Madrid train station- anything to see nearby it?

That is not a lot of time between landing and getting to the train station.

At least the Atocha train station is quite interesting.

Thx. We don’t have a schedule. We arrive around 8:30 am,, carryon bags so no waiting for luggage, direct to customs, cab and to the train station. I’m budgeting 2 hours to get to train station which would be around 11 am. A 1 pm train reservation would be appropriate but we don't mind a later train if there is something to see.

Atocha train station in itself is interesting. The oldest part, with iron roof beams and columns, has been made into a botanical garden, and there used to be a pond full of turtles.

The Reina Sofia museum (Picasso's Guernica) is about a ten minute walk.

Reina Sofia is close.

The Anthropology Museum is across the street (not worth visiting, in my opinion)

There’s a diner with really fast service and outdoor seating across the street called Bar El Brilliante. The food isn’t the greatest in Spain, but it’s good (squid sandwich is great). I would go there and have a quick lunch if you’re hungry.

As already mentioned, with the little time you have the Reina Sofía and a few restaurants are all that are in that area. Any restaurants that I’ve been to in that area were mediocre at best. While the museum is literally across the street from the train station, it can take 10-15 minutes to reach it because of the traffic. That area is extremely congested.

I'd second the consensus to see the Reina Sofia - the Guernica is genuinely stunning, and I found some of the cubist works very profound as well. Easy for it to be a flying visit to the Guernica and call it a day if you're pressed for time. I also recommend Bar El Brilliante for a calimari sandwich and a caña (small beer, alcoholic or non) - it's on the way, unpretentious greasy-spoon vibes, and a very typical Madrileño treat!

Do be aware that it always feels like a commitment of a walk to/from Atocha - you cross a very large street and the station itself is quite large. I'm a huge fan of fitting in a quick visit, but it always feels like more of a hike than I bargained for - budget time and energy accordingly!

Both Retiro park and Del Prado museum are close to Atocha station.

You can also walk to Plaza Major or Puerta del Sol and in 20 - 25 minutes or so. You would get a sense of central Madrid.

The Man in Seat 61 links a walking map - scroll down to "Getting to/from the city centre" on this link.
https://www.seat61.com/stations/madrid-atocha.htm

There is a lot of construction going on now at Atocha. However, it's an easy walk to the Reina Sofia. Also there are nice parklike boulevards up to the Prado that make for a nice walk.

The train station is busy with construction. The Reina Sofia is very short walk across the street. If you are over 65 it is free with ID? Guernica is in room 205. Some beautiful Dali art as well. The Prada would take more time but it is very close as well. No need to Metro anywhere. Walk…

Another vote for heading to Reina Sofia to see Guernica and El Brillante for the calamari sandwich plus people watching!

Thank you everyone for these suggestions. We will see how our timing goes and maybe check out the museum. We are just thinking, with our bags, just get on the train, get to Cordoba and chill.

With such a short amount of time I suggest going on to Cordoba. It’s a delightful city with lots to explore in the area around the hotel where your RS tour stays.