Madrid airport to train station
 

We arrive in Madrid at 9:35 am on a Sunday and would like to train to Seville upon arrival. We will taxi to the train station, and there are trains almost every hour. What would be a reasonable departure time for our train selection?

I would allow at least 2-1/2 hours to be safe, 3 hours would be better. Are you planning on buying your tickets ahead of time or waiting?

Plan to purchase tickets ahead of time on line.

Why taxi? The Cercanias line from the airport (commuter rail) will take you to Atocha station. Relax, be comfortable and pick a train 4 hours out from arrival.

The Cercanías, Line C1, only runs from T-4 to Atocha (26 min), but it can be crowded during the day with commuters. If you're not arriving at T-4, you'll have to take the bus over the terminal to get the train. Cost is 2,40€ outbound.

The Línea Exprés (Airport bus to Atocha) stops at all of the terminals (www.emtmadrid.es/lineaAeropuerto/index.html). Cost is 5€, runs 24 hours/day, departs every 13-20 minutes, and on most days can get you to Atocha in around 30 minutes, but it will depend on traffic.

A taxi is the most convenient if you have luggage to haul around, but it is also the most expensive way to get to Atocha. The last trip cost less than 25€, including the airport tax, but we where there in about 20 minutes.

I took the express bus. Very convenient and no steps to be lugging luggage up and down.

Thanks for all of this wonderful information.