Reading horror stories about people missing train because of confusing platforms and signage and little human help at the train station in Madrid. Any suggestions so we can navigate this train station and NOT miss our train? We have tickets for Sept. 13th at 11:50 am. The is a train number and also "Plaza 7 B" on the ticket.
Thanks in advance
Sharon
I believe the 7b is your seat. That's based on what our tickets for Nov say and what the trainline.com website have for our seats.
I've gone through Atocha many times and never found it particularly confusing. But I can offer a few tips:
There will be a security check before the platforms for long-distance trains. Far easier than at an airport, but it can be a choke-point. Leave time for it. For an 11:50 train, I'd try to be there at least 30 mins early. You can get a coffee inside security if it all goes quickly.
The specific platform number may not be posted until around 20 mins before departure. Then there may be a rush to a long line to have your ticket scanned and go to the train. If you're in the line you'll get on the train.
7B is your seat number, but before that there's a "Coche" number for which train car you're in. There's a 7B in every car, so on the platform look for the correct 'coche' number and just board there.
There are Walkarounds of the station on YouTube, if a bit of orientation might make you more comfortable.
Is there a separate check point that takes you to only the high speed train platforms? I am getting the impression there are short-mid travel trains that have the same platform numbers as the high speed AVE trains and people get those platforms confused because they share the same number. Evidently both have trains that go to Seville and if you go to the wrong one you are out of luck. Thanks for the other information, it is helpful.
Thank you,
Sharon
Sharon-
I think you might be overthinking it. It really is not designed to trip you up, and I've never heard of anyone having a hard time navigating the station. Maybe you're referring to the fact that there are kind of two stations in Atocha: the commuter, or 'Cercanias' platforms and the medium/long distance platforms, where you're going. They're well distinguished, just in case, if you get to an unmanned turnstile, where you'd have to tap a contactless ticket to pass, you're in the wrong place.
Clearly, you're nervous about it, so I'd suggest you get there even a little earlier so you can confidently find your way without time pressure. There will be loads of staff around for both RENFE (the train operator) and ADIF (the rail network/station operator company)—showing them your ticket will help them guide you correctly.
Haha, Scudder you have me pegged!! Yes, I am totally overthinking this. It's part of my MO. I should probably use it as my screen name. I feel very confident we will have a successful journey to Seville. Thanks everyone for the helpful information.
SB
I'm directionally challenged and I managed to find my way onto the trains in both stations. I would say give yourself plenty of time to find your train and maybe look around the station.
Most of the big city airports/train stations in Spain are well marked
