How to get to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes Train Station

Travel from Madrid city centre to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station

Madrid is the capital of Spain and its most populated city, located in the centre of the country. Madrid is famous for its historical buildings and architecture, as well as its renaissance museums and unique neighbourhoods. Arriving on a train to Madrid, the station you’ll be getting off at is the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station. This is Madrid’s main train terminal in the south of the capital centre. The building is a wrought iron renewal style that has been remodelled over the years.

This train station in Madrid is in the Atocha district, southeast of the historic centre of the city. Madrid has an extensive public transport system that can get you around the large capital city comfortably. Madrid-Puerta de Atocha is a stop on the north-south Light Blue 1 line of the underground metro. To get to the station from the central Puerta de Sol square, you can either hop on the C3 or C4 Cercanías trains or the Line 1 Metro. The trip is just about 4min long.

How far is it from Madrid city centre to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station?

The Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station is just on the southeast edge of the city centre. However, there are multiple ways to travel from Madrid city centre to the Madrid train station. To get there by car, beware that only specific vehicles are allowed within the limits of the city centre. These vehicles must either have a certain ecological standard or be public transport. Nonetheless, the distance from the Puerta de Sol square area to the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km). Out the southeast corner of the square, head east on San Jerónimo street, until it turns into the Plaza de las Cortes and merges onto Paseo del Prado at the Neptune Fountain Square. Head south on Paseo del Prado and you’ll see the impressive Madrid-Atocha station as you continue straight at the next roundabout, the Plaza Emperador Carlos V square. The drive can take about 13min depending on the time of day and the traffic.

What is the best way to get to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station from Madrid city centre?

The best way to get from the city centre to the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station is by public transport. The train station is a large hub where the metro, buses and trains have stops. Considering you find yourself near the Puerta del Sol square in the historic centre of Madrid, the fastest way is to head underground at the Sol station and take either the Purple C3 train heading towards Aranjuez, or the Blue C4 in the Villaverde Alto direction. This route only about 4min long. The Line 1 Metro also stops at the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V square in front of the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Station but may take a bit longer. You can also take advantage to stroll through the historic centre streets. Walking to your make it to your train time in Madrid can take around 26min from the Puerta del Sol square.

Where is the airport in Madrid and how to get there?

The Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is an international airport, northeast of the city centre. It’s about 10 miles (16 km) from the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station. Covering the distance by car can take about 20min. However, there are public transport options, like the 203 bus route that have a direct route to the city centre of Madrid and its main train station.

How accessible is Madrid main train station for those with limited mobility?

The Spanish railway company RENFE is continuously working towards adapting its facilities and stations to suit all passengers’ needs, including barrier-free access for those with reduced mobility. The station inside has various levels depending on if you’re arriving or departing from the station. The most accessible entrance to the station is from the northwest pedestrian entrance at the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V square, placing you at the ground floor. Nonetheless, the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station is equipped with lifts that are wheelchair accessible to arrive at the train hall. To get to the train platforms, the station has lifts as well. On the ground floor of the station, there are guide rails on the ground for travellers with impaired vision.

At any point, it’s possible to get information about the train station in Madrid and the services at the customer service desks. Passengers with reduced mobility can request assistance to get around the Madrid- Puerta de Atocha station. The train station also offers wheelchair accessible toilets.

Madrid Train Station. Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha

There currently aren’t any night trains operating to or out of the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station. However, the other main train station in the city does have overnight routes. For instance, from the Madrid Chamartín station there are daily trains to Lisbon, Portugal and there are also overnight trips to A Coruña or Vigo in the Galicia region of Spain.

Traveling by train in Madrid: sustainable journey

The Spanish national railway company, Renfe, is currently working towards a more sustainable way of travelling by train. Not only are they implementing more efficient uses of resources, but they also are constantly researching more energy efficient solutions for their trains and stations to reach an eco-friendly objective.

Local tips: Madrid train station points of interest

The Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station is an impressive wrought iron building located on the southeast perimeter of the city central area. Arriving at the train station in Madrid, there are various services offered inside the building like shops and restaurants as well as travel information. Near the area of the station, you can visit three of the most famous museums in the city. Just across the square in front on the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia with contemporary 20th century collections. The Museo Nacional del Prado is full of world-class European art collections. As for the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, it’s a smaller centre with European art. Make your way into the Barrio de las Letras neighbourhood, towards the city centre, known for the courtyard gardens and outdoor cafés.For more information, you can check Omio The Window Seat.

• Explore the Plaza Mayor square
• Shop and window-shop along Fuencarral street
• Enjoy a coffee and tapas at a terrace café
• Experience the nightlife around the hip neighbourhood of Malasaña
• See a soccer game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium

What to do in Madrid

A visit to Madrid is a necessary stop in Spain to experience the culture and nightlife of this amazing city. Madrid is famous for its historical buildings, markets and art museums. From the second you step off the platform in Madrid-Puerta de Atocha you’ll be surrounded by wonderful architecture and life. While in Madrid, do as the locals and enjoy being outside.

The city is known for its blue skies no matter the season, and you’ll want to take advantage. Make your way to the Plaza Mayor central pedestrian square. Just behind it is the iconic Mercado de San Miguel, a stylish gastronomic market. From here you’re just a few blocks from the Royal Palace of Madrid and the magnificent Almudena Cathedral. During your visit you’ll also have to make sure to try some traditional Madrileño dishes. A popular light snack you’ll find in many places downtown, is a fried calamari sandwich. If you’re visiting when it’s cold, have some “cocido Madrileño” stew.