The train stations in Córdoba & Sevilla are much smaller and easier to manage, so once you board that first train in Madrid's Atocha station, the others will be a breeze! ;-)

Enjoy your trip!

outstaying my welcome not at all. That's what we come here for. What's hard is you can't picture it in your mind.

At the airport, keep following the overhead signs (either "Renfe" or drawing of a train). The Renfe ticket office is opposite the entrance to the trains. When I did it, the ticket agent gave me the Cercanias ticket along with my Cordoba ticket. The agent will charge you the discounted price on the TD ticket (of course, tell him/her first that you want the TD).

As I recall (and what it looks like on the map Priscilla linked to), it's a straight shot from the Cercanias exit at Atocha to the AVE trains. There are overhead signs to guide you. It's a few minutes' walk past lots of shops. The entrance to the AVE train lounge is on your left, to the tropical garden (and toilets) on your right. You will go through a security check to enter the AVE lounge. My memory is that you go up to Planta 0 (ground floor) to exit the Cercanias, then everything is on that level. From the lounge you go down a flight to the train platforms.

Security at the trains is less than airport security. You need to show your ticket and put all your belongings and outerwear (coats, jackets) through the "x-ray" machine. You don't remove belts or shoes and you can take liquids. There's no body screening, just luggage screening.

When you get to Cordoba, a much smaller train station, just look for the picture of the taxis. There's a small TI office in the station at the entrance to the train platforms but I've never seen it open!

Harold, acraven, Priscilla and Chani! Thanks for your assistance and your encouragement. Your comments are so helpful - I have taken notes on all and feel empowered to tackle the big bad train system in Spain (which I hear is actually rather efficient once you've experienced it). I am surprised at how much I have to rely on you/this forum but I can't imagine planning a trip without it/you. Best wishes to all - I will 'give back' to the community when we return!

I've done this a couple of times. I will tell you that there are not always people in vests to help you out once you clear customs. I came in about 8 AM as well and it was pretty dead there.

Also note it is easy to confuse the subway with the cercanias.. They are both subways but the cercanias is separated and has a different entrance. Took me a while to figure it out in my sleep deprived state.

You have the C-1 train correct and as others mentioned it is about 25 minutes. It is actually more complicated coming from Atocia to the airport as it is easy to get on the wrong train, which eventually split and go different diretions.. But from the Airport it is reasonably foolproof.

I bought my AVE tickets before arriving, but I also like to buy the first class tickets. Yep more expensive but I like the use of the lounge and it is less crowded. But the 2nd class is fine as well and most people will tell you it is just as good. . But I padded my time to accommodate the transfer.. I ended up buying a 12:00 PM AVE ticket to give myself lots of time since it was my first time, and I needed the majority of it with delays and my self induced confusion... You will eat a lot of time figuring out how to get to the cercanias and navigating Atocha...

Atocha was a bit confusing. There are trains on the lower level that are regional. And unfortunately you won't be able to find your train track on the board until you get closer to your time. AVE trains that go south to Seville and Cordoba (it is the same train) are on the upper decks which you have to take an escalator up a couple of levels. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it. Just allow lots of time to figure it out and you will be fine. Not something I would want to be rushing the first time.

Also note the AVE trains don't stay in Cordoba long (like 2 minutes). So be ready to get off as the train arrives. I wasn't paying attention once and was kinda lulled into a stupor in my sleep deprived state almost missed getting off.

Good luck, and it looks like you have a good grip on things

"Also note the AVE trains don't stay in Cordoba long (like 2 minutes). So be ready to get off as the train arrives."

If you're new to trains, this is important advice for any train in any country. Except for the biggest cities or the end of a line, trains stop for only a few minutes at each station. A few minutes before your scheduled arrival, start gathering all your belongings and head to the exit; you'll see others doing the same. That way, you're ready to get off when the train stops. If you're not ready, you're trying to get off as others are getting on, and this "swimming upstream" is no fun - especially with luggage.

@harold,

Yes... I agree good advice on any train.. Especially important the first time and when you are in a sleep deprived haze after an intercontinental flight.

There is something about the quietness and gentle jostle of the AVE train that puts me into a trance. :)

Hello all-
Back from our trip and just want to say how wonderful it was and how helpful your advice was. Having succeeded in getting from Barajas Airport to Atocha and then on to Cordoba its clear I followed the advice of this community. Also, you are all correct - it was much scarier trying to imagine it before my trip than it was when I was actually there and following the steps you all provided. The advice about not waiting until the last minute to collect our things once on the train and headed to our destination's stop was also spot on. So a big thank you again. We adore Spain and are planning our next trip - this time as veterans of the train system.

Eeamartinez,

It's great to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Spain!