Madrid Atocha train station
Madrid’s main train station is the Atocha train station located in central Madrid is the iconic station that has been the train transit hub to the entire country. A combination of a historic and stunning building and interior along with a modern facade. It is a large and grand space with an impressive interior and tropical garden that surprises and is a major focal point to lounging before taking a train trip.
I loved taking trains to various places from Atocha and spent a lot of time eating, shopping, enjoying the expansive tropical garden and then catching the various trains taking me to different destinations.
Atocha is managed by the public company Renfe Operadora. It’s the first-busiest station in Spain, servicing over 110 million travelers per year for fast speed and regional train service.
Atocha actually has two names:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha – for fast speed Ave and long distance trains
Madrid – Atocha Cercanias for the local commuter train line.
This is a a quick guide for you to get around quickly and places to explore while you are waiting for your upcoming journey.
Fast Speed Ave train and regional Cercanias train service
Spain’s first high speed Ave train service was started in 1992 with a concourse of shops, dining venues and ticket office. It includes an atrium with a covered tropical garden.
A modern terminal was also designed to serve all other train and regional lines leaving and arriving from Madrid.
The train station opens Monday to Sunday from 5:00 to 1:00 of the following day.
Additionally, Atocha station has a Metro station connected directed to the metro service..
How to purchase your train tickets
Tickets for train service are available from the Renfe ticket office which is located in the main hall fronting the various shops.
You can purchase your train tickets online. Follow a step by step tutorial if you need help with that.
For regional train service Cercanías train tickets, you can go to the Renfe ticket office or you can easily use the vending machines located in the main concourse.
Unfortunately, you cannot purchase regional train tickets online.
Getting to/from Atocha Madrid train station
The train station is the main transport hub to metro, public transportation with city buses and the fast speed and long distance trains along with regional train transportation.
Metro
The Metro station is located on the main train station between the regional train service and long distance/Ave train service. You have access to the line 1 (light blue).
By Bus service
You can reach the Atocha station taking the any of the following bus lines: 10, 14, 24, 26, 32, 37, 54, 57, 59, 85, 86, 102, 121, 203 and C2 Madrid city buses.
Cercanías
All the regional Cercanías train lines depart from or stop at Atocha. Follow the C-1 (light blue), C-2 (dark green), C-3 (purple), C-4a (dark blue), C-4b (dark blue), C-5 (yellow), C-7 (red), C-8 (grey), and C-10 (light green) and purchase your tickets at the vending boothes or ticketing office.
Private transfer
Private transfers are available for pick up and you can book an exclusive ride from the train station to your final destination
You can arrange to meet your driver at the main terminal who will lead you to your private sedan. Your transfer will be safe and sound. On top of it, you can ask for an English speaking driver.
If you have a larger party, up to eight people, the transfer can be arranged a minivan service and avoid long lines for public transportation or taxi service..
Taxi
The local taxi cabs are located just in front of all the train station main entrances. You will have to pay a surcharge for traveling from the train station.
Make sure you know the exact address you’re going to or have your map app open to show where you are going so your driver knows your complete destination.
How to go from Madrid train station Atocha to Madrid Airport
Atocha is very well connected with Barajas airport. You have these options below
Take the Barajas airport express bus from Terminal 1,2 and 4 and ends up at Plaza de Cibeles.
You can take the Cercanias train on line C-1 (light blue) which is a faster option and ends up at T4 Terminal and you can catch a local shuttle that connects to the other terminals
You can take the metro from line 1 to line 10, then line 8 or line 1 to line 6 then to line 8.
Services at Atocha train station
With the main terminal housing a grand tropical garden, dining venues around the garden and a variety of sundry and shopping venues, you can easily spend time inside while waiting for your departure or arrivals.
Places to eat at Atocha train station
Atocha Train Station in Madrid has a variety of places to eat, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals. Here are some options:
- Samarkanda – A stylish restaurant inside the tropical garden area, offering Spanish cuisine with a modern touch.
- Rodilla – A great spot for quick and affordable sandwiches and pastries.
- VIPS – A casual chain serving Spanish and international food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
- MasQMenos – Specializing in Iberian ham, tapas, and Spanish classics.
- 100 Montaditos – Famous for small sandwiches and beer at budget-friendly prices.
- La Rollerie – A cozy café with a good breakfast and brunch menu.
- Tim Hortons – For coffee and donuts if you need a quick caffeine boost.
- Pans & Company – Fast-food chain offering sandwiches and baguettes.
- McDonald’s & Burger King – Classic fast-food options for a quick meal.
- Casa Carmen – A more upscale option with Spanish dishes in a modern setting.
Luggage Storage
At Atocha Train Station in Madrid, you can store your luggage at the left-luggage office (Consigna), located inside the station. Here’s what you need to know:
Atocha Station Luggage Storage Options
- Consigna (Left-Luggage Office)
- Location: Ground floor of the station, near the AVE (high-speed train) departure area.
- Hours: Open daily from early morning until late evening. Hours may vary, so check at the station for exact times.
- Pricing: Based on luggage size and duration, with small, medium, and large locker options.
- Locker Services at Atocha
- Self-service lockers are available inside the consigna area.
- Prices depend on the locker size and rental time.
- Alternative Luggage Storage Near Atocha
If lockers are full or you need longer storage, private luggage storage companies nearby include:- Stasher (Various partner locations near Atocha)
- LuggageHero (Pay-per-hour services)
- Bounce (Available in shops and hotels around the station)
Further Reading Madrid
Free things to do in Madrid, Spain
Conclusion on Atocha train station in Madrid
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