Madrid Travel Answers

Which day?

I think you have to take a taxi; walking can take long and using nightly buses can be a difficult task

Yup... i was thinking the same thing myself.Any ideas of approximately how much the fare would be? Also... my train is at 6.25, so I plan to leave the hotel at around 5.15. Is this too early or too late? Thanks.

I had a go using Google and came up with this: maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-... which involves a short walk to catch the 146, then change onto the 34 bus and then a short walk to Atocha. Takes about 28 minutes. However, have no idea what time the buses start running. I'd take a taxi - less hassle and worth the cost. It's only about 3km, so won't cost that much and early in the morning, the traffic should be quiet and free-flowing. One caveat, I don't know how plentiful taxis will be at 05.30 or so, so perhaps a Madrid VTer could comment and/or suggest how to go about finding one, or booking one. Oh yes, you could also walk......

worldtaximeter.com indicates the ride would cost €7.15 if you were to take a taxi at 05.34.

Yes, I was about to give you the same link: www.worldtaximeter.com/madrid Yes, buses start at 6 ams (so is the metro), but it involves to change both, bus or metro line. Normally, it wouldn't take long at that time so 5,15 could be early, but I'd recommend to go early anayway. Once you reach the station, it's not difficult but it takes a while and you have to pass the security control (not as strict as at the airports). You can relax and have an early coffee.

And, you can ask at the hotel about calling a taxi (which implies an extra charge) or go to Gran Vía to catch a taxi (it depends on how big/heavy your luggage is/will be)

Thanks everyone for your great input.. definitely going to get a taxi then. I am travelling light, so walking to Gran Via would be an option to get a taxi.. but will it be very easy to get a taxi at Gran Via at around 5 am?

It would be much better to arrange to phone for a taxi. You won't want one at 5am - your train doesn't leave until 6.25! More like 5.45, as it is only a few minutes by taxi to Atocha. Some people would say that you don't need to get a taxi until 6.00 but I like to be on the safe side!!

Got it! Thanks so much everyone for the help.

5 am, 5,15, 5,30.........you shouldn't have problems to catch a taxi on Gran Vía, but if you feel better (safer), you can ask at your hotel to call a taxi. Which day of the week?

metro starts by 6h05. So you will make the trip in about 25 min not including your pace and the stairs, so for 6h25 better take an early taxi. by the way the best metro route is from walking to metro Noviciado, take line 2 to Sol and then line 1 to Atocha Renfe. a taxi that I have used in the past is radiotelefono-taxi.com/servi... you can prebook and pay with bank card. hope it helps

and further a bus is a bit better than the metro, you need to change to get to Atocha in the local EMT bus system. Line 1 then change at cibeles line 10 ,its about 20 minutes depending on traffic. they do start about 6h25 circulation. therefore again at that time the taxi wins ::) cheers

Excellent advice everyone! It is much appreciated

softguide-madrid.com/madrid_...

Gwened.. i tried the link you gave me, but there does not seem to be an English option. My spanish is very limited, and Google Translate just doesnt cut it on this website. However, i did find this website : http://www.taksee.net/bookings. Its in English, and I could register with my Malaysian mobile number. But I couldn't try to make a booking because the date I need the ticket is too far in the future for now. Just wondering if you or anyone else in the forums have tried this service? Thanks.

Roughly, it means that those cardsare accepted It's important, which day of the week?

hana never use the site but it does not mean is bad. it looks ok to me. the other site you can contact in English they will respond to you. Best of luck