We have seen reference to train service directly from the Madrid Airport to the Atocha Train Station in downtown Madrid - but I can not find any reference to such a service. Is this something new (We're looking at a 2009 Rick Steves Guide) or are some talking about the Metro which has a number of stops?
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
The new bus service would be the easiest.
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/barajas-airport-express
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Jim: Rick updates the Spain guide every year, so it's worth buying the newest edition. The 2013 one is due out December 18, 2012; if you're traveling before then, get the 2012 edition. Also, he has on-line updates here: http://www.ricksteves.com/books/update/bk-rs-sp.htm.
You can see how many updates he already has for the 2012 edition, so you can imagine how much has changed since 2009.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
There is a direct bus from the airport to the train station. It is cheap, quick, and direct. Using the metro to city center or the train does involve two changes.
Posted by
New Hampshire
87 posts
There is a new commuter train line running from terminal 4 to Atocha. We took this last October when it had just started. Look for information on the Cercanias line C-1. It took about 25 minutes for the journey.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
If you arrive at T-1 or T-2 the bus would be easier because it stops there and you would have to catch the interterminal bus to T-4 to catch the train.