Spain - Timing and Scheduling Trains and Buses
 

Hello,

I will be traveling to Spain in June and have been planning out my itinerary. I have already started purchasing train tickets online at the Renfe website (which was frustrating but doable!). I am stuck on one trip that involves a transfer and whether or not it will be possible given the timing.

I would like to take a train from Toledo to Madrid and then take a bus from Madrid to Granada. The earliest train out of Toledo is at 6:50 and arrives in Madrid (Atocha station) at 7:23. Would I be able to make an 8:00 bus that leaves from Estacion Sur, or would that be cutting it too close? According to Google Maps, I can get from Atocha to Estacion Sur in about 20 minutes by subway or 10 minutes if I take a cab.

Does anyone have experience with transportation in Madrid? Do the AVANT trains generally arrive on time? Would I be able to make it from Atocha to Estacion Sur to catch the bus in time?

If I can't take the 8:00 bus, the next one (at the same price) is not until 10:30. I would really prefer to take the earlier bus if possible, but I would greatly appreciate any advice as to whether or not this is reasonable to try. Thank you so much!

Why not take the train from Atocha to Granada? There is a 9 am train.

Thank you so much for the suggestion, but taking the train would cost a lot more. I do prefer traveling by train and always choose it over the bus except in cases where the price is significantly less. I will keep it in mind as an option though. Thank you.

'Does anyone have experience with transportation in Madrid? Do the AVANT trains generally arrive on time?' It does not matter where you are, the trains in Spain, whatever their class and in my experience, are punctual these days.

The interchange at Estacion Sur is huge and you would certainly need knowledge of it and your wits about you. I believe even your 10 minute cab ride is too tight.

Wombatt is right about Estacion Sur. One time I arrived there and it was confusing even to figure out how to get out!

Thank you for your advice! I was afraid that it would not be enough time, but I was really hoping it could work. I guess I will have to try and figure out plan B. Thanks so much!