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
667 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
802 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
8446 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
60 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
589 posts
Don't rule out using taxi/Uber option. Often worth the extra money, especially after an overnight flight. And no pickpocket worries!