Train(s) from Madrid Airport to Toledo

Also check out the options for the bus from Madrid to Toledo. Once we arrived in Madrid at 9:30 a.m. and train tickets to Toledo weren't available until 6 p.m. We took the bus and it worked out great. Rick Steves' Spain guidebook should have info on both train and bus options between Madrid and Toledo.

You have to go into central Madrid to make a connection. For instance, you can take the yellow Expres Aeropuerto bus to Purto de Atocha station, then buy a ticket there for the next train departing by either AVE or cheaper Avant service. If you do have Rick's Spain book, see the end of the Madrid chapter.

Yes, transfer through Madrid. A taxi, subway, or bus to Atocha, which is Madrid's big train station, then a fast AVE train to Toledo. I believe there are pricey car services that will take you from the airport to Toledo, but if you want more reasonable expense, going through Madrid is your main option.

When you arrive at the Madrid Airport it will take you 30 - 45 minutes to exit immigration and customs. The lines are marked for EU citizens and NON EU citizens. From there you will go to the luggage area to claim your suitcases. There will be two exits, adjacent to each other, one marked "Something to Declare" (which no one uses) and "Nothing to Declare" When you exit through the door you will be in the arrivals lobby. Change your dollars in to euros if you need to do that. Bus ticket is five euros. The Airport Express Bus will be outside the door. If you do not see it, ask at the information desk. The trip to the Atocha station will be about 25 minutes, with the bus stopping at each terminal. There are two other stops, but the Atocha stop is the last. You will put your luggage in the luggage rack as you enter the bus and pay the five euro ticket price. As you exit the bus you will at the front entrance to Atocha. Proceed straight ahead and take the down escalators to the lower level. (They are actually ramps and not step escalators.) You will find the ticket office there. Enter and take a number just like in the ice cream shops here in the states. The numbers are called out and posted as well. Purchase the ticket and ask for which level you are to go...most likely up.. You will go through a luggage screening and to the departure lounge. There are restaurants, etc. in this area as well. Your train will leave at a certain platform and there are attendants to assist if you have a question.

The ticket will have the car number and the seat number on it. As you enter the car there will be a luggage rack. The AVE train to Toledo is 25 minutes. The Toledo stop is the only stop/

On arrival at Toledo walk through the train station and you will find taxis at the front door. You will have the ride of a life time to the hotel if you are near the Cathedral. But, it is safe!!

Ticket price one way is less than 15 or 30 euros I think.

Enjoy my favorite city -- Toledo!!

I agree with everyone that it's simple and convenient to take the shuttle bus to Atocha Station (see Madridman.com web site for pictures of the shuttle bus) to connect for the train to Toledo. Atocha Station is the last stop so no worries. BUT, I would urge you to book your tickets to Toledo in advance. I used the Petrabax web site and it was a snap. They are located in the New York City area so there's no problem using your US credit card. Plus, they have a toll-free number in case you need to contact them: (800) 634-1188. I found it very reassuring to have my train tickets in hand before leaving the US. There is also a very helpful web site called www.Seat61.com which gives you lots of good info on train travel in Spain and all over Europe.

Have a great trip!

Bob makes an excellent point about purchasing tickets in advance. Petrabax could be more expensive--to save $$$ try to use the Renfe site (it can be a challenge!) with the recommendations for navigating the site on the ManinSeat61 website.

Trip advisor has an excellent posting on purchasing train tickets in Spain...when you get on the site, be sure to "register" at the first opportunity...it makes the process much easier....And remember, the tickets can not be changed for a different departure time. Allow a minimum of two hours from the time of your scheduled landing...three would be better--in case of delays in the flight or in the processing time in the airport. The trains leave frequently during the day and the schedule will be on the Renfe site.

Every bus station I visited in Spain had an information booth with an English speaker. They will help you navigate your options, purchase your ticket, and point out where to catch your bus and when.

Don't shy away from buses in Spain. They are clean, comfortable and are the transportation of choice for short trips, like Madrid to Toledo. Tickets are cheap and don't sell out.

I'm with Brad on busses in Spain. It was such a hassle trying to purchase rail tickets from Madrid to Toledo. Our experience purchasing tickets for the bus from Madrid to Toledo was a breeze. If I were going again I'd take the bus! If you decide to go by bus, go to the Plaza Eliptica Station (Metro Plaza Eliptica.) There are signs once you leave the Metro that point you to the bus station. The directo bus is faster than the ruta.