I'm assuming a cab/aerocity would be the quickest way to get from Atocha to Barajas. Does anyone have a decent guess how long this would take on a Saturday morning? Basically trying to figure out if we can get to Barajas for a 1pm flight from a train that arrives at Atocha at 10am. Is this too risky? This is due to cost.
Thanks much!

Hi

I don't think it will be a problem. Even if it takes an hour you'll still have a couple of hours to check in. I haven't done this trip but I'm working on my experience of using Aerocity and the cab to get to and from Barajas, Puerta del Sol being our destination. The trip took around 40 minutes from memory. OK Atocha is a bit further on but I still think you'd be fine. I would use a cab to make sure.

Doable, especially being a Sat. morning. Atocha is nearer to Barajas, in fact.

be SURE you know which terminal in barajas.
makes a huge difference now if you would mistakenly go to wrong one.(T4)

Thanks for the help (and the terminal tip). Glad to here it is possible.
It sounds like Aerocity picks up other passengers, and thus might be longer but cheaper. I guess a cab would be more reliable. Anyone know off-hand if they have flat-rates from Atocha to Barajas?

i have never gotten to the airport for less than 20/25 euros.

If you are flying internationally, some airlines require you to arrive 2-1/2 hours ahead of time so that you have sufficient time to pass through security as well as the time to check in.

T4S is much more efficient than T1 for international flights, but the lines can still be rather long. Check-in isn't quite as bad if you are a premier client and the airline has a first-class check-in line, but passing through security is the same for everyone.

We are flying into Madrid (arriving 9:30 am on a Sunday) and plan to proceed directly to Atocha to catch the AVE to Toledo where we will spend our first night.

Is a taxi the best way to get from Barajas to Atocha? Or is the metro a good way to go? Pro's and con's?

Thanks for the advice.

Just for your info: Taxi supplements in Madrid:
It is permitted to charge ONLY ONE supplement of the following, no matter the trip:
5,00 € Trips with origin / destiny Barajas Airport
2,50 € Trips with origin in Bus stations.
2,50 € Trips with origin in Railway stations.
No supplement for luggage.

bpajax: In case you don't have your AVE ticket, there is a Renfe booking office at Barajas airport (cannot recall which terminal) where you can save time: being a sunday, you may expect lines at Atocha booking offices.

Does anyone know for sure what time the RENFE office at Barajas in Terminal 1 opens on Sundays? Thank you.

it is closed on sundays/holidays and after 1.30 pm saturday afternoons.

Hi

Can you pre purchase tickets on the RENFE site instead?

Please allow yourself ample time to be in Barajas. Carriers with a tendency to overbook use 'late arrival' as an excuse to bump you from a flight. This happened to me once. I was ONLY 2 1/2 hours before the flight instead of the required 3 hours and therefore late. I was bumped to stand-by status.

I can purchase the tickets on the RENFE site, but if the Barajas RENFE office is closed on Sunday, then I'll still have to wait in line at Atocha to pick up my ticket with my locator # and credit card, right?

i think it is a different line.. if i RECALL, only bought tickets there ONCE, there is a little machine that spits out numbers for the different lines.. "compra internet.. compra telefónica," etc.

the pick up lines should go faster than the normal ones.This line might be called "recogidos".. hopefully someone more used to that station/system can tell you exactly the case.

i just noticed that openings schedule while i was there yesterday.

in valencia you pick up your ticket you have bought by phone at a customer service place.. very easy, but i am not sure in madrid. when you buy it , i imagine it will tell you WHERE.. won´t it?