Madrid by Train

Depending which direction your train enters Madrid will determine which station you'll arrive at. The Estación de Atocha, was the site of the train bombings of 2001, but the station was left undamaged. This station was expanded to accommodate the new high speed AVE trains as well additional commuter train traffic. No visit here should pass up a chance to see how the former platform area was imaginatively remodeled in the early 1990s, now housing a very pleasant arboretum that is frequented by older Madrileños as a social setting and escape from Madrid's extreme hot and cold. This large station has two large terminals: the upper level for Toledo and other local locations and the lower for destinations in south and eastern Spain. All of the the high speed AVE trains depart from this lower level as well..

Estación de Chamartín, handles traffic to/from France and north/northeast Spain (Barcelona). This station is very accessable from all parts of Spain, but it is somewhat off the normal tourist beat. Located in the north of the city it is a filly functioning station. Chamartín is reachable by both metro and cercanías commuter trains. These regional commuter trains are also the smartest way to reach Estación de Atocha, located very near the city center. A new line is being tunneled to speed traffic between these two stations. Construction was estimated to take 4 years and 77 million euros to complete, but excavation turned up the remains of a former church and hospital, so completion is now estimated at the end of 2008.

Príncipe Pío (formally Estación del Norte), is close to the center below the Palacio Real. This station carries locals more than tourists. It was recently remodeled to house the best mall in Madrid Center, complete with restaurants and a movie theater.

Madrid By air

Madrid By train

Madrid By bus

Madrid By car