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Getting from Madrid Airport to Atocha Train Station

Nadia Anagnostopoulou

March 22, 2024

There are 4 transportation options from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Atocha Train Station; bus, taxi, metro and train. The most convenient option is taking a Madrid airport taxi at a cost of 35€.

A cheaper option is to take the train. Tickets are 3.40€ and the journey is approximately 33 minutes. Another option is the metro. Tickets are 5€ one-way and the journey takes 40 minutes. The final transportation option is the bus. This takes longer than the other options and is 5€ per ticket.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Madrid at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€35	15min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€35	20min	24/7
Metro	€16	40min	06:00–01:30
Train	€6.8	35min	06:00–23:30
Bus	€10	60min	24/7

How to get from Madrid Airport to Atocha Train Station by Taxi

Taking a taxi from Madrid-Barajas Airport is by far the most convenient way to get from airport to Atocha Train Station. There are taxis outside of the 4 terminals in the airport. Taxis in Madrid are white with a red diagonal stripe.

We recommend pre-booking your Madrid airport taxi to avoid miscommunications or being overcharged.

Taxi fare from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station

The flat fee from the airport to Atocha Station is 35€ (day & night). Depending on traffic the journey takes about 20 minutes.

*It is always better to pre-book your Madrid airport taxi in order get quality service and save time and money.

Photos (4)

Taxis at Barajas airport

Cost

35€

Trip Duration

20 minutes

*Rates may vary unless you prebook your taxi.

Convenience

Value

safety

Taxis run 24/7 from Madrid Airport

Where do I get it from?

Taxis can be found outside of all 4 terminals at Madrid-Barajas Airport.

Convenience

Taxis run 24/7, so no matter what time you arrive to the airport you can grab a taxi. They are also the fastest option, so if you are in a rush, a taxi is the best option.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are by far the fastest and most convenient option. However, taxis fares can be quite costly. If you want to escape the busy airport and get to your destination as quickly as possible, then take a taxi. If you have a little more time, opt for a different mode of transportation.

Useful Tips

Taxis in Madrid can fit up to 4 people with 3 pieces of luggage.

For more than 4 passengers or more than 3 pieces of luggage you will have to book a minivan.

If you are heading outside of city ring, make sure that the taximeter is on.

It is illegal to overcharge you for excess luggage.

The journey from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station takes 20 minutes.

How to get from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station by Metro

If you don’t have more than one piece of luggage then the metro might be your best transportation option. Madrid-Barajas Airport is directly connected by a subway to the Nuevos Ministerios station where you will transfer to the C-2 or C-7 lines to Atocha Station. Unfortunately, the Metro doesn’t operate after 01:30.

How much is the Metro from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Atocha Station?

A one-way ticket costs 8 – 13€ depending on ticket type. There are ticket machines in every subway station, both in the airport and in the city stations.

Photos (4)

Metro at Barajas airport

Cost

8 - 13€

Trip Duration

40 minutes

There is an average waiting time of 5 minutes.

Convenience

Value

Safety

The Metro runs from 6:00 until 1:30

Where do I get it from?

The Metro station is located inside the Madrid-Barajas airport with two different stations at Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. So, if you arriving in Terminal 1 or 3 you can catch the free bus and head either to Terminal 2 or Terminal 4.

Convenience

Located directly in the Airport, the subway is very easy to access. The main line that reaches Madrid-Barajas Airport is line 8. Metro line 8 is also connected with Metro lines 6,10, 9, 4, and train lines C-2 and C-7 which connect to Atocha Station.

Timetables

Metro

Metro line from Madrid-Bajas Airport to Atocha Station

Train

Train Timetable from N.M Metro Station

Editor’s Note

The Metro line is direct and very cheap. This is a great option if you don't have a lot of luggage, or if you have a tight budget.

Useful Tips

There are ticket machines in every subway station, both in the airport and in city stations.

Be careful with your personal belongings.

Metro does not run after 1:30.

How to get from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station by train

The national railway company of Spain operates routes from and to Madrid airport with line C-1. The train has 5 stops, the Chamartín station, Nuevos Ministerios station, Atocha central railway station, Méndez Álvaro station and Príncipe Pío station. Getting to the station from the airport is not as convenient if you are arriving at terminals 1, 2 or 3.

How much is the train from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station?

Local train (RENFE) costs 3.40€ for a one-way ticket and can be accessed from T4.

Photos (4)

Renfe Train

Cost

3.40€

Trip Duration

35 minutes

Waiting time is 5 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.

Convenience

Value

Safety

Trains run from 6:00 until 23:33

Where do I get it from?

The train arrives at terminal 4, so if you are arriving at terminal 1,2 or 3 you have to take the internal bus and head to terminal 4 on floor -1.

Convenience

If you are arriving to terminals 1 or 2 you will need to take an airport shuttle to terminal 4 where you can board the train directly to Atocha Station.

Timetables

RENFE Train

Train line from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station

Editor’s Note

Traveling by train is not ideal. It's not as comfortable nor as safe as other option. However, you will experience beautiful views of the city of Madrid and its surroundings.

Useful Tips

Each train ticket is only valid for 2 hours after the ticket is issued.

Be aware that the last train departs from Madrid Airport at 23:33.

Keep your personal belongings close.

How to get from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station by bus

There is a 24/7 express bus from Madrid-Barajas airport to Atocha Station. The bus is yellow and it has 3 stops in Barajas airport, terminals T4, T2, T1.

During daytime the bus stops at O’Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha railways station, at nighttime the bus only stops at O’Donnell and Plaza de Cibeles.

How much is the bus from Madrid Airport to Atocha Station?

Tickets cost 5€ per person and can be purchased on the bus. Buses only accept cash.

Photos (4)

Airport Express bus

Cost

5€

Trip Duration

60 minutes

There is a 15 minute waiting time between buses.

Convenience

Value

Safety

The express bus runs 24/7

Where do I get it from?

The express bus can be found outside terminal 1, 2 and 4. If you are arriving at terminal T3, there is a free airport shuttle connecting all terminals. You can take this shuttle, or walk to terminal T2.

Convenience

The express bus runs 24/7, however, if you land in terminal 3, you must take the internal shuttle to another terminal. As the bus only makes 3 stops in the city and only two stops at nighttime, you may not be able to get to Atocha Station if you arrive at night. Stops are made at O’Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha railway stations during the day and O’Donnell and Plaza de Cibeles in the evening.

Timetables

Airport Express Bus

Express bus from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Atocha Station

Editor’s Note

If you aren't in a hurry to get to your destination then this could be a great transportation option. The buses run all day, every day, and provides some great views of the city. The only thing to remember is that this options takes longer than the others.

Useful Tips

Atocha Railway Station bus stop has a connection with metro Line 1.

At nighttime the bus doesn’t reach Atocha railway station.

Tickets can be purchased in cash only.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Madrid. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Prices

DAYTIME

€35

NIGHTTIME

€35

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

Frequently asked questions

How far is the Madrid airport from the city centre?

Madrid-Barajas Airport is 18 km away from Madrid city centre. The fastest mode of transport will get you there in 20 minutes.

How much is a cab from Madrid airport to city centre?

Taxis at Madrid-Barajas Airport are charged by a flat rate fee. The cost of the journey to the city centre will be 30€. However, f you are traveling outside of the central ring, the rest of the journey will be charged with a taximeter.

What transportation options are available from the airport in Madrid to Atocha Train Station?

As well as local taxis, there are bus, train and metro services from the airport to the station. You can also book your private Welcome transfer for the journey as a stress-free alternative.

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