Madrid -Connections to AVE train to Barcelona

There is a direct express bus from the airport to the Atocha train station and only costs 2 euro, it takes about 30 minutes. Though the Madrid Metro is very good, it will require you to make a couple of transfers, the bus will be easier and faster than the metro, especially since you'll probably have luggage. Regarding your question about the tickets for a specific train, were you referring to the Metro or the train to Barcelona? http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/madrid-airport-bus.html

I was referring to the Ave train to Barcelona. I don't want to cut it too close and miss the train.

Barry was helping you with that. The airport bus takes you directly to the Atocha station, where you will board the AVE to Barcelona. Travel time from the airport is more liken40 minutes, but it depends on your arrival terminal. Customs is a non-event, you just walk through the " nothing to declare" green line. (Assuming, of course, you do have nothing to declare). If you have to go through immigration, that could take some time, maybe 20 or 30 minutes if the lines are long. But estimating a time for the train means assuming you flight will arrive on time. You can either take a chance onnthat and book a train about 2 hours after arrival, or youncould play it safe and allow 3 or 4 hours, and maybe end upmwith extra time to wait. Or you could wait and buy your ticket when you arrive in Spain and avoid guessing, but that means paying full price for the ticket.

As Lola says, there could be delays in the flight, getting through customs, one never knows till they arrive, as I and many others can attest, I've arrived in a country and breezed right through and I've also arrived at the same time as a jumbo aircraft and it has taken quite a bit of time. To be on the safe side, again as Lola mentioned, a 3 to 4 hour window should suffice and give you some level of comfort.

I'm not getting why you are leaving the airport to catch a train to Barcelona? Usually the advantage of taking a train is to avoid the time and hassle of getting to the airport. Since you're already at the airport, a flight seems like the natural choice. If it's just because you really want to experience the AVE, okay. If you are trying to get to Barcelona in the most cost and time efficient manner, you should be taking a plane. Iberia airlines and Vueling offer cheap flight options. From Barcelona's airport, you can catch the aerobus or renfe into town in under 30 minutes.

Brad has a good point. You'll spend far more time with the train option than just catching a connecting flight to Barcelona from the airport. The cost might be similar. Even if it does cost a little more, the time you save may be worth it. And if for some reason your flight is delayed and you miss the connection, the airline will put you on its next flight whereas if you miss your train, the value of the ticket is worthless.

Thanks - that's a good idea - I'll look into that.