Madrid airport to train station
 

I'm flying into Madrid and then am planning to take the AVE train from the Atocha station. Do you know how much time I should give myself to go through Customs and then travel to the train station? Do you suggest taking a taxi from the airport to the train station?

<BR>Deborah,<BR><BR>Coming from the U.S. -I assume you are- it normally takes me about 40 minutes to an hour to go through the passport control booth plus the luggage pickup area. I live in Seville, so I usually connect with the Ave like you. I have found that buying my Ave ticket at the airport -in the Renfe office at the arrivals terminal- is great because you avoid the long lines at Atocha train station ticket office. <BR>If you are traveling on a weekend or a holiday in Spain, the I suggest you buy the tickets online in advance at www.renfe.es <BR>Allow about an hour to get from the airport to the station by taxi, which I think is the best option. It normally takes less time, but just to be safe.

Your question has so many variables-where are you flying in from,where in the airport you arrive,how long it takes to get your luggage, go through passport control,what time of day it is.Keeping all that in mind,I would second Olg's advice and use the Renfe office to buy youe ticket.This way they will be in a great position to tell you which train is possible.This all depends on the Renfe being open when you arrive.The other choice is to buy your ticket on line but buy it for the last train.At least this way you will have made allowances for almost all delays.You can always leave your luggage at the train station.Enjoy any hours you have walking in the botanical garden in the old Atocha or wander outside and walk down to the Prado or Reina Sofia museums.Just don't get too tight with your time,traffic from the airport can be at a standstill depending on the time of day. Buena suerte!

I found the metro very efficient and surprisingly easy in spite of changes and its masses cheaper - and no traffic jams!

The metro is great but not when you're hauling luggage and it can be crowded,once again. Changing trains with luggage is not fun,hauling up and down the stairs plus jet lag........