Atocha Train Station, Madrid's main railway hub and gateway to Spain's high-speed AVE network, is about 18 km from Barajas Airport. The journey takes 30-45 minutes by metro, bus, or taxi.

About Atocha Train Station

Madrid Puerta de Atocha is Spain's busiest railway station and the hub of the AVE high-speed train network, connecting Madrid to Barcelona (2.5 hours), Seville (2.5 hours), Málaga (2.5 hours), Valencia (1.5 hours), and dozens of other destinations at speeds up to 310 km/h. The station complex actually comprises two connected buildings: the historic 1892 iron-and-glass structure (now housing a spectacular tropical garden with over 7,000 plants) and the modern extension for AVE and long-distance services.

The station sits at the southern end of Madrid's 'Art Triangle,' with the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum (home to Picasso's Guernica), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum all within a 10-minute walk. The adjacent Retiro Park, Madrid's beloved 125-hectare urban oasis, features the Crystal Palace, the Estanque Grande boating lake, and rose gardens.

Atocha also serves as a major Cercanías commuter rail hub and connects to the metro (Line 1, Atocha-Renfe station). The surrounding Lavapiés neighborhood has become one of Madrid's most multicultural and gastronomically diverse quarters, while the Paseo del Arte boulevard linking the three museums was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the 'Landscape of Light.'

Nearby Landmarks

Museo del Prado Reina Sofía Museum Retiro Park Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €30 (fixed fare)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. The most direct option: Exprés Aeropuerto bus from T4 to Atocha (€5, 40 minutes, 24h)
2. Metro option: Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, then Line 6 to Pacífico, walk to Atocha
3. Cercanías option from T4: take Line C1 from T4 directly to Atocha Cercanías (25 min, free with connecting ticket)
4. Taxi: flat fare €33 from any airport terminal to Atocha (25-40 minutes)
5. At Atocha, AVE trains depart from the modern extension (right side of complex)
6. Cercanías and metro (Line 1) connect from the underground level

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €30 (fixed fare) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Exprés Aeropuerto bus runs 24 hours between the airport and Atocha (every 15-20 minutes by day, every 35 minutes at night). The last AVE departures are typically around 9:00-9:30 PM depending on the route. Taxis from the airport to Atocha use the flat €33 fare. The metro reaches Atocha Renfe station until 1:30 AM. Night buses (búhos) from Cibeles also stop near Atocha.

Luggage Tips

Atocha station has luggage storage lockers (consignas) in the main concourse, costing €3-6 per item depending on size (maximum 24 hours). The station is well-designed for luggage with ramps and elevators throughout. If connecting from the airport to an AVE train, the Exprés Aeropuerto bus is the most luggage-friendly option as it stops directly at the station. The tropical garden inside the old terminal is a lovely place to wait.

Accessibility

Atocha station is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and tactile paving throughout both the historic and modern sections. AVE trains have wheelchair-accessible carriages with reserved spaces. Renfe offers a free Atendo assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (book 12+ hours in advance). The Exprés Aeropuerto bus is wheelchair accessible. The surrounding Art Triangle museums are all accessible.