From Madrid Airport to Atocha Renfe Station

Well Mary, the least expensive way to get to Atocha train station from Barajas Airport is by metro. It'll cost you 2 euro. I did this back in October and I'm looking at my well worn Madrid metro map, so let's see. It depends on which flight you're arriving on, but you can access the metro from any of the three terminals: T-1, T-2, or T-3. There are plenty of metro signs in the airport to properly direct you.

Once you get to whichever metro entrance, you have to buy a ticket from one of the automated ticket machines. If you don't have the change, there's a change/info desk where they'll make change for you. You need to purchase the 2 euro ticket to get to downtown. That ticket allows you to get out of the station Nuevos Ministerios and onto the next line. Hold on to that ticket. It'll get you all the way to Atocha Renfe. When you make change, pick up a free metro map at the help desk. If you have trouble purchasing a ticket, one of the officials will be happy to assist you. They had to help me the first time.

So here's the deal: Take line 8 from Barajas Airport all the way to Nuevos Ministerios. Next you get on line 6 to Pacifico. Line 6 does a constant circle loop so make sure you head south towards Pacifico. At Pacifico you'll get on line 1 towards Plaza de Castillo. You only go two stops and you're at Atocha Renfe (not to be confused with the next stop which is called Atocha). Renfe is the train station. Total time only about twenty+ minutes.

Seems like alot, but if you've done any metro in your life, this one's pretty easy. Clean and well marked. Just like anywhere...beware of pickpockets.

Vaya con Dios!

Mary --- the directions above are excellent --- I followed the same route in October. Comment: It can be a long hike to the metro station in the airport. There are "moving sidewalks" but you can not use them with a luggage car as there are barriers every so often. There are escellators and elevators all along the way at the stations you will encounter. This is a definite plus with your luggage. When you arrive at Atocha, you will be on one set of tracks...most likely you will need to navigate to another set of tracks...just watch the people and follow them...there seems to be one "exit" into the station. This is the cheapest route and is not difficult.

Easy route: When you exit the customs from T1, go to your right a short distance to the "Pharmacia" shop -it has a large sign...directly in front of it is a free standing booth for the shuttle service. You can get the shuttle to Atocha for about 20 us dollars or so I think. About 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The shuttle service is listed on the airport web site. I have used both the shuttle and the metro and enjoyed both experiences.

And, assuming you're taking the AVE, remember that when you get off the Metro at the Atocha RENFE stop, the first area you see will be the Cercanias, the local commuter train lines, off to your left. Keep heading straight ahead, thru the underground shopping mall, until you get to the long distance trains....you'll see the arrival gates also on your left. Turn right, thru the doors, into the "garden" area of the station. If you need it, the ticket office is off to your right....take the escalators up to the departure level.