I'm meeting the friend I'm travelling with in Madrid as we are unable to fly from the States together because we live in two different cities. She is getting in about 4-5 hours earlier than I am. We are planning to meet and head straight to Sevilla on the AVE from Atocha. She intends to try to explore on her own a little while she waits for me to arrive. What would be the best option?
1. She stores her luggage at the airport and meets me back there when my flight arrives. We travel to Atocha together to catch the train to Sevilla.
2. She heads to Atocha upon her arrival, stores her luggage there, heads out to explore a little on her own, and then I meet her there once I arrive.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Hi, Kolee5,
Since the airport is outside of the city, and since Atocha is in Madrid and close to the Prado and the other important art museums in Madrid, I think it makes much more sense for you to meet at Atocha. It makes no sense for her to come into Madrid and then go back out to the airport and then back into Madrid. That's an easy question.

I agree, but if you haven't already done this, I suggest you double check that Atocha allows has luggage storage. If it doesn't, it may be possible to check a carryon-sized piece of luggage or a backpack at one of the museums.

I am almost certain that in Atocha they have a place to leave your luggage.
They have a secure and good system. But just in case check after all the things that had happened ...

There are no storage locker facilities once you leave customs and passport control at Barahas, but there is a left luggage at Atocha station where she can check in her bag(s) while she enjoys Madrid. The lockers/Left Luggage facility should be open from 06:30 to 22:20 (10:20 pm).

Atocha is my favorite train station in the world. She could probably hang out there for a couple of hours without getting bored. It's very cool. But it's also pretty near the Prado and interesting areas of Madrid.

if you buy first class tickets, at least on departure for the AVE, you can meet at the VIP lounge for first class train travellers. (sala VIP)

also, depending on what time you leave, if you both store the luggage later at atocha, the thyssen museum ( practically across the street) has a lovely café, and the building interior itself is a joy to the eye, a masterpiece by the architect MONEO.

i love his concept of space.

he also did the addition to the prado.

Lincasanova,

I think you mean the Museo Reina Sofía is practically across the street from Atocha?

the thyssen is on the main paseo de la castellana.. almost across from the prado.

Thanks everyone! This helps a lot.

I was thinking of the AVE VIP lounge idea. We have used it a number of times and have never taken 1st class...nor have we taken the economy. We have taken Preferente. With this, you should be able to use the VIP lounge as well. Comfortable if you want to sit and rest and maybe snack a bit. If you have more energy after a transatlantic trip, then you can go to Reina Sofia (almost across the street) or the Thyssen or the Prado, which are practically across the street from each other. (I would take a taxi if I just finished that plane trip.)

they call first class "preferente" on some trains. in fact, perhaps it is the correct name on all of them.. i don't know.

many people unfortunately do not even know they can use that lounge as i find when you buy the tickets no one makes a big deal about telling you.

Other than the First Class lounge, does anyone know of an easy "landmark" within Atocha that we could meet at? We won't be able to use our phones so was looking for a good spot that will be easy to find for both of us. Thanks! 3 Days!!!!

i dont know the name of it, but there is a sidewalk cafe inside the terminal next to the garden area, across from the ticket office. you can sit there and be very visible. i think there is only one cafe on ground level with tables and chairs there.

this area is between the garden and track access.

there is another restaurant/cafe upstairs but i am not sure of its opening hours and how easy it is to go up there with luggage.