Flight vs Train from Madrid to Granada

Hi CaliMom,

When we were in Madrid earlier this spring, we had a bit of a layover at the train station too. So I made note of what was nearby. Also, we had lounge privileges for our ticket to Seville on our IRYO train, so I checked to see if that might be an option for you.

If you want to put your bags into storage, you could easily walk around El Retiro Park. Just a stroll up Paseo del Prado will feel refreshing after the flight.

If you don't want to put your bags in storage, an idea is to buy the Premium Renfe ticket to Granada, which, according to the Man in Seat 61, gives you Sala Club lounge privileges at Atocha. I did a quick price check on Trainline, and it looks like that ticket would cost you an extra $45 vs the cheapest train ticket for the 2:00 train. One person could hang out there while the other got some fresh air, trading off as needed.

Hope this helps.

If you arrive in Madrid at 9:20a I would book the noon flight to Granada. The train takes 3h 45m and will put you to sleep. If you fly, you will spend less time getting there and have more time in Granada which is wonderful city.

What is the difference in price? We took the train the other direction (Granada to Madrid) and it was convenient and comfortable. The subway link to the airport is right there at the train station so I don't think that this would be a big issue. If it was a money saver, I'd take the train because it is more comfortable. If it is about a wash on price, I would go for the flight for easy connection.

One thing to think about is which option might give you more flexibility if your flight from LAX is delayed.

Thank you all.

The train tickets for December are not available yet so I don't know the price. The Iberia flight is $80 for economy or $108 for free flight changes. I'm guessing the train and plane are "about" a wash.

If my flight from LAX-DFW-MAD is late, the train gives me more flexibility since it is 4 1/2 hours later. I can always book a flexible train ticket as well.

Whereas the Iberia flight is 2 1/2 hours later after our arrival from the U.S.

In hindsight, I would've booked my flight through to Granada but the airfare difference now is too great.

What’s your itinerary?
Have you booked all your accommodations?

You may consider starting your trip in Córdoba instead of Granada.
Our itinerary was something like this:
Fly to Madrid>> train to Córdoba on day of arrival >> bus to Granada>> bus to Sevilla >> train to Madrid >> train to Toledo.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!

I would stick with the plan to take the train. That connection time for separate tickets is too short for my comfort level. Madrid’s airport is huge.

You can either take the bus, train or metro to the train station. The train station has lots of food options so you can stop for lunch in the atrium before going through security upstairs. After security, there are a few shops and cafes.

The train tickets for December are not available yet so I don't know
the price. The Iberia flight is $80 for economy or $108 for free
flight changes. I'm guessing the train and plane are "about" a wash.

You can check the cost of a train ticket in a couple of months and it will probably be around the same in December. Checking a random date in September shows that a train ticket to Granada bought in advance is around €30.

Personally, I’d rather take the train rather that that hassle with a third flight leg. It’s not like you’re losing real, useful time ‘on the ground’, given that either way you’ll likely be zonked after that travel day. I’d book a train for 12:30/13:00, in first class/Preferente, for comfort, ticket flexibility, and lounge access. Check Iryo in as well as Renfe. Note that from an Iberia/American Airlines arrival you should not take the metro to Atocha—it would require two transfers. The Cercanias, commuter train will take you right from the terminal to the station. Normally a few cents cheaper than the metro, it’s actually free with the purchase of your long distance ticket. (Though those costs are nominal, really.)

With that said, you’re probably fine booking the noon flight only if it’s on Iberia/AirNostram—any other airline would require a terminal change. Note that the flight is on a 100 seat CRJ, similar to the 50-70 seat jets serving smaller markets in the US, but lengthened.

Yes, leaning toward the train. Thank you for the information Scudder about IRYO! It doesn't go between Madrid and Granada but I will look into for when we return to Madrid.

We are on American, and I believe the Iberia Express planes depart from the same or an adjunct terminal. But we essentially would have 2 1/2 hours to exit and then basically re-enter the airport. It seems like more of a hassle than leisurely taking the C-1 train to Atocha.

We will be in Granada for three nights and two full days so not really cutting our time there short by much.

Travel4fun, did you write a trip report when you went to Madrid and Granada? I have read some of your others but did not see that one.

Thank you!