Madrid airport to Atoche Renfe station, then off to El Prado, then Sevilla

I just now read that the airport express bus has 3 stops. One of them is the atocha Renfe station. I wonder if that is better than the metro and taxi option. Maybe less hassle than compared to metro and more affordable compared to taxi.

The airport express bus is very easy, convenient, and comfortable. I believe wa paid 2 euro each. Atocha is the destination, with two intermediate stops on the way.

The Madrid airport bus is awesome! I was in Madrid in 2009 (no airport busmultiple changes on the subway with luggage is no fun!) and then again in 2011 (direct airport bus!), and there is no comparison. I was whisked from the airport to Atocha in less than 30 minutes! (Landed at 8:45 am, through customs and to bus stop by 9:30 am, to Atocha by 10 am.) I did arrive on a Sunday morning in February, though :) caught the 11 am AVE (at the high walk-up price) because I was too chicken to bet on a pre-paid timed train ticket, what with my luck regarding airport/airplane delays.] The Prado is so close to Atocha, it seems like the perfect time to take the bus, store your bags at Atocha, hit the Prado (so awesome!), and then catch the train to Seville. Have a great trip!

Aother option is the fairly new C1 line of Cercanias Renfe which connects the Airport terminal T4 and Atocha. This commuter rail runs every 30 minutes and is a direct shot to the train station. Travel time is about 25 minutes.

I took the train Wayne (the poster above) has suggested. It was very easy to catch the train from Terminal 4 at the airport and about 25 minutes later we were at Atocha Station. We purchased the tickets from self service machines just before boarding. It couldn't have been easier. By the way, of all of the museums I've visited in my travels, the Prado is one of my absolute favorites. I hope you enjoy it too!

The Metro connects with Atocha train station which is only a few blocks from the Prado. You may have a couple of connections to get into town but they aren't hard to figure out (some are longer walks than you would expect). The price for the Metro is very reasonable, as I recall there is a one euro surcharge to connect with the Airport above the normal Metro fare.

This website, although not authorative (and neither am I) offers info on baggage at that train station http://www.madridinsider.com/?q=node/49 You might consider buying Prado tickets on-line to avoid waiting at the ticket office. http://www.museodelprado.es/en/visit-the-museum/

I will be staying at a hostel just a block or two away from the Prado. The hotel told me to take the airport bus to Plaza Cibeles. I am not sure if that is the stop directly at the Prado, but I have been told the bus stops at the Prado.

You also use the Aero City van service from the airport. It gets you directly to where you want to be (hotel, Atocha, or wherever) in about 30 minutes from the airport. You can book it right at the desk at the airport. It's more expensive than the metro or bus, but cheaper than a taxi. Just another option.

I have some great information here to work with. Thank you all for your posts.

The airport bus was 5 euros in May - the fare went up on May 1. It is a good buy though. Ample space for luggage and passengers. The stop at Cibiles is in one location on the way to Atocha and at another on the way back...both at Cibiles, but different sides of the street. At the Atocha, there is one location across from the main entrance to the Station. I am not sure where the lockers are inside Atocha. The ariport bus would likely be easier than the subway as there may be a considerable walk to get to it. It is fast, but not convenient to the terminal servicing most of the flights from the states.