moraben

I land in Madrid at 7:30 AM and want to get the AVE train to Seville. Assuming my flight is on time, how much time should I allow to get through customs etc, and get to the train station for the AVE train to Seville. I'm trying to figure out which train to book and I want to be sure I can make it? Thanks!

Alec

Ther are many imponderables, like delay at passport check, delayed luggage and traffic congestion en route to Atocha station, but generally it's best to allow arouind 3 hours. You are normally out of the airport in 30 min or so, and a taxi to the station (best way to travel) is around 20-30 min, more from Terminal 4. As you will be hitting the morning rush hours (if it's a weekday), err on the side of caution.

jumbonav

Agree on the imponderables. Renfe, the Spanish rail company has a ticket booth at the Barajas airport where you may (I have) purchase your AVE tickets to Sevilla. Recommend purchasing them right after you pick up your bags... Should save you some stress. When I went, there was no line.

NEDSIRELAND

7:30 AM is around the time many flights from the U.S. & Canada arrive, so you will probably have a queue at Passport Control.

I have never been delayed at Spanish Customs at Madrid's Aeropuerto de Barajas

There's a separate desk at Madrid's Puerta de Atocha for AVE Tix: just off the Atrium North of the Gate area. If you buy your AVE Tix & Reservations at Barajas airport for a 10:00 AM AVE, you're stuck with that, even if you get to Atocha Renfe at 8:45 AM.
I would 'play it by ear' (i.e., Taxi to Atocha & catch the next AVE heading South).

CathyM

When is your trip to Spain?

Depending on when you arrive (is it during a holiday or high season) I'd be hesitant to play it by ear and wait until the next train - you could be waiting all day as the AVE from Madrid to Sevilla is often sold out.

lincasanova

And if you are late for your train you lose the entire ticket.

scrb

What about flying directly to Malaga instead of Madrid?

Wouldn't it be a much shorter train trip to Seville?

moraben

Thank you all so much. This is the first time I've used Fodors Forum and you have helped so much!

jumbonav

You can also fly to Sevilla as well...