I'm planning to take the Cercanias train from the airport to Atocha. It'll have been a long night/day of flying so I imagine I'll be a little bleary-eyed. (Husb likely more so). Hopefully, I'll have enough of my wits about me to take typical precautions, but would like to know if there's a heightened concern on either the airport train or in Atocha for pickpockets. Tx
Posted by
Virginia
670 posts
As a rule of thumb, every big city will have pickpockets on the popular lines. Just count on it and be on guard.
Posted by
Connecticut
806 posts
I’m familiar with an instance of pickpocketing while in transit on the bus taking passengers from the aircraft to the terminal. The location (in this situation) doesn’t matter as much as the need to be vigilant (prepared but relaxed) at all times.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8535 posts
Unless something has changed, the cercanias no longer goes to Atocha. It goes to Chamartín.
Regarding pickpockets, you need to be aware they can be anywhere, especially where there are crowds.
Posted by
OP
64 posts
Well looks like this info on the airport's site is not up to date: https://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/transportation/madrid-airport-bytrain.htm. Accdg to this, Renfe is no longer direct option to Atocha. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYSGpSEZuk
We'll take the express bus, I think.
Posted by
Michigan
599 posts
Don't rule out using taxi/Uber option. Often worth the extra money, especially after an overnight flight. And no pickpocket worries!
Posted by
Massachusetts
1719 posts
Well looks like this info on the airport's site is not up to date: https://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/transportation/madrid-airport-bytrain.htm
Please make sure you are using the correct airport website. URL ending in .com means it’s not a Spanish website. Spanish websites use .es
Here is the correct airport website:
https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/getting-there/trains.html
Posted by
9919 posts
Barcelona is the capitol of pickpockets, but Madrid is not far behind.
I always wear a money belt or neck wallet with my passport and most cash and credit cards in it.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1892 posts
Never had any problems with pickpocketing in Madrid. However, I am always on guard. Just take the necessary precautions and you should be fine.
Posted by
930 posts
Last time, because time was short, I splurged on a taxi to our hotel in central Madrid. I would do that again in a heartbeat. €33 is only €28 more than two train tickets and you will arrive relaxed, rested and right at your hotel.
I say this as someone who loves to use public transit and traveling like a local. Save that for then next day when you won't have your luggage and you'll be rested.