Hello:
I have been trying to find interior maps of the each floor of these 2 stations, but I have not been lucky. Do you have a sight where I could print the layouts? I will be rushing from airplanes to catch trains, and I just wanted to quickly find ticketing, etc.
Thank you for the help!
Donna Correa
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
If you want, you can purchase tickets up to 62 days in advance over the internet....and maybe find some significant savings as well. www.renfe.es is in Spanish only but it is easy to navigate with a little help. Atocha station, in particular, can be a zoo for ticket lineups.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Norm is right about the "zoo" at Atocha--it's chaotic! For our recent trip we wished we had listened to his advice and purchased tickets online in advance (we were going to Toledo and thought it wouldn't be a problem to get tickets when we arrived.) Next time, we'll buy in advance!
We ended up taking the metro to Eliptica Station and taking the bus. It was easier!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23604 posts
There is also a ticket station at the airport. We have bought tickets there in the past and never a line.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Hi Donna!
Just wanted to clarify my earlier suggestion! In our circumstance it was easier for us to take the bus since tickets to Toledo were sold out until 6 p.m. on the day we arrived. In most cases, taking the train might be best.
If you're not sure of your arrival time or haven't purchased train online in advance, Frank's suggestion of getting train tickets at the airport is another option that I was not aware of. That's a good suggestion!
I would also add that signage in the train stations is good so it's not difficult to find your way around.
Hope that's helpful and that I haven't confused the issue!!
Best,
Sharon
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23604 posts
The suggestion of a bus to Toledo is very good. First, the time difference is small and the cost difference is huge. Second, the bus drops you at the main square or plaza whereas the train is on the edge of town and you need a taxi, local bus, or a long uphill climb. Several years ago we were forced to discover the bus system when we were hit was a one day train strike, and found that the bus system was excellent especially for trips of two to three hours. We now use the bus more than the rails in Spain.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
You don't really need a map of Atoche train station, just take the escalator to the bottom and as you face the huge tropical garden, the ticket center is on your right. You will not have trouble finding the counter, just waiting in the line and also finding out that trains have already sold out. I agree with the others, we wasted a lot of time waiting in the station because we had not reserved our tickets.