Arriving to Madrid around 6:05 a.m from the U.S. Heading straight to Barcelona, contemplating 2 flight options. One at 8:00 a.m., the other at 9:30 a.m. Will have carry-on bags, adhering to strict RS traveling guidance. Any thoughts on how close I may be cutting it if I select the 8:00 option?
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
The later.
It's a non protected connection. If you miss the plane to BCN all the airline has to do is smile and ask for a payment for the new flight.
You don't say what airlines but MAD is huge and you could easily have a long transfer. (Terminal 4 feels like it's in a different city) My rule is 4 hours and a willingness to pay full price for a plane/train ticket if my first flight is late
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
Given potential flight delays, getting through immigration, the size of the airport, either option would be too close for comfort for me. The high speed train (AVE) is under 3 hours. The station is easily reachable by cab and other means. Consider that instead. Tempting to reserve in advance but you'll sacrifice your tickets if the flight is delayed. If you do this be sure it's a high speed train; the regional is 8 hours!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
My advice is the same as Alan's. There are just too many ways for a delay to occur. And an airline scheduling change (which seems to happen not infrequently with legacy airlines as well as the budget ones) could mess you up more. If you are lucky enough to zip through the airport, you may even arrive sooner with the train. At any rate, you'll travel in comfort from Madrid to Barcelona.
Posted by
OP
Greensboro, NC
23 posts
On the Iberia flight from Madrid to Barcelona I'm looking at, there are options for "Basic" or "Optimal". My wife and I will each have a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack. I'm not clear on whether this fits within the "Basic" fare they describe, or will I need the "Optimal" due to the suitcases (even though they are carry-on). Anyone have experience with this?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
If you must fly, I would go with the later one but it would make me nervous - and I fly into Madrid almost annually. I agree with the others who recommend the AVE train instead. It's an easy 25 minute bus ride to Atocha Station (it only makes one stop - Cibeles - before it gets to Atocha). You can buy AVE tickets in advance for much cheaper than the walk-up fare.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Why not just fly to Barcelona? Is it that much cheaper to connect in Madrid? And is that worth the lost time of your vacation?
But otherwise, I would choose the later flight. Even a minor delay with your first flight could mean missing your second.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
The Wiki at the top of this thread has a nice map and there are lots of "true stories" of connections to assist.