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Madrid Atocha Train Station

If you’re familiar with this station and the arrival and departure areas for Avant and AVE trains, I’d like your opinion about a train connection I’m looking at on the Renfe website. The Avant arrival is 10 a.m. and the AVE departure is 11 a.m. Would the trains be in close proximity? Is one hour enough time or cutting it too close? I can imagine this station being very busy as it is the main hub. Thank you.

Posted by
1178 posts

Should have no problem
The trains will be on time. The attendant on your first train, or someone in a similar position, will direct you to the proper track for the second train. Up the escalator, or elevator if you wish, walk down the waiting area to the next. When that train is called for boarding, present your ticket at the boarding window, back down the escalator or elevator to that train. There are some cafes in the area there. You will carry your luggage with you.

Posted by
15560 posts

You will probably have enough time to stop at one of the myriad shops and pick up snacks, meals, and/or drinks for your next train. Even a toilet stop. I can't imagine it taking more than 15-20 minutes to walk from one train to the other.

Posted by
4535 posts

Agreed, plenty of time. You'll even have time to go visit the turtles.

Posted by
5 posts

Happy to know this is very feasible! I'll buy those discount tickets and we're set. Thanks, again!

Posted by
23178 posts

Train connection times of 10 and 15 minutes is common and doable all over Spain. The station is not that big. With an hour you will have time for lunch and a nap. In Spain you cannot get access to the platform before 30 minutes and you will need to pass through light security checks - mainly your luggage.