Madrid: Plane to Train

There is always so risk in booking a direct train after arrival. If your plane is late and you miss the train the ticket is probably dead. There is a direct bus between train station and airport. I would not book a train prior to noon.

If you leave your plans open, trains run from Madrid to Cordoba every hour and the most you would pay for a full-fare, 2nd-class ticket in the station is €62 per person. You wouldn't have to wait around at all; just buy a ticket for the next departure.

The Airport express train runs about every 1/2 hour from the airport terminals, making a stop at each one...the trip is roughly 1/2 hour as well. You will exit the bus directly in front of the main entrance to the terminal. Cost is about 5 euros I recall. I would not make a train reservation for a very early departure as your flight may be delayed for any number of reasons. The actual time to leave the plane and exit the airport will be one hour at the most in most instances.

I was on that same 8:30 flight about a week ago. I took the airport bus that is recommended in the guidebook. I got to my hotel in central city at about noon, I think. Many things take longer than expected: delay in PHL (airline said it took longer than expected to download new GPS coordinates to plane), in MAD land at remote satellite terminal, long walk from plane to shuttle train, train ride to terminal, customs and luggage pickup was fast, wait 15 to 20 minutes for next bus, bus makes rounds to other stops & other terminal, ride into town. Also, I found it difficult to later navigate the train station, not much signage, at least that I understood. It didn't take too much longer than necessary, but I think I took some lucky guesses that worked.

Hi, Thanks all for your responses. My biggest concern is being able to purchase the tickets at the train station when I can't speak/read Spanish. I thought it might be easier to do it online but it does seem to make more sense to wait, although I am still nervous!

I guess my other option would be to shoot for a 12:00 train and hope our flight is not too delayed.
Thanks!

Purchasing tickets at the Atocha Train Station:

1. Go in the ticket counter room and take a number from the machine, just like some ice cream stores here in the states.

2. Wait behind the line for your number to be called. They are also posted on the sign behind the counter as I recall.

3. Have written out on a note card the tickets you want to purchase....the city, the number of adults, children, etc. and tell the clerk what you want and give that to them as well.

4. Pay in euros if you have them, if not, pay with a debit/credit card. Have your passport with you if your photo is not on the card. This is required for identification.

5. Get your tickets and proceed to the waiting area. There are many people around to guide you.

6. Wait in the waiting area for your train's departure. Again, the train number, destination, etc are called out and posted as well. There will be a line for showing the tickets, then proceed either to the elevator or escalator to get to the loading platform. There is a small security check, xray of luggage basically.

7. The ticket will have the car number and the seat number printed on it. Luggage is left in the car as you enter.

Should have no problem whatsoever. There is a snack car on the train. Look for its location as you enter the train.

I try to have my destination written on an index card anytime I get into a taxi...saves problems!

HJ, Thank you SO much for taking the time to write up these great instructions on ticket purchasing!! I think I can do this now! I really appreciate it.

There is a train ticket booth in the airport - I think just across from the pickup point for the bus to the station. Buy your train ticket there. The last time we were there, there was no line. What is your age? All the ticket agents we used over the years spoke enough English to get the job done. Sometimes it is convenient to write the station on a slip of paper and hand to the agent.

This is one of those trains you do not have to sweat. I've done the exact same twice, lots of fast trains to choose from. As far as getting the tickets, that early arrival may be too early for the RENFE office at the airport. You could go straight to Atocha via the metro (you will have to switch trains.) I actually got off the Metro at Puerta del Sol, got some air and a coffee and waited a few minutes for the El Corte Ingles department store to open. Per RS, they have an English speaking travel agent on staff in the store. You're the first customer at that point and they will gladly book any train tickets you need for your entire trip. There's no pressure and they are very nice and helpful. It can take a long time to get from Barajas into Madrid, so take your time and don't sweat it. You've already made life easy by packing light, you can enjoy the flexibility.