Madrid Travel Forum

After seeing other posts here, wondering what is the necessary lead time to arrive at the train station? We will be leaving on the 9 pm AVE out of Atocha, and do want to make the most of that last day -- what is a safe time to be there no later than?

First of all you want to make sure you are at the Atocha Renfe metro and not the Atocha metro station. Theoretically you can get on the train at 8:59, throw your luggage on the luggage rack (assuming there is any room left). The Atocha station is well laid out with the tracks on the South side. The displays show which train for which final destination and for which platform. At most it would take less than 10 minutes to find a platform once inside the station. As a practical matter I try to get to the station 30 minutes. I also try to get there early enough to get my luggage where I want it on the luggage rack.. The plus side with the Atocha station is the beautiful botanical display in the station. It is worth being early just for that. Karl

Are the Metro and RENFE stations close to each other, so I might pick the wrong one? I am seeing maps that show the Atocha train station just kinda south of the Parque del Retiro -- is that the right direction to head? I send thanks for that heads up, as I'm sure I would have picked the wrong one...

Correct, there are two Atocha stations and of course most people head south on the metro and hit the first one which is not the Atocha Renfe station. Both stations are marked on the lines in the trains, but oftentimes not on the metro maps. Karl

I would also consider how familiar you are with the station and how soon you will be able to find your track. I like to arrive a little extra early for that reason: Be able to double check departure time and location, get that extra bottle of water or sandiwch and not have to rush in.

you have been told right by Karl, make sure you arrive at Atocha RENFE stop on the metro, for the Atocha train station, there is a connector hallway from the metro to the train station, signs are well posted in my opinion.

safe time? it depends on you, if it is your first time ,you do not want to play with getting lost, be better safe than sorry and be there 30 mins before departure. That should do it.

Hope it helps

This has been very helpful, and have added to my travel guide to print out before I go!