opaldog

I have actually already posted under another post, but am still obsessing over the best and preferably cheapest way to get from Barajas to Madrid with luggage. We are staying near Plaza Mayor, but may stop at the apartment office which is the Recoletos metro/train stop.
We will each have a carry on and for me a messenger bag/handbag and for husband a briefcase/laptop bag.

It seems that there are many changes on the metro. Having never been to Madrid, will it be confusing or is it pretty straight forward. I see the new airport train is operating and that there is also an airport bus. Again, I am asking for opinions and will hopefully eventually settle on an option. Thanks all.

ekscrunchy

I took the bus last winter and it was straightforward. I believe it stops near Recoletos; our route took us along the north perimeter of Retiro before heading south to Atocha. It cost 2e last winter.

agedude

I took it two years ago and it was very simple. I think I changed trains twice, but there were no problems. Just be careful if you are traveling on a weekend, the metro opens later and trains are less frequent.

Someone also told me about taking a Cercanias train to the airport. I didn't do much research but here is a link if you would like to investigate it further:
http://www.spanishairportguide.com/madrid/trains.php

opaldog

Thanks for the advice. There are many options to consider. I'll get into the city one way or another.

BigRuss

Renfe now has a Cercanias train that goes directly from Terminal 4 at Barajas to the Recoletos station in central Madrid. This is a new service that commenced on September 23. It is more convenient than taking the Metro #8 line to Mar de Cristal and changing for the #4 to Colon (which is the closest stop to Recoletos, I think).

See here for information:

http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/madrid

cova

opaldog, if you could tell us which terminal and the exact address of the rental apartment office, we could tell you the options.

I have taken the new Cercanias train on my way to and from the airport the last couple of weekends. I live near Chamartin, so it is quite handy for me, but last sunday I missed the train, and not wanting to wait 30 minutes, I opted for the metro.

In case you are wondering about safety, there are employees of a private security agency and there are inspectors on board (please, don´t try to avoid buying the ticket as some people did last friday ... pretty embarrassing, and they wouldn´t be able to get out of the station).

Bye, Cova

opaldog

We are flying into T1 and will be on Calle Mayor opposite Plaza Mayor. I have thought about the new train. Which station would I get off to get onto the metro? If I take only the metro what is the recommended route for the Sol stop?
Thanks.

danon

The new Cercanian leaves from T4 and DOES NOT STOP AT other terminals.
I took it last week.
From T1 the bus is the easiest...go to Atocha on the bus and take the metro from Atocha to Sol
From Sol it is a few minutes walk to Calle Mayor.

chapla

I took the yellow airport bus last week easy easy and a bargain 2 euros.I suggest you get off before Atocha at Cibeles then walk up to Puerta del Sol to Calle Mayor-not as steep a walk as going up from Atocha. If you are tired to walk then a taxi would be really cheap to take from Cibeles. to

danon

Cibeles is a long walk from Calle Mayor...so would be walking from Atocha
Do not do it.

cova

The train is a no-no ... it doesn´t run through Sol, and you had to get from the T1 to the T4.
I would take the airport bus, stop in Cibeles and get the metro there, line 2 (red one) to Sol. It is only two stops ( Banco de España - Sevilla - Sol ) and you will be there in 2 or 3 minutes.
If you have a lot of luggage, I would get a taxi in Cibeles, plenty of them.
Unless you are still planning on stopping at the rental office near Recoletos ...
Bye, Cova

danon

Cova is right...I forgot about the metro stop at Cibeles

cova

Danon, I live here and I usually forget about that station and walk all the way up to Sol but without luggage ...

danon

Cova,
I just came from Madrid....walk the same way from hotel AC Recoletos.
Madrid was warm and sunny, Retiro was glorious ..the city never looked better .
i

lowcountrycarol

bookmarking

enjoyinglife

I will be going from the airport to Hotel Preciados. What's the best way to go?

opaldog

Such great information, thanks everyone. I think the bus to Cibeles and line 2 to Sol sounds good. Now I can stop obsessing and relax and get ready to enjoy our trip.