Hello... Can anyone tell me if 7 minutes is enough time to change trains in the Madrid Atocha station? I'm looking at arriving at 9:58AM (AVE train) from Toledo and then catching an Altaria train to Seville at 10:05 AM. Thanks.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12314 posts
Check out Lisa's post about Atocha. I'm planning a trip in the area. 7 minutes is pretty tough in a large station when changing from one type of train to another (at best you're sprinting to get there). Add security checks and it's impossible. 30 minutes according to some posters on Lisa's post may still not be enough. Remember, miss your train and your ticket becomes worthless.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
162 posts
wow, thanks. i didn't know there were security checks in train stations. never saw that in france in 2008.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
It will be very very close! The security checkpoint is nothing at all like that in an airport...basically I have had them look at my passport and then go on through. Only one time did I have them do more, and that was in a different city. When you arrive, you will need to get from that level to the main level via the escalators, find the new gate, and get down again...and it is a good walk to the train car I can assure you. Would need more time myself.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
No - absolutely not. I'm not sure of the security checks and final boarding on Altaria trains, but for AVE at least they close the gate a few minutes ahead of departure time. And while security checks are minimal compared to airports, you still have to put your bag on a screener and have your tickets and documents checked. And Atocha is a big station.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
162 posts
thanks guys. really appreciate this. i wouldn't have known. okay... will go for the next train.