Rick's 2012 Spain book recommends taking the bus from the Madrid airport into the city because the Metro requires two transfers. However, it looks to me like RENFE is now operating a C1 train from terminal 4 directly to Atocha: http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/Page/1049727006397/1049727006245/Train.html It's 2.15 euro so basically the same price as the Expres Aeropuerto bus. I'd always prefer a train to a bus, to avoid traffic... This option isn't mentioned in the new book but it looks like service may have started up sometime in the last six months. Has anyone tried this? Looks like the best way to get into the city to me but am curious if anyone has experienced otherwise. Thanks!
Posted by
San Jose, California, U.S.A.
117 posts
Jim,
The Airport Express bus makes 3 stops after pick ups at all 4 terminals. The third stop for the bus is Atocha. I took the bus to Plaza Cybeles(stop two) and took the metro to Sol to get to my lodgings in Sept. I do like the luggage racks on the bus.
Posted by
New Hampshire
87 posts
I took the new line a week after it opened in early October. This was my first trip to Madrid so I have nothing to compare it with but it was a straight shot from terminal 4 to Attocha.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
I used a train back when it first began . Once you navigate yourself to the access point in the airline terminal it is a straight ride...can get crowded along the way as there are a couple of stops. But elevators, escalators, etc. Not sure if this is the train you reference or not...it was a good ride and enjoyable. I had to get my bearings when I arrived at Atocha as you enter in one section and the other train was in another. Not a real problem though. I wanted to use the new bus and was there the week it began service, but no one in the airport knew anything about it! Will try it next. Think it would be as good as, if not better than the train to be honest.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17441 posts
We took the airport bus and it was easy and comfortable. Looks like the train is faster (26 minutes) but less frequent ( every 30 minutes). If you want more details you could ask on Tripadvisor. The people on the Madrid board are very helpful.