What Is the Train Station at Madrid Airport?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, Spain, you may be wondering how to get from the airport to your final destination. Fortunately, Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has a train station conveniently located inside the airport terminal.

What Is the Train Station at Madrid Airport?

The train station at Madrid Airport is officially called Aeropuerto T4 (Airport T4) and it’s located in Terminal 4 of the airport. The station provides access to a variety of destinations, including central Madrid and other cities throughout Spain.

How to Get There

Getting to the train station at Madrid Airport is easy. If you’re arriving at Terminal 4, simply follow the signs for “Train Station.” If you’re arriving at another terminal, take the free shuttle bus that runs between terminals to reach Terminal 4.

Once you reach Terminal 4, head down one level from Arrivals and you’ll find the train station. Look for signs that say “Cercanías” or “Renfe” (the two train operators in Spain) and follow them to reach the ticket office and platforms.

Types of Trains

There are two types of trains that operate from the train station at Madrid Airport:

Cercanías Trains:

Cercanías trains are commuter trains that connect suburban areas around Madrid with the city center. They’re an affordable way to travel within Madrid and its surrounding areas. From the airport, Cercanías line C-1 connects Terminal 4 with popular destinations like Atocha (Madrid’s main train station), Sol (the city center), and Chamartín (another major train station).

Renfe Trains:

Renfe trains are long-distance trains that connect different cities throughout Spain. From the airport, Renfe trains depart from the same station as Cercanías trains. Depending on your final destination, you may need to transfer to a different train station in Madrid (like Atocha or Chamartín) to catch your Renfe train.

Buying Tickets

You can purchase tickets for both Cercanías and Renfe trains at the ticket office in the train station. You can also buy tickets from vending machines located throughout the airport.

It’s important to note that if you’re traveling on a Cercanías train, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for each trip. If you plan on using public transportation frequently during your visit to Madrid, consider purchasing a reloadable transport card like the “Abono Transportes” which offers unlimited travel on buses, metro, and Cercanías trains within certain zones.

Conclusion

The train station at Madrid Airport is an easy and convenient way to get around Madrid and other cities throughout Spain. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, taking the train from the airport is a great option for getting where you need to go.