My husband and I are flying into Madrid at the end of April. We are staying at the Hotel Arosa (about 14K from the airport, 3 k from the Prado Musuem). Are there any shuttles from the airport to the hotel (if so how much do they cost & would you contact them ahead of time or just show up) or are we best off taking a taxi??? <BR> <BR>Also, if we plan on taking an AVE train to Cordoba should we make a train reservation? If so, is it best to make them from the U.S. before we go to Europe or can we telephone in a reservation once we're in Madrid..or do you have to go to the train station in person. From what I've read, it seems best to make a reservation atleast 24 hours in advance. <BR>Thanks for your help!

Susan, <BR>Taxis from Madrid airport into the city are pretty cheap; don't believe there's any sort of shuttle. <BR>You should make a reservation for the AVE train. You can make one here through a travel agent or in Madrid through same (or the American Express office). <BR>

Susan----if you do choose to take a taxi, be cautious when getting off the taxi without your bags. My brother's in-laws took a taxi from the airport. Upon arrival to the Hotel, the both of them got off the taxi and the driver took off with their luggage. They didn't even had time to write/notice plate info, etc...Ruined the whole vacation. Beware.

Susan: My family recently returned from Spain. Take a taxi to/from the airport. They are cheap. There are some shuttles to some hotels, but their schedules are erratic. We bought our tickets for the AVE train the day of departure from a travel agent in Madrid. Very easy and efficient. We did the same in Seville for our return. By the way, when we were there (2 wks ago) the ticket sellers at the train station were on strike -- another reason to buy them from a travel agent. You can find good info in English on schedules, costs, types of services, etc., at the Spanish rail website: www.renfe.es. Have a great trip!

Thanks for your help! It definitely sounds like a taxi is the way to go!! <BR> <BR>Susan