cjbpjb

We are a family of 4 flying into Madrid at 10 am on 4/17 (Palm Sunday). We are planning to take the AVE train immediately to Sevilla and visit Madrid on the back end of the trip (never been to Spain before).

My questions are (1) do we need to make a reservation for that train (I think probably yes given that it's a busy time) but I am concerned about what would happen if our plane is late and whether we would be stuck or if we could take the next train; (2) how much time should I allow to navigate the airport, retrieve checked luggage (yes, I know, but we cannot carry on since we have car seats wtih us), and get to the station (1-2 hours? longer?); and (3) any details about the best way to get from the airport to the train station (I think it is Atocha) (i.e., how much a taxi would cost and how long it would take) would be appreciated.

Thank you.

danon

As far as I know, you cannot just make a reservation, but can buy tickets you can change.There is now a bus from the airport to Atocha ( check the schedule).
Taxi would be about 35 euros or so... there is surcharge going from the airport (and to the train station and might be one for a holiday too?).
The time usually depends on traffic ( 30 -40 min).
Don't know if there are any processions that day, if not , could be less.

To pick up the luggage , get to the station, find your train ( providing you have the tickets), I would say no less than 3 hours.

CathyM

During Semana Santa I would highly recommend purchasing AVE tickets in advance. Otherwise you may be stranded or have to take the bus. You can purchase some deeply discounted web fares on renfe now. Unfortunately if you miss the train you will be out of luck. Is your flight arriving in Spain direct from the US? If so, I'd feel comfortable with taking a train anytime after 2pm - they run hourly. To get from the airport to Atocha you can take a taxi - it will run around 30 euros. Alternatively there's a new bus that goes directly from the airport to Atocha station. I haven't tried it yet but plan to in April (for my Semana Santa trip). There were a few threads on this service and I've copied a link below. I've never taken the metro but some people swear by it. With 2 kids in tow with luggage I'd probably go by taxi or the new shuttle bus.



http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...tarted-yet.cfm

CathyM

I meant to also mention if you were staying somewhere near the Cathedral or near a processional it could be very ugly trying to arrive anytime from mid-afternoon until 10 or so. The processionals could be taking over the same street as your hotel. If you're staying in the Santa Cruz quarter it's generally not an issue. I had a mess one year trying to arrive at my hotel (Hotel Alminar) around 5pm - never again.

There will be several processions in Sevilla on Palm Sunday. You are in for such an experience.

cjbpjb

Thanks for the replies. We are flying direct from NY to MAD so I will book the 2:00 train. Any special traffice concerns from 11-2:00 on that Sunday that might affect the airport--> Atocha ride (taxi likely)?

CathyM, by "out of luck" do you mean if the tickets are nonrefundable or do you mean that even if we buy changeable tickets, the trains may be full? Sorry, I just have no idea what kind of crowds to expect so I am being extra cautious.

CathyM

The deeply discounted tickets on the web are nonrefundable. If you buy a full fare ticket you can get a refund or exchange but you have to give advance notice so if you're enroute and can't notify them then you'll be out of luck. It's also a high chance the trains will be full - at least in turista class. One year I waited until 2 weeks before my trip and ended up having to pay for preferante and club seats. I've never been so late that I missed my train and was totally out of luck (hopefully this will not jinx me ). However, once I flew through Paris and my flight was delayed almost 2 hours. I made it to Atocha as they were boarding! I always carry the train and bus information with me just in case though.

If you haven't purchased your airfare yet you may try adding the Madrid to Sevilla leg on your ticket. If it's not much more it would be convenient as you wouldn't have to worry about luggage (until you arrive in Sevilla) or a train connection.