MADRID to MALAGA -- fly or train
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
MADRID to MALAGA -- fly or train
We are arriving from Charlotte NC to MADRID airport at 6 am; seems TERMINAL 4
I am trying to figure out best way to get to MALAGA based on time to get thru customs and how long to get to train station
1) TRAIN -- 8:30 AM depart from Atocha; arrives 11:12 AM
-- 9:35 AM - 12:36 PM
--my understanding 30 minutes to get to above train station --so is it best to take train from airport or taxi (30$ flat fee-- is that per person or for our family of 4?)
2) FLIGHT
--AIR EUROPA
--10:35- 11:50 AM
thanks
I am trying to figure out best way to get to MALAGA based on time to get thru customs and how long to get to train station
1) TRAIN -- 8:30 AM depart from Atocha; arrives 11:12 AM
-- 9:35 AM - 12:36 PM
--my understanding 30 minutes to get to above train station --so is it best to take train from airport or taxi (30$ flat fee-- is that per person or for our family of 4?)
2) FLIGHT
--AIR EUROPA
--10:35- 11:50 AM
thanks
#2

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35,167
Likes: 0
I would take the train. I hate flying but the problem is I think there is greater risk of problems flying than taking the train. IN terms of possible delays. And of course you'd have to check in to the flight, etc. There is the T4 train right from the airport to Atocha, I could see if there weren't a direct train considering other things, but not if there is. And there are trains every hour.
I suppose you've seen this website that explains options
https://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas...rt-bytrain.htm
The taxi fare of 30 euro is for the entire car of passengers, not per person. I hope you don't have too much luggage. You can ask to get a bigger car, or the dispatcher at the head of the taxi queue should figure what you need. As in any airport, do NOT go off with anyone who approaches you in the airport asking if you want a taxi. Always go to the official queue.
And then you'll have to get from the airport into the city in Malaga, even though it isn't far out. Of course you'll have to get from the train station to wherever you are going also, but it's in the city.
Now I haven't done that actually, I've only taken the train somewhere after I stayed in Madrid some days.
I imagine that airfare will cost a lot for four people (like around $100 per person?), when you add in luggage charges, etc., maybe double the train fare, of course it all depends what time you pick, if you buy in advance, etc.
I suppose you've seen this website that explains options
https://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas...rt-bytrain.htm
The taxi fare of 30 euro is for the entire car of passengers, not per person. I hope you don't have too much luggage. You can ask to get a bigger car, or the dispatcher at the head of the taxi queue should figure what you need. As in any airport, do NOT go off with anyone who approaches you in the airport asking if you want a taxi. Always go to the official queue.
And then you'll have to get from the airport into the city in Malaga, even though it isn't far out. Of course you'll have to get from the train station to wherever you are going also, but it's in the city.
Now I haven't done that actually, I've only taken the train somewhere after I stayed in Madrid some days.
I imagine that airfare will cost a lot for four people (like around $100 per person?), when you add in luggage charges, etc., maybe double the train fare, of course it all depends what time you pick, if you buy in advance, etc.
#3
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
So would you do 8:30 or 9:35 am train?
im sure clearing customs is variable especially early arrivals with possible not full staff — ball park time ?
we will have no checked luggage
time from customs to get to airport train?
then 30 minutes to Atochac
im sure clearing customs is variable especially early arrivals with possible not full staff — ball park time ?
we will have no checked luggage
time from customs to get to airport train?
then 30 minutes to Atochac
#5

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,662
Likes: 0
SPol,
It appears that you've already purchased your Charlotte to Madrid ticket on AA, correct?
Since you haven't purchased on this same ticket an Air Europa flight to Málaga, you will arrive via AA in Madrid at Terminal 4 S (satellite). There from the gate you will need take the looong walk to the immigration hall in T4S to get your passport stamped. (no "customs" inspection)
I wish I could give you ball park figure as to the time involved, but there are simply SO many variables, including how far your gate is from the immigration hall, again a very long walk, even with the people movers, and the line at the immigration hall to get in, how many flights arrived at around the same time, how many police are at their stations at that hour, etc.
It has taken us from 15-20 minutes (traveling with a non EU passport) to a full hour to get from our gate, through immigration, down to the automated people mover APM (train) that takes you from Terminal 4S (where One World members, non Schengen flights arrive) to the main Terminal 4. These terminals are 2 km. apart. Terminal 4 / Terminal 4 S in Barajas are huge!
Then....if you decided to take the Air Europa to Málaga, please note that your flight would leave from Terminal 1, which is more than 2 km. from T4, and is connected by a free shuttle bus that passes every 5 minutes. The ride from T4 to T1 takes about 15 minutes.
I wouldn't attempt this, especially if your AA flight happens to suffer a major delay. Since you would be flying on two separate tickets, if you miss your Air Europa flight, you would be on your own, on your own dime, to get yourself to Málaga since both flights aren't on the same ticket and you aren't protected. Air Europa is a member of Star Alliance. AA is a member of One World, thus the use of different terminals.
Your best bet is to take a taxi directly from T4 to Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes rail station (30 min. more or less), rather than hassle with the Cercanías train from T4 to Atocha, especially arriving in a jet-lagged state after a transcontinental flight.
As I mentioned above the flat fare for 4 persons is now in 2024, 33 euros. No need to tip.
If you and your party have a great deal of luggage and feel that you need a larger taxi, the taxi dispatcher will send you back into the terminal to the taxi booth, where the attendant will call for a larger vehicle for you. (We did this fairly recently when we moved here permanently, carrying an inordinate amount of suitcases----same 33 euro fare, just a larger vehicle to fit all of our extra luggage).
When arriving at Barajas after an exhausting international flight, I am kind to myself and opt for a taxi.
You can't miss the taxi rank. Official Madrid taxis are white with a diagonal red band on the side.
The Cercanías train would require another schlep down one floor in T4 to catch it, either the C1 or the C10, departing every 15 min. and taking 33 minutes to arrive at Atocha, and it can be very busy. And lately the Cercanías trains have suffered some delays. And you would need to purchase your 2.60 euro Cercanias ticket from a machine or have change just in case the machine doesn't accept your credit card. Then you´ll need to keep your ticket as you´ll need it scan it at the exit turnstiles when you arrive at Atocha station.
I personally don´t enjoy all of this when jet lagged.
Whether or not to take the 8:30 or the 9:35 Renfe train to Málaga really depends on your comfort zone.
But I now allow a full 3 hours minimum from landing to arriving at Atocha at least 30 minutes in advance of my train departure.
Atocha rail station is also very large and now under construction and can be confusing for first timers.
Your Málaga AVE high-speed train will leave from Level 1 (Planta 1). Before entering the departures hall, your luggage, coat, bags will be screened, run through a conveyor belt, like at the airport, but your person will not.
This will take about 5 minutes.
Once inside the departures hall, there is very, very little seating! We head to the Rodilla coffee shop to the far right, as you enter, past the VIP Club AVE lounge (lounge open only to Renfe Premium ticket holders, 90 min before departure), to grab coffee and to find a seat to wait for our train track to appear on the monitor.
Atocha this summer will be extremely busy.
The train tracks are usually announced about 20-30 minutes in advance.
Look for your train track on the monitor, and as soon as the track is called, move very, very speedily to the counter where an attendant will scan your ticket (either on paper or on your smart phone). Then you descend to the tracks via a moving sidewalk and board your train. The quicker you board the better, as the luggage racks at the end of each train car are small and can fill up very quickly. Early bird catches the worm.
It appears that you've already purchased your Charlotte to Madrid ticket on AA, correct?
Since you haven't purchased on this same ticket an Air Europa flight to Málaga, you will arrive via AA in Madrid at Terminal 4 S (satellite). There from the gate you will need take the looong walk to the immigration hall in T4S to get your passport stamped. (no "customs" inspection)
I wish I could give you ball park figure as to the time involved, but there are simply SO many variables, including how far your gate is from the immigration hall, again a very long walk, even with the people movers, and the line at the immigration hall to get in, how many flights arrived at around the same time, how many police are at their stations at that hour, etc.
It has taken us from 15-20 minutes (traveling with a non EU passport) to a full hour to get from our gate, through immigration, down to the automated people mover APM (train) that takes you from Terminal 4S (where One World members, non Schengen flights arrive) to the main Terminal 4. These terminals are 2 km. apart. Terminal 4 / Terminal 4 S in Barajas are huge!
Then....if you decided to take the Air Europa to Málaga, please note that your flight would leave from Terminal 1, which is more than 2 km. from T4, and is connected by a free shuttle bus that passes every 5 minutes. The ride from T4 to T1 takes about 15 minutes.
I wouldn't attempt this, especially if your AA flight happens to suffer a major delay. Since you would be flying on two separate tickets, if you miss your Air Europa flight, you would be on your own, on your own dime, to get yourself to Málaga since both flights aren't on the same ticket and you aren't protected. Air Europa is a member of Star Alliance. AA is a member of One World, thus the use of different terminals.
Your best bet is to take a taxi directly from T4 to Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes rail station (30 min. more or less), rather than hassle with the Cercanías train from T4 to Atocha, especially arriving in a jet-lagged state after a transcontinental flight.
As I mentioned above the flat fare for 4 persons is now in 2024, 33 euros. No need to tip.
If you and your party have a great deal of luggage and feel that you need a larger taxi, the taxi dispatcher will send you back into the terminal to the taxi booth, where the attendant will call for a larger vehicle for you. (We did this fairly recently when we moved here permanently, carrying an inordinate amount of suitcases----same 33 euro fare, just a larger vehicle to fit all of our extra luggage).
When arriving at Barajas after an exhausting international flight, I am kind to myself and opt for a taxi.
You can't miss the taxi rank. Official Madrid taxis are white with a diagonal red band on the side.
The Cercanías train would require another schlep down one floor in T4 to catch it, either the C1 or the C10, departing every 15 min. and taking 33 minutes to arrive at Atocha, and it can be very busy. And lately the Cercanías trains have suffered some delays. And you would need to purchase your 2.60 euro Cercanias ticket from a machine or have change just in case the machine doesn't accept your credit card. Then you´ll need to keep your ticket as you´ll need it scan it at the exit turnstiles when you arrive at Atocha station.
I personally don´t enjoy all of this when jet lagged.
Whether or not to take the 8:30 or the 9:35 Renfe train to Málaga really depends on your comfort zone.
But I now allow a full 3 hours minimum from landing to arriving at Atocha at least 30 minutes in advance of my train departure.
Atocha rail station is also very large and now under construction and can be confusing for first timers.
Your Málaga AVE high-speed train will leave from Level 1 (Planta 1). Before entering the departures hall, your luggage, coat, bags will be screened, run through a conveyor belt, like at the airport, but your person will not.
This will take about 5 minutes.
Once inside the departures hall, there is very, very little seating! We head to the Rodilla coffee shop to the far right, as you enter, past the VIP Club AVE lounge (lounge open only to Renfe Premium ticket holders, 90 min before departure), to grab coffee and to find a seat to wait for our train track to appear on the monitor.
Atocha this summer will be extremely busy.
The train tracks are usually announced about 20-30 minutes in advance.
Look for your train track on the monitor, and as soon as the track is called, move very, very speedily to the counter where an attendant will scan your ticket (either on paper or on your smart phone). Then you descend to the tracks via a moving sidewalk and board your train. The quicker you board the better, as the luggage racks at the end of each train car are small and can fill up very quickly. Early bird catches the worm.
Last edited by Maribel; Jun 19th, 2024 at 11:20 AM.
#7

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,662
Likes: 0
The Cercanías ticket from Barajas to Atocha is FREE for those who purchase a Renfe AVE ticket, as there will be a Combo Cercanías code on your Renfe ticket, but I still would not bother with it after a long transatlantic flight when arriving jet lagged.
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#11
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Maribel--
Amazing info-- exactly what I was hoping for. Will just need to decide on 8:30 or 9:35 am train from Atocha. Yes, our international flight is set... just trying to get to Malaga. I really appreciate you taking the time to put together such a detailed response.
Amazing info-- exactly what I was hoping for. Will just need to decide on 8:30 or 9:35 am train from Atocha. Yes, our international flight is set... just trying to get to Malaga. I really appreciate you taking the time to put together such a detailed response.
SPol,
It appears that you've already purchased your Charlotte to Madrid ticket on AA, correct?
Since you haven't purchased on this same ticket an Air Europa flight to Málaga, you will arrive via AA in Madrid at Terminal 4 S (satellite). There from the gate you will need take the looong walk to the immigration hall in T4S to get your passport stamped. (no "customs" inspection)
I wish I could give you ball park figure as to the time involved, but there are simply SO many variables, including how far your gate is from the immigration hall, again a very long walk, even with the people movers, and the line at the immigration hall to get in, how many flights arrived at around the same time, how many police are at their stations at that hour, etc.
It has taken us from 15-20 minutes (traveling with a non EU passport) to a full hour to get from our gate, through immigration, down to the automated people mover APM (train) that takes you from Terminal 4S (where One World members, non Schengen flights arrive) to the main Terminal 4. These terminals are 2 km. apart. Terminal 4 / Terminal 4 S in Barajas are huge!
Then....if you decided to take the Air Europa to Málaga, please note that your flight would leave from Terminal 1, which is more than 2 km. from T4, and is connected by a free shuttle bus that passes every 5 minutes. The ride from T4 to T1 takes about 15 minutes.
I wouldn't attempt this, especially if your AA flight happens to suffer a major delay. Since you would be flying on two separate tickets, if you miss your Air Europa flight, you would be on your own, on your own dime, to get yourself to Málaga since both flights aren't on the same ticket and you aren't protected. Air Europa is a member of Star Alliance. AA is a member of One World, thus the use of different terminals.
Your best bet is to take a taxi directly from T4 to Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes rail station (30 min. more or less), rather than hassle with the Cercanías train from T4 to Atocha, especially arriving in a jet-lagged state after a transcontinental flight.
As I mentioned above the flat fare for 4 persons is now in 2024, 33 euros. No need to tip.
If you and your party have a great deal of luggage and feel that you need a larger taxi, the taxi dispatcher will send you back into the terminal to the taxi booth, where the attendant will call for a larger vehicle for you. (We did this fairly recently when we moved here permanently, carrying an inordinate amount of suitcases----same 33 euro fare, just a larger vehicle to fit all of our extra luggage).
When arriving at Barajas after an exhausting international flight, I am kind to myself and opt for a taxi.
You can't miss the taxi rank. Official Madrid taxis are white with a diagonal red band on the side.
The Cercanías train would require another schlep down one floor in T4 to catch it, either the C1 or the C10, departing every 15 min. and taking 33 minutes to arrive at Atocha, and it can be very busy. And lately the Cercanías trains have suffered some delays. And you would need to purchase your 2.60 euro Cercanias ticket from a machine or have change just in case the machine doesn't accept your credit card. Then you´ll need to keep your ticket as you´ll need it scan it at the exit turnstiles when you arrive at Atocha station.
I personally don´t enjoy all of this when jet lagged.
Whether or not to take the 8:30 or the 9:35 Renfe train to Málaga really depends on your comfort zone.
But I now allow a full 3 hours minimum from landing to arriving at Atocha at least 30 minutes in advance of my train departure.
Atocha rail station is also very large and now under construction and can be confusing for first timers.
Your Málaga AVE high-speed train will leave from Level 1 (Planta 1). Before entering the departures hall, your luggage, coat, bags will be screened, run through a conveyor belt, like at the airport, but your person will not.
This will take about 5 minutes.
Once inside the departures hall, there is very, very little seating! We head to the Rodilla coffee shop to the far right, as you enter, past the VIP Club AVE lounge (lounge open only to Renfe Premium ticket holders, 90 min before departure), to grab coffee and to find a seat to wait for our train track to appear on the monitor.
Atocha this summer will be extremely busy.
The train tracks are usually announced about 20-30 minutes in advance.
Look for your train track on the monitor, and as soon as the track is called, move very, very speedily to the counter where an attendant will scan your ticket (either on paper or on your smart phone). Then you descend to the tracks via a moving sidewalk and board your train. The quicker you board the better, as the luggage racks at the end of each train car are small and can fill up very quickly. Early bird catches the worm.
It appears that you've already purchased your Charlotte to Madrid ticket on AA, correct?
Since you haven't purchased on this same ticket an Air Europa flight to Málaga, you will arrive via AA in Madrid at Terminal 4 S (satellite). There from the gate you will need take the looong walk to the immigration hall in T4S to get your passport stamped. (no "customs" inspection)
I wish I could give you ball park figure as to the time involved, but there are simply SO many variables, including how far your gate is from the immigration hall, again a very long walk, even with the people movers, and the line at the immigration hall to get in, how many flights arrived at around the same time, how many police are at their stations at that hour, etc.
It has taken us from 15-20 minutes (traveling with a non EU passport) to a full hour to get from our gate, through immigration, down to the automated people mover APM (train) that takes you from Terminal 4S (where One World members, non Schengen flights arrive) to the main Terminal 4. These terminals are 2 km. apart. Terminal 4 / Terminal 4 S in Barajas are huge!
Then....if you decided to take the Air Europa to Málaga, please note that your flight would leave from Terminal 1, which is more than 2 km. from T4, and is connected by a free shuttle bus that passes every 5 minutes. The ride from T4 to T1 takes about 15 minutes.
I wouldn't attempt this, especially if your AA flight happens to suffer a major delay. Since you would be flying on two separate tickets, if you miss your Air Europa flight, you would be on your own, on your own dime, to get yourself to Málaga since both flights aren't on the same ticket and you aren't protected. Air Europa is a member of Star Alliance. AA is a member of One World, thus the use of different terminals.
Your best bet is to take a taxi directly from T4 to Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes rail station (30 min. more or less), rather than hassle with the Cercanías train from T4 to Atocha, especially arriving in a jet-lagged state after a transcontinental flight.
As I mentioned above the flat fare for 4 persons is now in 2024, 33 euros. No need to tip.
If you and your party have a great deal of luggage and feel that you need a larger taxi, the taxi dispatcher will send you back into the terminal to the taxi booth, where the attendant will call for a larger vehicle for you. (We did this fairly recently when we moved here permanently, carrying an inordinate amount of suitcases----same 33 euro fare, just a larger vehicle to fit all of our extra luggage).
When arriving at Barajas after an exhausting international flight, I am kind to myself and opt for a taxi.
You can't miss the taxi rank. Official Madrid taxis are white with a diagonal red band on the side.
The Cercanías train would require another schlep down one floor in T4 to catch it, either the C1 or the C10, departing every 15 min. and taking 33 minutes to arrive at Atocha, and it can be very busy. And lately the Cercanías trains have suffered some delays. And you would need to purchase your 2.60 euro Cercanias ticket from a machine or have change just in case the machine doesn't accept your credit card. Then you´ll need to keep your ticket as you´ll need it scan it at the exit turnstiles when you arrive at Atocha station.
I personally don´t enjoy all of this when jet lagged.
Whether or not to take the 8:30 or the 9:35 Renfe train to Málaga really depends on your comfort zone.
But I now allow a full 3 hours minimum from landing to arriving at Atocha at least 30 minutes in advance of my train departure.
Atocha rail station is also very large and now under construction and can be confusing for first timers.
Your Málaga AVE high-speed train will leave from Level 1 (Planta 1). Before entering the departures hall, your luggage, coat, bags will be screened, run through a conveyor belt, like at the airport, but your person will not.
This will take about 5 minutes.
Once inside the departures hall, there is very, very little seating! We head to the Rodilla coffee shop to the far right, as you enter, past the VIP Club AVE lounge (lounge open only to Renfe Premium ticket holders, 90 min before departure), to grab coffee and to find a seat to wait for our train track to appear on the monitor.
Atocha this summer will be extremely busy.
The train tracks are usually announced about 20-30 minutes in advance.
Look for your train track on the monitor, and as soon as the track is called, move very, very speedily to the counter where an attendant will scan your ticket (either on paper or on your smart phone). Then you descend to the tracks via a moving sidewalk and board your train. The quicker you board the better, as the luggage racks at the end of each train car are small and can fill up very quickly. Early bird catches the worm.
#12
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Maribel--
Super helpful and I really appreciate the time and level of detail you put into this reply.
Our international flight is set-- just working on getting to Malaga
Taxi to Atocha will be our plan and I just need to decide on 8:30 or 9:35 train.
t does seem with some of the Renfe tickets that some if not all of the ticket is refundable so if we missed the earlier one, we'd just have to hope there was availability on the next train. I am sure we will opt for the later train so as to not be too stressed.
Super helpful and I really appreciate the time and level of detail you put into this reply.
Our international flight is set-- just working on getting to Malaga
Taxi to Atocha will be our plan and I just need to decide on 8:30 or 9:35 train.
t does seem with some of the Renfe tickets that some if not all of the ticket is refundable so if we missed the earlier one, we'd just have to hope there was availability on the next train. I am sure we will opt for the later train so as to not be too stressed.
#13

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,662
Likes: 0
SPol,
Yes, some of the Renfe tickets are refundable or changeable.
The Premium ticket is the "first class" ticket in a car with a 2 + 1 seat configuration, more leg room and a meal/drinks served at one's seat that allows access into the Sala Club lounge at Atocha, 90 minutes prior to train departure (lounge offers free WiFi, complimentary drinks). We have purchased this expensive ticket when arriving in Madrid on a transatlantic flight, just to have a quiet place to sit, to rest, relax, refresh our batteries and have coffee before boarding our train. This ticket has unlimited changes and is 100% refundable.
The Elige Confort ticket is for the same type of seat (2 + 1 configuration), more leg room but does not include a drink/meal or Sala Club access. This ticket has 1 free train change prior to departure and. a refund of 70% if you cancel. If you miss your train you pay 30% of the new ticket.
If it were my trip, I would probably take the later train and I might "splurge" on the Premium ticket just to have a more. relaxing experience at Atocha and a more relaxing ride, but that's just me.
Hope you have a wonderful time!
Yes, some of the Renfe tickets are refundable or changeable.
The Premium ticket is the "first class" ticket in a car with a 2 + 1 seat configuration, more leg room and a meal/drinks served at one's seat that allows access into the Sala Club lounge at Atocha, 90 minutes prior to train departure (lounge offers free WiFi, complimentary drinks). We have purchased this expensive ticket when arriving in Madrid on a transatlantic flight, just to have a quiet place to sit, to rest, relax, refresh our batteries and have coffee before boarding our train. This ticket has unlimited changes and is 100% refundable.
The Elige Confort ticket is for the same type of seat (2 + 1 configuration), more leg room but does not include a drink/meal or Sala Club access. This ticket has 1 free train change prior to departure and. a refund of 70% if you cancel. If you miss your train you pay 30% of the new ticket.
If it were my trip, I would probably take the later train and I might "splurge" on the Premium ticket just to have a more. relaxing experience at Atocha and a more relaxing ride, but that's just me.
Hope you have a wonderful time!
#14
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Maribel--
Thanks again for the invaluable info
So if we have a premium train ticket for 9:35 AM but somehow got to the station in time for the 8:30 AM train.... we would try and buy the earlier seats either online or at the train station & then submit what is needed for a refund of the later train. Not sure if there is a way to swap one train for another with the premium seating and then just pay or get refunded the difference if there is one
Lastly-- suggestion on where to get euros? Best to do prior to travel in US, at Spain airport or at a bank/ATM in Spain? Not sure where the best rate is, and I guess the same question when leaving Spain on converting unused euros back to dollars.
Thanks again for the invaluable info
So if we have a premium train ticket for 9:35 AM but somehow got to the station in time for the 8:30 AM train.... we would try and buy the earlier seats either online or at the train station & then submit what is needed for a refund of the later train. Not sure if there is a way to swap one train for another with the premium seating and then just pay or get refunded the difference if there is one
Lastly-- suggestion on where to get euros? Best to do prior to travel in US, at Spain airport or at a bank/ATM in Spain? Not sure where the best rate is, and I guess the same question when leaving Spain on converting unused euros back to dollars.
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