hi all,
I'm arriving at Madrid airport on Saturday Feb 16, at 8:30 am, and would like to immediately catch a high-speed train to Seville. Before I make my reservation, I'm wondering how long I should allow to get through customs and train or taxi to Madrid Atocha station? Thank you, Kim

Not sure but make sure your ticket is printed out before you get to the station. We had a major problem with a printer at friend's house and then the machines at train station would not work. We both got in a human line and I was first to get the tickets in the nick of time. You also go through security in Spain at the train station. That being said give yourself enough time. A Madrid airport taxi is 35 euro, approx 20 min. The train is around 7 euro and 35 min. I didn't do immigration as I came from Germany last time through Madrid.

How much time it takes to clear passport control at Madrid–Barajas Airport will depend on how many other flights are arriving at the same time and how many non-EU passport holders will be in line in front of you. We normally allow one hour from stepping off the plane at T4S to get to the taxi stand, and hope that the luggage is unloaded quickly. If you're not one of the first off the plane, you can add at least another 20 minutes, maybe 30, if you have to wait for all those with carry-ons. The quickest we've done it lately was 45 minutes.

You need to be at Atocha station at least 20 minutes before departure to clear security. That's also when they announce the track the train will be leaving on.

The taxi from T4 to Atocha can take 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, but generally not any longer, unless the streets are blocked by a protest (check the news). The cost of the taxi is 30€ plus the suppliment for Atocha.

The Cercanias from T4 to Atocha takes 30 minutes, departs about every 15 minutes, and is priced at 2,60€. The Cercanias train makes 5 stops.
Train - Aeropuerto Madrid-Barajas - Aena.es

Metro Line 8 runs from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios station, where you will have to change trains. A single ticket for Metro zone A airport supplement*: €4.50 - €5.
Underground - Aeropuerto Madrid-Barajas - Aena.es

There is also the airport bus which takes 35 to 40 minutes. You can purchase your tickets when boarding the bus, but it can be crowded. https://www.emtmadrid.es/Aeropuerto

Assuming you are arriving from North America.
Today, probably due to winter weather in the US , a lot of incoming NA flights were delayed.

https://www.madrid-airport.com/arrivals.php?tp=6

Discounted tickets are I believe non-changeable non-refundable so if doing one of those leave lots of extra time - buy a full-fare ticket and I believe you could use on every AVE train but you'd need a reservation which comes with the ticket but if changing if the train is full you won't be able to ride - that said so so many trains. For lots on trains check www.seat61.com for lots of useful tips on booking your own tickets online. General info - BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com.

If you happen to buy a flexible ticket on Renfe, it can be exchanged, but only at the ticket office in the station.

>Based on regular/base fares on all trains with less strict change and cancellation conditions. Changes: Change fees may apply or result in different price subject to availability. Cancellation: 15% cancellation fee plus administrative fees apply. Non-refundable after departure.<

If you're from the States, and can't buy your ticket online at Renfe, the best place to purchase a ticket would be at https://petrabax.com/#!/trains

thanks cdnyul, I wouldn't have thought to check today's delays, and there were sure some out of NY, where I am coming from. I will leave extra time to account for that, or buy a more flexible ticket.

It is hard to figure in delays. We were sweating it when our plane sat for two hours waiting to be deiced this month. The pilot tried to make up for it but we were still late and we had booked train. We were planning on lunch and then get on the train. No lunchtime just had about 30 minutes to spare. Madrid airport is nice so have a drink and lunch if early.

If buying discounted tickets as Robert says non-changeable so either build in lots of extra time for plane to be late and getting to Atocha station or buy a flexible ticket that Robert says can be exchanged at station (Q - even after train has left you can change to another train as I suppose?) Check www.seat61.com for lots on booking discounted tickets yourselves online - general info BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com and Robert who posts above is an excellent source of rail info.

Thank you to everyone who responded! I really appreciate it.

So after doing some research on my airline's track record for arriving on time for my particular flight, I've found it's fairly bi-modal, either on time, or really really late. Last couple days alone saw it cancelled or 4 hours late! This is American Airlines out of JFK... I found a website that looks at recent history of being on time, and I'm a bit concerned that I could very well arrive late. Given that, I think I will want to purchase the flexible ticket. We only have a week for this trip, and it's my 50th bday present. PalenQ, I had the same question as you...if I buy the semi-flexible, or fully flexible ticket, and I arrive after the train has left, will I be able to use it for a later train? Robert, do you know? We are supposed to arrive at 8:15 am, and as it is, we are thinking of reserving on the 2 pm train (which will stink if all goes as scheduled, but less so than missing the train. Yesterday, people supposedly arriving at 8:15 am actually didn't get in until 1:03 pm! And the day before, the flight in was cancelled, according to my read. February weather at JFK is going to be hit or miss. I've read up at the websites suggested, but can't seem to figure out what would happen if totally missed my train, even with the flexible ticket. It's that "Not refundable after departure" part that I am unsure about. Anyone have knowledge about this? Many thanks again!

Well one solution is to stay in Madrid arrival day - say somewhere near Atocha station - nice enough area with Prado not far and then schedule the cheapest discounted tickets you could for the next morning.

Or if you buy a flexible ticket and arrive several hours before scheduled train can try to move up if seats remain and there are so many trains on that route...

Actually Robert gave that changing info:

>Based on regular/base fares on all trains with less strict change and cancellation conditions. Changes: Change fees may apply or result in different price subject to availability. Cancellation: 15% cancellation fee plus administrative fees apply. Non-refundable after departure.<

non-refundable after train departure.

To me less stressful situation - stay the night in Madrid and be able them to easily take the deepest discounted train to Seville. Puts a lot of angst - like plane being really late or having to wait a long time if plane is early or on time, etc.

I don't know the Spanish rail system but it seems strange that no one has discussed just buying a ticket at the station. Is that ridiculously more expensive than buying a flexible ticket in advance?

Yes, buying your tickets at the station can be expensive when buying a tickets for the medium and long distance trains. It's what ever the current rate is. It's like waiting until the last minute to buy your plane ticket. Sometimes you win, but most of the time you loose. It's the same when exchanging a ticket at the station. There are no discounts, so you end up paying the difference between what the discounted ticket cost and the current rate.

Taking the train from Madrid to Segovia, Toledo, or any of the other local destinations isn't a problem. You can purchase those of the day 0of travel and receive a discount if you buy a round trip ticket.

We normally allow 3 hours between the scheduled arrival time and catching the train, when we're not spending the first few days in Madrid. If your flight is not delayed for some reason, then you'll end up sitting at the station waiting for you train. Have breakfast while you're waiting. If you're late by only an hour or so, then there's no problem. If you're traveling during bad weather (usually during the winter and early spring), then you might want to consider travel insurance, which should help if you miss your train, or as noted, plan on spending at least the first night in Madrid.

Thanks to everyone who replied. Happy New Year to all, and may it bring health and adventure!

Robert, can I clarify something please as we plan to be in Spain this year? I understood from your comment that a walk up fare may be more expensive than a fully flexible ticket purchased in advance. Is that correct? Does that vary depending on the type of service (as it does in Italy and France for example)? I'm trying to get my head around the ticketing system in Spain as I haven't been there for a VERY long time.

All of the tickets sold online are discounted to varying degrees. None of the walkup fares are discounted except when purchasing a roundtrip. Trains in Spain have only two classes, business and tourist, but some trains do not have a business class. You can purchase a discounted promo tourist class ticket online that will let you travel in a business class coach where the seating is 2 + 1, instead of the normal 2 + 2 seating arrangement. AVE trains with business class seats normally have seats covered in leather instead on cloth and are a bit more comfortable.

Thank you, Robert.