We will be joining some friends who have a time-share in Valencia in early March. They told us what flight to book (LA to Madrid) and said we'll be catching a train to Valencia from there. I've been trying to get info as to how far the train station is from the MAD airport and how we're to get there. I think we arrive in Madrid at about 5:40pm and I think the last train to Valencia is at 7:30pm. Will we make it??? I'm a bit worried. Since we'll be stopping in London before Madrid, will that take care of all the immigration and customs stuff? Or will we still have to go through it again in Madrid? Any advice or suggestions?

That is one long day. You will have to clear customs in Madrid, pick up your bags and head out to the Atocha station, which is about 40 minutes from the airport (car; busy traffic). I would just stay overnight and take an early train to Valencia (not a short conmute at all). There is a customer service counter in the Barajas Airport where they'll find you lodging. I recommend the High Tech Barajas Airport Hotel.

There is a good possibility of making the AVE connection at Atocha station, but as pointed out, you'll be arriving in the afternoon after a long flight and layover in London and will have to clear customs in Madrid. The taxi ride shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, with traffic, but you can never tell, and would be cutting it close regardless. It would be best to spend the night in Madrid and take the late morning AVE to Valencia (3-1/2 hours). There are several excellent hotels within a 2 or 3-minute taxi ride of Atocha station. The 5-star Villa Real or Gran Hotel Canarias (http://www.granhotelcanarias.com/) are both excellent choices for a good nights rest before heading off to Valencia.

I'd also suggest traveling 1st class on the AVE. They serve a decent lunch and it's far more relaxing way to spend the time.

there is no AVE train to valencia yet, unfortunately. central government has diverted funds til 2008 it seems.

but the alaris is nice, too.
get your tickets at the airport or online.
or.. there are EXPRESS buses to valencia also every two hours.
company is called "Autores". Leaves from next to Hotel Claridge.

the express bus is very upscale.. fully reclineable seats. i doubt you have been on anything like it. similar to airplane business class.

the normal buses are not bad either.
what i like about the bus is your luggage is protected underneath in the cargo area.
so.. you can relax!

that is closer to airport than train station.

see if you get in on time and make a decision. there are a lot of

here's that website:

http://www.auto-res.net/index.html?a

lincasanova is correct. The AVE doesn't run to Valencia, but the Alaris is a good substitute.

And flying?

I have done a random check in iberia.com, and I have found return flights for 69 Euros, not bad at all.

If they are flying with Iberia, they might have to stay in the new terminal, and with all the new shops (including the Zara flagship store ), they can rest for a while before heading into Valencia (unless they have to change terminal, in that case ... good luck, it´s going to be a bit complicated ...).

Kind regards, Cova

yes, would be better to fly to valencia on a late flight than deal with luggage and taxis and trains/buses, for that amount.
even if you had to throw the second half of the ticket away.