from Madrid airport to the train station

The train does not go to the airport. Your options for getting into town (about a 30-40 min. trip) are taxi, van service (Aero City), bus or metro. The bus would be the best option, since the train station is one of the four (I think) stops it makes. Taxi and van service are costlier, metro is cheaper, but you would have to make a transfer at some point, and with luggage, that might be less convenient.

There is a metro/train combo but you have to change on the way. The yellow Airport Express bus picks up at T1, T2, and T4 and goes directly to Atocha station, with 2 stops along the way. They depart every 15 minutes, and are very easy and comfortable. Buy your ticket from the driver and store you luggage on the rack. I think the price is up to 5 euros but that is still a bargain compared to taxi.

Agree on the airport bus. It's a typical modern coach bus to and from any large metropolitan airport. Leaves frequently, makes few stops, and in Madrid goes directly to Atocha, the main railway station which, I'm pretty sure, you'll use to get to Sevilla trains. Nothing else makes sense, IMHO. Just give yourselves enough time to negotiate getting through each place TO a bus stop or TO a train platform once you're off the bus.

i am almost surprised no one went with the metro. probably the best metro in europe in terms of clarity and ease of use. it might take a little longer but it takes you to atocha the station. it is safe easy and cheap even with the airport subsidy. have fun, be safe. jeff

Probably no one chose the metro because in order to get there from the airport, you must make a change. A lot of people are leery of trying to change in the middle of their journey, with luggage and all. it's simply easier to get in one vehicle and stay there until you reach your destination, though I agree that it is a nice metro. The bus is cheaper, too.

The Express Bus between the Airport and the Atocha Station is the most conveniet, fastest, and cheapest way. The bus is well marked. Check when you exit customs and get your luggage as to the exact location. It stops at each terminal. When you return from Seville, catch the bus at the "station" across the from the exit door at the Atocha Station. Think this is where they let you off as well. The train is 2 1/2 hour from Atocha. The ticket will have the coach number and the seat number printed on it. As with the Express Bus, take your luggage and store just inside the door. There is a sandwich and snack bar on the train.

Thank you so much for the information. The Express Bus does the best. Does anyone know the approximate time it takes from the airport to the train station by that bus?

Approximately 40 minutes, although T4 is a little longer. Our ride to T4 was exactly 45 minutes.